Cumberlands Doctor of Physical Therapy program granted full accreditation

The Connie D. Hauser Doctor of Physical Therapy program at University of the Cumberlands is now fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE sent its official notice to the university regarding its accreditation status on November 25. 

“To say I am ecstatic is an understatement,” said Dr. Vicki LaFay, program director. “This is a huge milestone for our program and represents the hard work and faith so many at the university delivered in ensuring this program is successful.” 

Cumberlands launched the physical therapy program in 2022, with the first students beginning coursework in January 2023. Cumberlands initially sought accreditation for the program through CAPTE in June 2022. With accreditation now fully granted, program graduates can seek licensure to practice nationwide. The program was reviewed by our institutional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities, and is included in our institutional accreditation status.

“University of the Cumberlands wants to not only provide programs that interest students, but we want to make sure our programs align with the needs of the communities we serve so our students can excel beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Trey Jarboe, provost. “We are confident that when students complete this program, they will walk straight into the workforce and be able to exercise the foundation of all they learned at Cumberlands.”

The program will host a hooding ceremony later this month for the first 22 students to enter and complete the coursework portion of the program. They have just completed their final clinical education experience, part of the 31 weeks of full-time clinical experience required for program completion.
Cumberlands’ Doctor of Physical Therapy is a full-time graduate program. Applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree. The program has an accelerated curriculum that students can complete in as little as two years (six semesters), delivered in a blended format that includes instruction online, on-campus, and in physical therapy settings. 

During their first full year of Cumberlands’ DPT program, students participate in online classes, in-person lab immersions, integrated patient/client experiences, community outreach, and inter and intraprofessional learning activities. They attend the intensive lab immersions on Cumberlands’ main campus in Williamsburg, Kentucky. During the program's second year, students continue their classes, on-campus lab immersions, and participate in three full-time clinical education experiences. Full-time clinical education experiences are held throughout Kentucky and across the United States.

On average, physical therapists in the U.S. make approximately $44 per hour, with some PTs earning more than $108,000 per year. The occupation is expected to grow by 21 percent faster than the national average. Physical therapy is currently one of the top 10 healthcare jobs in America. University of the Cumberlands is one of the early adopters of the hybrid accelerated DPT program format in the U.S.

The Connie D. Hauser Doctor of Physical Therapy program offers information sessions throughout the year to assist students interested in the program and field. To learn more about the program, visit www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/graduate/doctor-physical-therapy-dpt