The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
(CAPTE) is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United
States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education
Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit entry-level physical therapist and
physical therapist assistant education programs. Although appointed by
the APTA Board of Directors, CAPTE functions independently in all its
actions, including program accreditation status decisions. Physical
therapy education accreditation is a peer review mechanism designed to
assure educational quality.
Mission
The mission of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy
Education is to serve the public by establishing and applying standards
that assure quality and continuous improvement in the entry-level
preparation of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants,
and that reflect the evolving nature of education, research, and
practice.
Scope
CAPTE accredits first professional (entry-level) programs in the U.S.
for the physical therapist at the master's and doctoral degree levels
and programs for the physical therapist assistant at the associate
degree level. CAPTE also accredits two physical therapist education
programs in Canada and one in Scotland.
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Recent Actions by CAPTE
CAPTE meets twice a year (April and October) to review physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs. A list of CAPTE's most recent actions can be accessed here.
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Upcoming On-site Visits
As part of the accreditation process, CAPTE conducts site visits to
developing and accredited programs. To review the list of programs with
scheduled on-site review visits, click PT or PTA. If you would you like to provide written
comments to CAPTE about programs that are up for review, click
here.
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Accreditation Handbook
Includes CAPTE's rules and procedures, the evaluative criteria, Position Papers and information about accreditation fees.
| Accreditation Update
CAPTE newsletter published twice a year; provides information on the latest rule changes and CAPTE actions.
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