Goals & Outcomes
Our graduates boast an exceptionally high pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination.
Goals & Outcomes
DPT Expected Outcomes:
In addition to University graduate learning outcomes and DPT program goals, the following outcomes measures will be annually assessed for progress toward established thresholds.
- Graduation Rate is defined by CAPTE as the percentage of students who matriculated in the first course in the program after the drop/add period and who ultimately completed the program. The most recent national average as reported by CAPTE was 97.6%. Our program established a threshold for this outcome measure of 95%. The Class of 2022 & 2023 graduation rates were 100%.
- Employment Rate is defined by CAPTE as the percentage of graduates who sought employment and were employed (full-time or part-time) as physical therapists within one year of graduation. The most recent national average as reported by CAPTE was 99.1%. Our program consistently meets our employment rate threshold of 100% every year.
- National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rate is defined in two ways: (1) first-time pass rate as compared with the national average and (2) ultimate pass rate within a program. The 2-year national first-time pass rate average (2022-2023) was 86.8%. Our 2-year first time pass rate of 94.4% exceeds both the national (86.8%) and state (84.4%) averages. Our 2-year ultimate pass rate (2021-2022) is 100%.
| Class of | Graduation Rate | NPTE 1st Time Pass Rate | NPTE Ultimate Pass Rate | Employment Rate |
| 2021 | 96.4% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2022 | 100% | 96.3% | 100% | 100% |
| 2022-2023 2-year average | 100% | 94.4% | Pending | 100% |
| 2023 | 100% | 92.6% | Pending | 100% |
Applicant/Admissions Information
The planned class size for the DPT program is one cohort of 28 qualified students each year. These students are selected from a pool of approximately 150 applicants. Application information for our admitted cohorts is as follows:
| Class of | Matriculated Students | Average cum GPA | Average Prerequisite GPA |
| 2026 | 28 | 3.59 | 3.46 |
| 2025 | 27 | 3.52 | 3.45 |
| 2024 | 27 | 3.46 | 3.33 |
| 2023 | 28 | 3.63 | 3.62 |
| 2022 | 27 | 3.58 | 3.45 |
Mission Statement
The mission of the DeSales University Doctor of Physical Therapy program is to provide a quality physical therapy education consistent with Christian humanism and Salesian values of service, faith and reason. Students and graduates use their knowledge and skills to integrate scientific inquiry and evidence-based clinical reasoning into everyday practice, addressing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of movement dysfunctions. With a focus on social responsibility and ethical conduct, students and graduates are committed to the advancement of the physical therapy profession and to an ongoing personal desire for learning and growth. Through inter-professional communication and collaboration, graduates are prepared to be adaptable in the complex healthcare environment of today and tomorrow.
Program Goals
Students and graduates of the DeSales University DPT program will:
- Practice physical therapy with compassion and understanding that exemplifies the DeSales University core values of gentleness, gratitude, hospitality, humility, and wisdom for persons in their care.
- Function competently in a variety of physical therapy settings upon entry into the field.
- Integrate theoretical knowledge of foundational and clinical sciences in physical therapy with evidence-based practice in the creation and implementation of effective and contemporary treatment plans.
- Communicate effectively with a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration as productive members of an inter-professional healthcare team.
- Demonstrate the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as respect the uniqueness of culture beliefs and values that influence interpersonal communication and behavior in a complex healthcare environment.
- Engage in critical inquiry and scholarly activities within clinical practice that lead to innovation in the profession and a personal plan for lifelong learning.
- Adopt a servant-leadership attitude to initiate and advocate for changes in health policy toward health promotion, disease prevention, wellness, and equitable access to care.
Graduate Education Outcomes
- The University specifies that its graduate program will enable its students to demonstrate
- Specialized competence in physical therapy practice, so that graduates will provide leadership and make significant contributions to the physical therapy profession,
- The knowledge and/or skills necessary to apply and contribute to advanced research in physical therapy practice, and
- A deepened understanding of Christian conscience as it is applied to ethical problems in healthcare and physical therapy practice.