MONROE, La. — The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) announces that the Marjorie S. Price Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program has been granted full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), marking a historic milestone for the university, the program, and healthcare education across Louisiana.
The accreditation decision was officially granted on May 28, 2026, following an extensive review process conducted by CAPTE, the nationally recognized accrediting body for physical therapist education programs. This achievement affirms the program’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, student success, and the preparation of highly qualified physical therapists equipped to serve diverse communities throughout Louisiana and beyond.
“This accomplishment represents years of vision, hard work, resilience, collaboration, and commitment from countless individuals who believed in the mission of this program,” said Dr. Jones, PT, DPT, EdD, Program Director of the Marjorie S. Price Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. “Accreditation is truly a team achievement. I am deeply grateful for the faculty, staff, students, clinical partners, university leadership, healthcare professionals, and community supporters who contributed to making this moment possible. I am also thankful for the foundational leadership and efforts that helped establish and advance the program to this important milestone.”
“Congratulations to Dr. Jones and the entire DPT team on this major accomplishment,” said ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille. “This accreditation affirms what we already know: the ULM DPT program provides a first-rate education to healthcare professionals who want to make a difference in their communities. We are proud to help develop the next-generation workforce who will meet the need for physical therapy services in our region and across Louisiana.”
The ULM DPT Program was created with a mission to prepare compassionate, evidence-based, service-oriented physical therapists who are committed to improving the health and quality of life of individuals and communities, particularly within rural and underserved populations. Through innovative education, leadership development, clinical excellence, scholarship, and community engagement, the program seeks to develop healthcare professionals prepared to meet the evolving demands of the profession and workforce.
“This is a monumental achievement for the University of Louisiana Monroe and the College of Health Sciences,” shared Dr. Wendy Bailes, Dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences. “The successful accreditation of the DPT program reflects the extraordinary dedication and collaboration of faculty, administration, staff, clinical partners, students, and supporters who worked tirelessly to build a program grounded in excellence and service.”
The accreditation process required years of strategic planning, curriculum development, assessment, faculty preparation, clinical partnership development, institutional support, and continuous program evaluation. CAPTE’s decision to grant accreditation demonstrates that the program meets the rigorous national standards required for physical therapist education programs.
“The ULM DPT program has exemplified excellence throughout the strenuous accreditation process,” said ULM Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michelle McEacharn. “The DPT faculty have put in countless hours to ensure that their program not only meets but exceeds all requirements. The present and future students of this program are in great hands.”
The ULM DPT Program’s charter cohort graduated on May 9, 2026, representing the beginning of a new generation of physical therapists prepared to positively impact healthcare outcomes throughout the region.
Dr. Jones emphasized that accreditation is not the end goal, but rather the beginning of continued growth and innovation for the program.
“We are incredibly excited about the future of the ULM DPT Program,” Jones said. “Our team remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, service, and student success while preparing clinicians and leaders who will make meaningful contributions to healthcare and their communities.”
The program extends sincere appreciation to ULM administration, CAPTE reviewers, faculty, staff, students, clinical education partners, alumni supporters, and community stakeholders whose dedication and support helped make this historic accomplishment possible.