Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

Abstract

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is the organization responsible for accrediting physical therapy programs in the United States. Accreditation ensures that programs meet the standards necessary to prepare students for professional practice and licensure.

The CAPTE website includes a directory of accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, as well as information about accreditation standards and program status. Students can use this site to verify whether a program is accredited and learn more about the quality and legitimacy of different programs.

This resource is important for kinesiology students because attending an accredited program is required to become a licensed physical therapist. Without accreditation, a degree may not meet professional requirements. Students should use CAPTE to confirm accreditation status before applying and cross-check programs they find through other resources such as PTCAS.

Students should use this resource to verify accreditation before selecting programs to ensure eligibility for licensure.

When to Use This Resource

This resource should be used during the program research phase, before selecting schools. It helps you confirm that programs are accredited and ensures that the schools you are considering meet professional licensing requirements.

Using CAPTE to Verify Program Accreditation

The CAPTE program directory should be used to confirm that a DPT program is accredited before applying.

Each program listing includes:

Accreditation status (accredited, candidacy, or other status)

Program name and institution

Location

Students should use this information to:

Confirm that a program meets licensure requirements

Avoid applying to programs that are not accredited

Identify programs that are still in development (candidacy status)

Using CAPTE Alongside Other Resources

CAPTE should be used in combination with resources like PTCAS.

Students should:

Use PTCAS to research program requirements and apply

Use CAPTE to verify that those same programs are accredited

This ensures that selected programs are both academically appropriate and professionally valid.

Using CAPTE to Evaluate Program Credibility

In addition to listing programs, CAPTE provides information about accreditation standards and processes.

Students can use this to:

Understand the level of quality required for DPT programs

Recognize why accreditation is necessary for licensure

Gain confidence that accredited programs meet national standards

Tips for Using This Resource Effectively

Always verify accreditation status before applying to a program.
Do not rely on program websites alone, cross-check with CAPTE.
Pay attention to programs listed as “candidacy,” as they are not fully accredited yet.
Use CAPTE as a final check when selecting programs.

Commons Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming all DPT programs are accredited without checking.
Confusing accreditation status (candidate vs. fully accredited programs).
Not verifying programs found through other websites like PTCAS.
Choosing programs based only on location or preference without confirming accreditation.