WesternU Doctor of Physical Therapy Class has perfect pass rate on National Licensure Exam

All 39 graduates from WesternU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Class of 2010 passed the National Physical Therapy Examination for licensure.

The national average pass rate is 87 percent. From 2006 to 2010, the overall pass rate for WesternU DPT students is 97.8 percent for 137 students, said Dee Schilling, PT, PhD, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy Education.

This success speaks to the quality of students coming to WesternU, coupled with the many layers of support available within the university, she said.

“It’s a combination of dedicated faculty, of students committed to learning, and the staff that supports those students and faculty,” Schilling said. “The opportunity for faculty to be able to go to continuing education, the ability for us to have equipment, is the result of university administrative support.”

The DPT program, part of the College of Allied Health Professions, reached this perfect milestone for the third time as a doctorate program. All 13 students in the charter DPT Class of 2006, all 29 students in the Class of 2008, and all 39 students in the Class of 2010 have passed the national licensure exam. Prior to 2006, graduates earned a master’s degree.

“The PT faculty are uniquely prepared through education, experience and research to provide our students with knowledge that assists them in being prepared for the National Boards and entry into the PT profession,” said College of Allied Health Professions Dean Stephanie Bowlin, EdD, PA. “Our PT students are dedicated to the PT profession, they spend long hours studying their craft, and they truly take their education seriously.”