Johnson & Wales Launching New Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

PROVIDENCE, RI — Johnson & Wales University will launch a doctorate program for physical therapy and began the process of seeking accreditation, university officials said Tuesday.

This past spring, Johnson & Wales submitted its formal application for candidacy with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and completed the required site visit with the commission in July. The school is accepting applications for the program and anticipates enrolling its first cohort of students in June 2025.

"The new doctor of physical therapy program builds on JWU's expertise in health, wellness, culinary arts, and nutrition" College of Health & Wellness Dean Maura Daly Iversen said. "We continue to grow our health care programs to meet industry needs in alignment with our community partners to address shortages in the health care workforce, both in Rhode Island and nationally."

The 30-month, eight-semester program will include 90 hours of clinical experiences and 40 weeks of full-time clinical education, along with service-learning, and a research capstone. University officials said this learning structure is designed to allow students to develop a versatile skill set that can be applied to all facets of physical therapy, including outpatient therapy, inpatient rehabilitation, and home health services.

"Our program is designed to prepare our graduates to take the National Physical Therapy Examination, and to practice as doctors of physical therapy," Program Director Paul Ullucci said. "We are so excited to welcome our students to campus next summer."

Learn more about the program here. Interested students are encouraged to contact the program director. Formal applications will be accepted once the accreditation process is complete.

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