Duke University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has risen to the No. 4 spot in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report Rankings. This milestone underscores the program's unwavering commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and student success.
With an impressive 100 percent employment rate for graduates and a 99 percent ultimate Board pass rate, the Duke DPT program sets a national standard for preparing clinicians, educators, and leaders. Its rigorous curriculum, team-based learning approach, and cutting-edge research have solidified its reputation as one of the premier training programs in the nation.
Program Excellence and Innovation
Housed within the Duke Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Duke DPT program is consistently recognized for its excellence in teaching, evidence-based clinical practice, and impactful research.
Program highlights include:
- Innovative Curriculum: The three-year DPT curriculum incorporates Team-Based Learning (TBL) and the Student Team Experience in Practice (STEPs®) program, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge directly to patient care in local clinical settings.
- Faculty Expertise: The faculty’s active involvement in pioneering research allows students to work closely with experts, refining clinical skills and pursuing professional aspirations.
- Clinical Internships: Students gain hands-on experience at select clinical locations across the U.S., preparing them for the challenges of a dynamic healthcare landscape.
- Groundbreaking Research: Housed within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, which achieved the #1 ranking in the Blue Ridge NIH funding list, Duke DPT faculty secured over $2.2 million in direct research funding this past year. This funding supports rehabilitation-focused health services and clinical, essential, and translational research conducted in the division.
W. Todd Cade, PT, PhD, FAPTA, division chief of the Duke DPT Division, expressed pride in the program's accomplishments: "This recognition reflects our commitment to excellence. The Duke DPT program empowers students to navigate clinical practice, pursue advanced education, and contribute to groundbreaking research. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to ensuring our students thrive academically and professionally—even in challenging times."
Tiffany Hilton, PT, PhD, program director and director of professional education, emphasized the program’s unique qualities: "The Duke DPT program truly stands apart. Through innovative pedagogy and initiatives like STEPs®, we equip students with practical skills and leadership capabilities. We aim to prepare them for meaningful careers that improve lives in a complex healthcare environment."
Ben Alman, MD, chair of Duke Orthopaedic Surgery, acknowledged the significance of the program’s success: "The achievements of the Duke DPT program exemplify our commitment to advancing healthcare education. This accomplishment is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our faculty, staff, and students, who together drive innovation and excellence."
A Bright Future Ahead
The Duke DPT program’s rise in the rankings is a source of pride for the university and a testament to its commitment to shaping the future of physical therapy education. With its unique blend of academic rigor, practical application, and mentorship, the program is well-positioned to continue its mission of enhancing patient care and transforming lives.