Four presenters pose in front of a screen displaying a capstone research presentation titled “Data Driven Predictors of NPTE Success in DPT Students.”
Eric Thomas, Louise Metz, Danielle Torres, and Carina Gigliotti presented research at the American Physical Therapy Association Physical Therapy Education Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

Four students from Russell Sage College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program presented research at the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Physical Therapy Education Leadership Conference (ELC) held in Washington, D.C., October 16-18, 2026.

The students presented two studies that examined predictors of success on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), the licensing exam required to practice physical therapy. These studies offer insights to inform DPT admissions, student support, and academic preparation. Students Louise Metz and Eric Thomas received Russell Sage’s Broughton Graduate Fellowship in support of their research. 

Presented Studies:

  • “Data Driven Identification of Predictors of NPTE Success and Outcomes: Implications for DPT Admissions and Student Support,” authored by Rupali Singh, PT, Ph.D.; Sarah Salvatore, PT, DPT, Ed.D., OCS; and DPT Class of 2027 students Sage Baker, Chloe Dwinell, Carina Gigliotti, Louise Metz, Gina Patricelli, Eric Thomas, Danielle Torres, and Peyton White. Presented by Louise Metz, Eric Thomas, Danielle Torres, and Carina Gigliotti.
  • “Predictors of NPTE Success: A Multivariate Analysis of Preadmission Factors and Foundational Coursework Grades,” authored by Sarah Salvatore, PT, DPT, Ed.D., OCS; Rupali Singh, PT, Ph.D.; and DPT Class of 2027 students Ciara Blizinski, Aaron Garcia, Nicholas Goldsmith, and Patricia Ladmer. Presented by Louise Metz and Eric Thomas.

Russell Sage faculty members Erin Elkins, Laurie Hepler, Cathron Donaldson, and Jennifer Aisossa attended the conference.

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