News Byte: Physical Therapy Grads Achieve 100 Percent Pass Rate

The 2020 graduates of the physical therapy program (D.P.T.) have achieved a 100 percent pass rate on their state board exams. The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is part of the evaluation process that physical therapists must pass to become a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy assistant in the United States. Thirty-eight graduates passed the exam, with New York Tech’s pass rate exceeding the national average of 95.4 percent.

“The physical therapy students displayed resilience and character during very turbulent times. Faculty have done a tremendous job to adapt to hybrid remote instruction, and students have risen to the challenge of their clinical rotations with such professionalism,” said Gordon Schmidt, Ph.D., dean of the School of Health Professions.

“On behalf of the D.P.T. Program faculty and staff, we couldn’t be happier for our graduates or more proud of their accomplishment,” added Cheryl Hall, M.B.A., D.H.Sc., chair and associate professor of physical therapy. “Despite the challenges of their last year brought about by the pandemic, they worked so hard, with our clinical and academic faculty to complete their final clinical rotations, their research projects and final coursework, and graduate on time. The Class of 2020 is an exceptional group, and we are so proud to welcome them to the profession. We know they will represent New York Tech well.”

New York Tech’s physical therapy program began as a bachelor’s degree program in 1998, with the institution graduating its first class of Doctors of Physical Therapy in 2003. In addition to exceptional board exam pass rates, the program also now boasts an impressive 100 percent three-year employment rate. Graduates have been employed by Montefiore Medical Center, Northwell Health, NYU Winthrop Hospital, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, among other noteworthy employers.