The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the UCF College of Health Professions and Sciences has achieved its highest ranking in program history, earning a tie for the No. 34 spot in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings. This marks the program’s third consecutive year among the top 50 in the nation, climbing eight spots from last year’s No. 42 ranking, and placing it in the top 12%.
“This ranking reflects the strength of a program that prepares highly-qualified physical therapists who are skilled, compassionate and ready to lead,” says Pegasus Professor and Director of the School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences Jeff Stout. “Our students achieve outstanding outcomes, train in diverse clinical settings, engage meaningfully with the community, and learn from exceptional faculty who lead in teaching, research, and professional service.”
For 2024–2025, the DPT program attained a 100% overall pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and a 100% employment rate for graduates. On average, students achieve a 98.7% first-time NPTE pass rate, consistently exceeding state and national averages.
Coursework is completed in a prescribed sequence over nine semesters and includes 36 weeks of full-time clinical training, during which students work under the direct supervision of licensed physical therapists across four various practice settings.
The breadth and depth of the clinical education students receive is a hallmark of the program, says Clinical Associate Professor and Division Chair Laurie Neely. Students gain hands-on experience at clinical sites nationwide, spanning acute care, sports medicine, pediatrics, neurologic rehabilitation, and veteran and military settings.
“Students are exposed to a diverse set of practices settings where they are supervised and mentored by exceptional clinicians who are committed to helping transition their didactic knowledge to clinical practice.” Neely says. “Our graduates are highly sought by employers and prepared to excel in a wide variety of healthcare and community settings.”
The program is home to a Physical Therapy clinic, a faculty practice which operates in two locations and serves as a primary clinical site. In addition, the program offers four physical therapy residency programs in partnership with Orlando Health — neurologic, sports, orthopedic, and pelvic and women’s health — providing advanced clinical training that enhances patient care and outcomes.
The program’s success is also driven by its accomplished faculty, many of whom are nationally recognized leaders in research and teaching. Five faculty members are Fellows of the National Academies of Practice, reflecting a strong commitment to interprofessional collaboration. Additionally, several have been recognized nationally for excellence in education in their respected areas of expertise. In the past year alone, faculty produced 37 peer-reviewed publications and delivered 57 peer-reviewed presentations.
Our faculty truly embody the highest standard of excellence,” Neely says. “They are dedicated to ensuring that our students receive an exceptional, high‑quality educational experience throughout the UCF DPT program.”
Research is also a central pillar of the program. Faculty and students contribute to advancing health and rehabilitation through five research labs, which focus on promoting successful aging, improving mobility and function, enhancing orthopedic and neurological recovery, reducing pain, and optimizing evidence-based care. Students also benefit from collaborations with the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, which supports high-impact, mechanistic, and translational research across kinesiology, physical therapy, and athletic training.
Community engagement is embedded in the program’s culture. Every student participates in service, contributing to more than 50 community events each year and an estimated 250 hours of annual service. From assisting children with complex mobility needs to supporting athletes, families, and seniors by conducting health screenings at local events, students make a meaningful impact in the Central Florida community.
“We’re extremely proud of what this program has accomplished,” Stout says. “And we’re very focused on continuing to pursue an upward trajectory.”
