August 3, 2026
EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. — Northland Community & Technical College graduate Madison Kraft of Casselton, North Dakota, has achieved a rare distinction by earning a perfect score of 800 on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants, becoming the first graduate in the college’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program to receive the highest possible score on the national licensure exam.
While thousands of PTA graduates take the NPTE each year, only a small number achieve a score of 800. A score of 600 is required to pass the exam.
Kraft, who graduated from Northland’s PTA program this year, said she was stunned when she learned of her result.
“I was honestly shocked when I learned my exam results,” Kraft said. “My jaw dropped when I read the message with my score. I was very excited and felt that all my hard work throughout the program had paid off.”
According to PTA Program Director Dr. Justin Berry, Kraft’s accomplishment reflects both exceptional academic performance and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“Madison is the first Northland PTA graduate to earn the highest possible score on the NPTE,” Berry said. “She excelled academically from her first semester, consistently performed well on both written and practical exams, and always sought to understand how what she was learning connected to patient care. Her achievement is a testament to her dedication, work ethic and passion for the profession.”
Kraft credited Northland’s faculty and staff for helping prepare her for success.
“I had a great experience in Northland’s PTA program,” she said. “The support from the faculty and staff made a huge difference. I truly felt that everyone there cared about me and were committed to giving me the education and support I needed to succeed.”
Berry said Northland’s PTA program prepares students for the rigorous licensure exam through a curriculum aligned with current physical therapy practice, comprehensive review opportunities, multiple mock board examinations and guidance from program alumni.
The program’s outcomes reflect that commitment to student success. Northland’s PTA program has achieved an ultimate NPTE pass rate of 96.4% over the past two years, recorded a 100% pass rate in seven of the last nine years, and has maintained average exam scores above the national average during each of the past three years.
Beyond the classroom, Kraft presented research alongside fellow students at a national conference in California and completed a clinical internship in Ohio, experiences that further strengthened her preparation for professional practice.
Today, she is working as a Physical Therapist Assistant in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
“I chose to become a PTA because I wanted a career where I could make a positive impact on people’s lives,” Kraft said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see patients make progress and achieve their goals. I am excited to continue learning and see where this career takes me.”
For students considering a future in physical therapy, Kraft emphasizes the importance of consistency and truly understanding the material.
“My biggest piece of advice for students would be to put in the time and effort it takes to really understand what you’re learning because it makes a huge difference on the licensure exam and in your future career,” she said. “Stay consistent, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and trust the process. The work you put in will pay off.”
Berry said Kraft’s achievement highlights both individual excellence and the strength of Northland’s PTA program.
“The Northland PTA Program does a great job preparing students not only for the licensure exam, but also for successful employment as PTAs,” Berry said. “Madison’s accomplishment demonstrates what is possible when talented students combine hard work and determination with the support and preparation provided by a high-quality program.”