Professional Licensure, Reciprocity & Complaints

The program has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states, the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, based on the following:
CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy at fsbpt.org.
A summary of professional licensure requirements by state can be found on the Augustana University Licensure & Disclosure webpage.

Below is the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) rule change which allows students enrolled in institutions with Candidate for Accreditation or "pre-accreditation" status to sit for the licensure exam immediately upon graduation. Further, because of this rule change, initial accreditation status is no longer required to sit for the exam. Additionally, cohort number two (2026 graduating class) may complete the program and take the exam if initial accreditation is not granted due to the reconsideration and appeal processes. A third cohort may not be accepted if initial accreditation is not granted.
According to the USDE Federal Register 602.23(f)(2), effective July 01, 2020, "All credits and degrees earned and issued by an institution or program holding pre-accreditation from a nationally recognized agency are considered by the Secretary to be from an accredited institution or program."
From CAPTE Changes in the Rules. April 2020. "Per USDE regulations, all credits and degrees earned and issued by a program holding candidacy are considered to be from an accredited program."

The Augustana University DPT Program utilizes a holistic application review process. Augustana admits students without regard to sex, race, age, color, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or national or ethnic origin to all programs and activities generally afforded to or made available to students at the university. Persons with bachelor’s degrees from accredited institutions, who meet the prerequisites, technical standards, and essential functions established by the Augustana DPT Program and demonstrate promising scholastic standing, along with professional potential, will be considered for admission.

Augustana University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). SARA is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories establishing national standards for the interstate offering of postsecondary distance education.

Any individual who would like to file a complaint with CAPTE regarding what appears to be the Augustana DPT Program’s inability to meet an evaluative criterion may do so by following the directions provided on the CAPTE website (capteonline.org/Complaints/) or may call the Department of Accreditation of APTA at 703.706.3245.

Any individual may file a complaint regarding aspects of the Augustana University DPT Program. Complaints that fall outside due process should be referred to the DPT program director without fear of retaliation. Contact DPT Program Director Dr. Matt Volansky at 605.274.5882 or matt.volansky@augie.edu. The DPT program director will determine the appropriate course of resolution with consultation from the Directors within the DPT program. In instances where there is an apparent or perceived conflict of interest, individuals may recuse themselves from the proceedings. In instances where the program director is the source of concern or complaint, issues should be referred to Interim Provost Dr. Joel Johnson at 605.274.5319 or joel.johnson@augie.edu.

Students, faculty, and staff who need to report an incident or have concerns and feedback about Augustana services and staff can find links to getting those addressed on the "How to Make a Report" webpage. Using these forms, Augustana can respond to complaints, track and address reports effectively and efficiently.

Augustana University prohibits any retaliation against any person making a report or against any person cooperating in the investigation of an incident, including witnesses. Retaliation includes intimidation, threats, or harassment. Acts of alleged retaliation should be reported immediately and will be promptly investigated. Augustana is prepared to take appropriate steps to protect individuals who fear that they may be subjected to retaliation.