Welcome to ABPTRFE

The American Physical Therapy Association recognizes the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education as the agency for the accreditation of physical therapist residency and fellowship education programs.

The ABPTRFE accreditation process is based on the fundamental principle of peer review that enables physical therapists and non-physical therapists from within higher education to make recommendations essential in assuring quality residency/fellowship programs for all participants. The process is guided by transparent standards that are established collaboratively by member programs and professional peers. 

ABPTRFE is a proud member of the Association of Specialized & Professional Accreditors.

More About ABPTRFE

ABPTRFE Adopts 2023 Quality Standards

At the May 22-23, 2022, meeting ABPTRFE adopted the 2023 Quality Standards for Clinical Physical Therapist Residency and Fellowship Programs and the 2023 Quality Standards for Non-Clinical Physical Therapist Residency and Fellowship Programs.

To easily understand the changes, ABPTRFE has provided crosswalk documents noting the redline changes between the 2018 and 2023 quality standards for both clinical programs and non-clinical programs.

In accordance with ABPTRFE Processes and Procedures (policy 15.6), programs are required to come into compliance with all approved and implemented changes within 24 months from the published adoption date (by June 1, 2024).

COVID-19 Resources

• Access guidance for programs during this global pandemic.
  March 26, 2020: ABPTRFE analyzed survey results from programs, and published guidance of other specialized and professional accreditors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including CAPTE.