The URI Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is an entry-level doctoral program that prepares students as critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and healthcare providers for persons with movement-related dysfunctions. The curriculum emphasizes the development of movement analysis skill, clinical decision making, and evidence-based clinical practice through a 2.5-year graduate study plan. This program prepares graduates for the professional licensure examination and future practice as physical therapists.
Mission Statement
The Physical Therapy Program is committed to graduating Doctor of Physical Therapy professionals who are competent, compassionate, and prepared to serve individuals of all backgrounds across the lifespan and in a wide range of clinical settings. Our graduates value evidence-based practice, pursue ongoing professional development, and contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of their communities. The Program aims to prepare and develop practitioners to uphold the highest ethical standards while providing high-quality care to patient and client populations throughout Rhode Island and across the country. In support of excellence in education, research, workforce development, and the profession of physical therapy, the Program fosters competency-based interdisciplinary learning and evidence-based practice, while promoting an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.
Goals
The program faculty will:
- Prepare entry‑level Doctors of Physical Therapy to demonstrate competence in screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis/prognosis, intervention, and outcomes management for individuals across the lifespan and diverse communities in Rhode Island and nationwide.
- Prepare clinical scholars to integrate best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient/client values to support sound clinical reasoning, quality improvement, and measurable patient outcomes.
- Develop practitioners to consistently demonstrate ethical and legal practice, accountability, and professional behaviors—including engagement in professional organizations, service to campus and local communities, and constructive participation in public health and advocacy/legislative activities that support the profession.
- Support faculty and student scholarship that contributes to the body of knowledge in physical therapy and advances innovation in clinical practice, teaching, and research.
- Prepare graduates to communicate effectively and function competently on interprofessional teams to enhance patient safety, care coordination, and population health outcomes.
- Prepare graduates to apply principles of prevention, wellness, and population health, including screening for social determinants of health and connecting patients to community resources.
- Promote an inclusive, supportive learning environment that prepares graduates to deliver culturally responsive, patient‑centered care and to serve diverse populations across settings.
- Consistent with the mission of a Land Grant University and professional association goals, foster lifelong learning and the development of globally aware citizens who contribute to the College, University, the profession, the state, and the nation through clinical excellence, leadership, and service.
Philosophy
The faculty and staff of the Physical Therapy Department believe:
- The Physical Therapy Program is grounded in the belief in the inherent worth and unique potential of every individual and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that supports students in achieving their highest level of personal and professional development.
- The Program expects professional behaviors—integrity, respect, accountability, and ethical practice—to guide all interactions. Graduates are prepared as entry-level, generalist Doctors of Physical Therapy who demonstrate clinical competence, sound clinical reasoning, and the ability to practice autonomously as providers of choice for movement-related care.
- The curriculum is based on the integration of empirical evidence and clinical application, promoting evidence-based practice and the development of competency across cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. Scholarly activity is emphasized as a vital component of clinical practice and ongoing professional growth.
- The Program values interprofessional collaboration and prepares graduates to work effectively within healthcare teams while delivering patient-centered and culturally competent care to optimize outcomes.
- Lifelong learning and service to the community and profession are essential to maintaining competence and advancing the field. The Program is committed to continuous assessment and improvement to ensure graduates meet or exceed standards established by CAPTE, including successful performance on the NPTE for licensure.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Rhode Island is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3243 or 800-999-2782 ext. 3243; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 401-874-5799 or email Brittany Casey.
Accreditation by CAPTE is a statement that a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant education program meets the standards for quality set by the profession in areas including educational experiences, faculty, resources and student outcomes. Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited program is required for eligibility to take the national licensing exam. The University of Rhode Island has consistently been awarded the maximal accreditation level.
Comments, complaints, or concerns about the URI PT Program can be mailed to the American Physical Therapy Association, Attention: Accreditation Department, 3030 Potomac Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; Fax: 703-684-7343; or emailed to accreditation@apta.org.
The University of Rhode Island’s Physical Therapy Program is a member in good standing in the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT).
Professional Licensure Disclosure
In accordance with the 2019 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, URI hereby discloses only that the curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Physical Therapist in all U.S. States and Territories. The applicable licensing board in these states may impose additional non-educational requirements on candidates prior to granting a license (e.g., passing of an exam; obtaining a certificate; performing supervised clinical/practicum hours; etc.), and we encourage you to investigate those requirements with your licensing board.
| Academic Program | States where curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure or certification |
|---|---|
| Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) | All U.S. states, plus Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands |