Ƶ

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Earns Full CAPTE Accreditation

Decoration Graphic
icon

Press Release

December 4, 2025

Lamoni, IA — Ƶ is proud to announce that its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, launched in January 2024, has officially earned full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

It’s a major milestone and one that reflects years of focused effort from faculty, staff, students, leadership, and community partners.

“Full CAPTE accreditation affirms that our curriculum, faculty, facilities and student support services meet the rigorous national standards for excellence in physical therapist education,” said Leigh Murray, Program Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

“As Program Director, I am extremely grateful to our faculty, staff, students, administration and clinical partners whose dedication and collaboration made this achievement possible.”

The program’s inaugural cohort of 22 students is set to complete their education this fall and graduate on Dec. 13, with a second cohort already underway and the third cohort starting in early January of 2026.

“For our graduates, full accreditation means they are eligible to sit for the national licensure examination and enter the profession with a credential that is recognized and respected across the country. For current and future students, it offers assurance that the education they receive is high-quality, student-centered, and aligned with the evolving needs of clinical practice,” Murray added.

This milestone also reflects Ƶ’s longstanding commitment to providing an education that endures across a lifetime.

“Looking ahead, initial accreditation is only a step in the process; it’s the foundation for our next chapter so that our graduates are not only practice-ready today, but prepared to lead the future of physical therapy,” Murray said.

The program is delivered in a two-year accelerated hybrid format, allowing students the flexibility to learn online, while providing 14 weeks of hands-on experience through on-site lab immersions in the Kansas City area. Students participate in 32 weeks of collaborative clinical education experience and will complete their degrees a full year earlier than most DPT programs.

 

Accreditation Statement

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Ƶ is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: . If you need to contact the program/institution directly, please call 816-209-1332 or email dpt-admissions@graceland.edu.

Decoration Graphic

Related News

Learn More

Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release

Lorensen Departs for Rockhurst, Dickman Elevated to Lead Yellowjackets Forward

April 14, 2026

A transformative era for Ƶ men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.

Learn More
Learn More

Administration and Staff, Press Release

Ƶ and Community of Christ Announce Retirement of Campus Minister Mike Hoffman; Doug Roberts Named Successor

April 10, 2026

Ƶ and the Community of Christ announce the retirement of Campus Minister Mike Hoffman, and the appointment of Doug Roberts as the university’s next Campus Minister, effective June 2026.

Learn More
Learn More

Press Release

Stassi Cramm Named 2026 Commencement Speaker at Ƶ

April 6, 2026

Ƶ is proud to announce that Stassi Cramm, PhD, Prophet-President of the Community of Christ and a distinguished Ƶ alumna, will serve as the keynote speaker for the University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in the Morden Center

Learn More
Learn More

Administration and Staff, Press Release

Ƶ Mourns the Passing of Trustee Dr. Julia “Julie” Snethen

March 13, 2026

Ƶ is saddened to share the passing of Trustee Dr. Julia “Julie” Snethen, a respected nurse scientist, educator, and member of the university’s Board of Trustees whose life and career were dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families.

Learn More
Learn More

Administration and Staff, Press Release

Steve Edwards Named Executive Director of Marketing

March 11, 2026

Ƶ has announced the promotion of longtime team member Steve Edwards to Executive Director of Marketing, recognizing more than three decades of service and leadership that have helped shape the university’s communications and brand.

Learn More
Learn More

Press Release

Ƶ Legend to Speak at Fall Commencement

December 10, 2025

Ƶ is proud to announce that Sharon M....

Learn More
Decoration Graphic
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.