The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the UCF School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences now ranks in the top 16% of the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings for 2025. With a ranking of No. 42, this is the second consecutive year the program has been recognized as among the top 50 graduate programs.
“This recognition affirms the strength of our program and the dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” says William Hanney, professor and director of the Division of Physical Therapy. “At UCF, we are committed to preparing graduates who are not only academically strong but also workforce-ready—equipped with the clinical, professional, and interprofessional skills needed to lead in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.”
Since its first doctoral cohort in 2010, the DPT program has consistently exceeded state and national averages in licensure pass rates and test scores. In 2023-2024, the program’s first-time National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) pass rate was 97.4% and the overall NPTE pass rate was 100%.
On average, more than three dozen DPT students graduate each year, producing competent and compassionate healthcare professionals who transition to careers treating patients in a wide variety of specialty areas ranging from pediatric to orthopaedics to geriatrics.
The Class of 2024 had a 100% employment rate.
“Our DPT program prepares students to lead in today’s healthcare environment,” says Pegasus Professor and Director of the School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences Jeff Stout. “Through early hands-on clinical experiences, team-based training, and faculty-led research, our graduates enter the workforce with the skills, confidence, and collaborative mindset needed to deliver exceptional patient care.”
Students participate in unique immersive clinical experiences, complete capstone research projects, and are mentored by faculty whose research ranges from developing intelligent assistive robotics to creating new treatment models for patients with dementia.
The program fosters research excellence through collaborative efforts with the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, which brings together experts from clinical, community and basic science disciplines.
The program also boasts three exceptional physical therapy residency programs — neurologic, sports, and women’s health — all offered in conjunction with industry partner Orlando Health. The residency programs provide advanced knowledge and clinical skills to practitioners, helping them optimize patient care and improve the quality of life of individuals in the community.
Physical therapy is one of 13 graduate programs at UCF ranking in the top 50 nationally.
