Belmont University has recently learned that 100% of graduates who received doctoral degrees from the School of Physical Therapy in 2009 have successfully passed, on their first attempt, the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This is the second time in the history of the program that an entire class has passed the exam on their first attempt, although Belmont graduates have achieved ultimate pass rates of 100% on the exam for the past 8 years. Individuals must pass the examination to receive certification or licensure as a physical therapist in the United States.
The national completion rate for the NPTE in 2008 (the latest year for which this data is available to the public) was 85%. A new passing standard was implemented in 2008 by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) who developed and administer the examination. Belmont University is one of five institutions in the state of Tennessee that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

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