AIC Doctor of Physical Therapy Grads Outperform National Average on Board Exam Rates

SPRINGFIELD — Graduates of American International College’s (AIC) doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program have demonstrated exemplary performance on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NTPE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. For two consecutive years, the college’s DPT Program has surpassed the national performance level on the NPTE.

The NPTE is an essential evaluation that aspiring physical therapists must pass to obtain their license in the U.S. Notably, graduates from AIC’s program achieved an impressive 100% ultimate pass rate on their state board exams in 2021 and 2022, outperforming the national averages of 95.9% and 98.6%, respectively.

Professor Tracy Brudvig, director of the Division of Physical Therapy, takes great pride in this accomplishment. “Exceeding the national average indicates our graduates are ready to meet the ever-changing demands of the healthcare system,” she said, adding that this level of success is a testament to the strong bond between AIC students and professors. “This accomplishment reflects greatly on the dedicated program faculty and the values they espouse. We are proud of our students and know they will accomplish much as they pursue their careers.”

In addition to the outstanding pass rates on board exams, AIC’s doctor of physical therapy program maintains a notable 100% employment rate for its graduates in 2022.

The DPT program at AIC offers the opportunity for students with or without an undergraduate degree to complete their doctorate in physical therapy. Through the 3+3 program, undergraduate students can finish three years at the undergraduate level and three years at the graduate level, obtaining both bachelor of science and DPT degrees in a shorter timeframe than those pursuing separate undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students who already possess a bachelor’s degree and meet the program’s prerequisites can directly enter the graduate phase of the DPT program.

Twenty-six students who completed the DPT program this spring participated in a pinning ceremony at the college on May 12 and graduated with their doctor of physical therapy degrees at AIC’s 2023 commencement the following day. Data regarding the NPTE pass rates of 2023 graduates will not be available until later this year.