Dec 15, 2022/Open Access

Access ABPTRFE processes and procedures that cover everything from consideration for forming a residency or fellowship program new practice area, to renewing accreditation.

Every year, ABPTRFE requires an ACIR submission by all accredited residency/fellowship programs. The ACIR and Annual Fee must be submitted by January 31. The ACIR and all supporting documentation are submitted through the Accreditation Management System.

May 18, 2026/Open Access

ABPTRFE meets three times a year to review physical therapist residency and fellowship education programs. Review ABPTRFE's most recent actions.

Candidacy Review Panel members serve four-year terms. The number of members selected to serve on the Candidacy Review Panel is determined by the number of new program applicants.  Tasks Evaluating residency and fellowship programs seeking ABPTRFE initial accreditation by completing comprehensive reviews

ABPTRFE staff appoint members to the onsite team who meet the following qualifications: Physical Therapist Members Must be a licensed physical therapist with expertise in physical therapy education and/or physical therapist residency or fellowship education. Be a graduate of an ABPTRFE-accredited residency

The Residency/Fellowship Accreditation Management System (AMS) is a web-based portal that allows programs to submit required accreditation documentation. Since the portal contains confidential program information, access is provided to the program director. Programs will receive an email from AMS indicating

ABPTS and ABPTRFE are pleased to provide this information to those individuals or groups interested in petitioning either commission to recognize a new area of specialty or subspecialty practice. The commissions believe this information will be of value to petitioners in planning, organizing, writing,

ABPTRFE Meets Three Times Annually January (candidacy, initial accreditation, and renewal of accreditation decisions). May (candidacy and initial accreditation decisions). September (candidacy, initial accreditation, and renewal of accreditation decisions). At the discretion of ABPTRFE, the Executive

ABPTRFE accepts only written or emailed complaints that include the complainant's name, contact information, and a summary of the complaint.

ABPTRFE provides periodic updates, at least twice a year, on policy and procedure changes, revisions to standards and key elements, new regulations, leadership and staff updates, and other topics of interest to program directors, faculty, and onsite reviewers. These newsletters may also include information