June 16, 2025 ̶ ̶ ̶ The University of Memphis Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is now accepting applications for its inaugural Fall 2026 class. Located on the University’s Lambuth Campus in Jackson, Tenn., it will be only the second DPT program in West Tennessee, aiming to meet the critical need for more licensed physical therapists across the region.
“The launch of the DPT program advances our Ascend Strategic Plan by enhancing UofM’s graduate and professional education, particularly in STEM, healthcare and business fields,” said Provost Dr. David Russomanno. “Moreover, it demonstrates the strategic importance of the Lambuth Campus by preparing health care providers to improve the well-being of Jackson and West Tennessee region residents.”
The UofM’s DPT program enhances access to physical therapy education across West Tennessee by serving students in both Memphis and Jackson. This program complements the only other regional program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. The DPT program based in Jackson, helps establish the city as a hub for healthcare education and training in rural West Tennessee. Through articulation agreements, qualifying students from UofM, LeMoyne-Owen College, Union University and Lane College receive special consideration, allowing them to continue their education without leaving the region.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee ranks among the lowest in the nation for the number of physical therapists per 100,000 residents, just 59. Only Texas (56), Oklahoma (55) and Alabama (52) rank lower. The UofM’s DPT program helps address this shortage by creating a pathway for students in underserved and rural areas to enter the profession. In May, the University received $1.6 million from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) to expand access to education and career opportunities. Part of that funding supports efforts to introduce West Tennessee high school students to physical therapy careers through internships, dual enrollment and certification programs.
“This initiative will enable students to gain valuable clinical experience and earn industry certifications that will support their entry into future post-secondary physical therapy education programs and professional roles,” said Dr. Jacque Bradford, UofM DPT program director. “This will directly contribute to the recruitment and retention of physical therapists in rural West Tennessee, helping to address a long-standing health care workforce shortage.”
The University of Memphis will use a rolling admission process, where applications will be reviewed as they are received. With this, applicants will have the flexibility to apply to the program and receive faster decisions on their acceptance. The Lambuth Campus will be hosting an open house of their new DPT facilities for prospective students on Friday, July 18, from 3-6 p.m., and the official ribbon cutting is set for Thursday, Sept. 18.
Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered by CAPTE to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) cohort should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) or specific state boards. A list of state boards and contact information is available on the FSBPT website.
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
703.706.3245 | accreditation@apta.org
The University of Memphis is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program plans to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, in Nov. 2025. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.
Media Contact:
Parker King, Assistant Director
University Media and Public Relations
University of Memphis
(O) 901.678.4822
