The Emory & Henry College Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has crossed a significant hurdle toward accreditation, which will improve the prospects for classes to begin in January at its Marion, Va campus. A news report from TriCities.com indicates that the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) has informed the college that its Application for Candidacy (AFC) has been deemed bona fide and has met the conditions for moving in the pre-accreditation process.

The TriCities.com news report notes that the college’s AFC has been assigned to a candidacy reviewer who will conduct a formal onsite visit in July. The results of the visit will be evaluated by the CAPTE during its fall meeting, which is scheduled for November.

Dave Haney, vice president for academic affairs at Emory & Henry College, says, “This is a very significant step toward achieving candidacy and ultimately accreditation for our Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Having a bona fide AFC puts us back on track toward accreditation.”

Lou Fincher, dean of the Emory & Henry School of Health Sciences, asserts, “We feel that we are in a very strong position for obtaining Candidacy for Accreditation status and beginning classes during the spring semester of 2015.”

The DPT program is part of a much larger initiative in health science education planned for the15-acre Emory & Henry campus in Marion. This larger initiative, which has already received commitments for $6.9 million in external funding, includes other health education programs and alliances with other colleges and universities, according to the TriCities.com news report.

Haney says the college is committed to an extensive health science program at its Marion campus, which is demonstrated through its investment in renovations, facilities, and employees. Haney states, “Beyond the DPT program we are looking at programs in occupational therapy, physician’s assistant, and other health professions.”

Source: TriCities.com