Physical Therapy Class of 2024 Achieves 100% First-Attempt Pass Rate on Board Exams
| The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2024 accomplished a remarkable feat by achieving a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Board Exam.
All seven graduating classes in the UAMS Department of Physical Therapy in the College of Health Professions have had an overall pass rate of 100%, but this is the third time in the program’s history that a class earned a perfect first-attempt pass rate. The inaugural class in 2018 and the class of 2023 achieved the same feat.
“This accomplishment not only reflects the dedication and hard work of the students but also underscores the excellence of the educational program and the faculty who guide them,” said Susan Long, Ed.D., dean of the College of Health Professions.
In addition, one of the students, Landon Crider, PT, DPT, earned a perfect score on the exam, the fourth UAMS student to achieve this status in the program’s history.
From a national perspective, in 2024 the current first-attempt pass rate for all 306 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in the U.S. is 88.9%. The UAMS PT program was 35.1 points higher on the first-attempt exam scores than the average score for all other programs. The UAMS PT program also leads the state in board exam scores compared to other Arkansas doctoral physical therapy programs.
“The journey to becoming a licensed physical therapist is arduous, demanding rigorous academic preparation, practical skills and clinical experience,” said Angel Holland, PT, DPT, Ed.D., department chair, program director for the UAMS DPT program and associate professor in the UAMS College of Health Professions. “Board exams serve as a crucial milestone in this journey, assessing students’ competency and knowledge in various aspects of physical therapy practice. Achieving a perfect first-time pass rate on these exams is a rare accomplishment, symbolizing the highest level of proficiency and readiness for professional practice. Accomplishing this feat for two years in a row as a program is a statement of the excellence of our faculty and the dedication of the students to our curriculum plan.”
The success of this class can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the rigorous curriculum, hands-on training and unwavering support from faculty mentors. The program’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, patient-centered care with interdisciplinary collaboration, and active learning teaching strategies has equipped students with the skills and mindset necessary to excel in their field.
For the students themselves, achieving a perfect first-attempt pass rate is not only a validation of their hard work and dedication but also a source of immense pride and confidence as they embark on their careers as licensed physical therapists. They are now poised to make meaningful contributions to the field, improving the lives of patients and advancing the practice of physical therapy, Holland said.
“The success of this class speaks volumes about the commitment of UAMS to uphold the highest standards of education and to equip future physical therapists with the knowledge, skills and ethical principles necessary to excel in their profession,” Holland said. “By nurturing a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, the program has empowered its graduates to make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of their communities.”