The Physical Therapy Program at University of Colorado is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org;  http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 303-724-2878 or e-mail Vonelle.Pomeroy@cuanschutz.edu.

On November 3, 2020, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) reaffirmed the accreditation status based upon compliance with all of the evaluative criteria. The accreditation status remains in effect for the full 10 year period until 2031 at which time the accreditation status will undergo a self-study report and on-site review.

The Program received initial accreditation in 1947 from the Council on Medical Education and Hospitals of the American Medical Association.  The Program made the transition from offering only a certificate to awarding a baccalaureate degree in 1952, and continued at that degree level until 1990 when a Master of Science, Physical Therapy degree was initiated. In 2003, the Program was approved to offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree by the CAPTE. The program has been continuously accredited since its inception.

CAPTE has a mechanism to consider formal complaints about physical therapy education programs that allege a program is not in compliance with one or more of CAPTE's Evaluative Criteria or has violated any of CAPTE's expectations related to academic integrity. To obtain the materials necessary for submitting a complaint, contact APTA Accreditation Department at 703-706-3245 or at accreditation@apta.org.

Graduation statistics and demographic information can be found by viewing our Statistics & Demographics page.

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The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program s a member of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) which supports academic institutions to strive for excellence in physical therapist education. We encourage faculty, clinical educators, academic administrators and students interested in pursuing teaching to check out acapt.org.

 

Physical therapists are experts in movement able to treat patients of all ages. Through examination and evaluation, the physical therapist is able to diagnose and treat patients of all abilities independently and as part of healthcare teams.  Physical therapists do not need a physician prescription or referral to see or treat patients. Physical therapy can help patients gain, maintain, or restore function for optimal quality of life.

Physical therapists provide care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes among others. Physical therapists can also focus on health promotion and provide opportunities to enhance performance of all individuals, including high-level athletes, in community facilities and during sports, recreation and general activities of daily living.

Physical therapists enter the profession with a clinical doctoral degree following graduation from an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program. A national licensure exam and state license are required before assuming the duties of patient care. 

Learn more about Physical Therapy by visiting the American Physical Therapy Association.

Click here to learn about the occupational outlook for PTs, from the U.S. Department of Labor.