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The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is housed within the School of Medicine and Public Health which enables cooperative teaching arrangements and interdisciplinary programming with students from numerous professional programs. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a R1 doctoral university research institution with numerous research opportunities available for our students. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the wealth of resources on the UW-Madison campus. Exceptional campus services and facilities include the Ebling Health Sciences Library, a full cadaver dissection lab, a Critical Care Simulation classroom, and a Clinical Teaching Assessment Center utilizing standardized patients.

Our Program was founded in 1926 and in 1929 became one of the first physical therapy curricula in the United States to receive accreditation from what is now the American Physical Therapy Association. An extensive and loyal alumni base strengthens our Program. Our graduates in 2018, 2019, and 2020 achieved a 100% pass rate on the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Licensure Examination and our graduation rate is 98%. A 6-month post-graduation employment survey depicts a 98% employment rate.

The UW-Madison faculty is committed to being available for students as they "learn to learn." The 35-month curriculum is based on cooperative learning; there is no competition to succeed within the Program. Faculty members are cohesive, collaborative, and student-focused. They are in the forefront of the PT profession as international educators and researchers, and are leaders in the American Physical Therapy Association. Faculty members have many areas of expertise and hold Clinical Specialist certifications in Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Geriatrics, Neurology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, and Sports. In addition to teaching, faculty are involved in scholarly and clinical activities.

Over 600 organizations and facilities across the nation have contracts with UW-Madison for our 42 weeks of internships. Additionally, many courses require clinical observations and experiences, arranged by the course faculty, to provide continued clinical exposure. Service learning is a core component of the curriculum, including pro bono and service opportunities locally and with international organizations. 

The mission of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is: 
"To meet the physical therapy needs of the people in the State of Wisconsin and beyond. The curriculum is designed to produce a generalist clinician who is able to provide evidence based quality care in an empathetic, professional manner, and who has the foundation to assume the roles of physical therapy educator, researcher, administrator, consultant, and clinical specialist." The graduate's role is to enhance physical abilities and wellness, and to improve the quality of life of persons seeking care.  These roles are carried out through the processes of patient/client advocacy, and the collaborative management and education of patients, families, colleagues, and the community.

DPT-MPH

This $500 deposit is non-refundable and is applied toward your first semester tuition.

Extracurricular and community service activities, volunteer/service commitments, evidence of leadership, work history, life experiences, and re-applicants are all valued by our Program. Diversity within the University of WI-Madison, the School of Medicine and Public Health, and our Program is also highly appreciated. We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences; qualified applicants who possess characteristics that are underrepresented in the profession, and who would enhance the overall diversity and experience for the class, are valued.  There is no preference for in-state applicants. Typically our class has a similar number of women and men. Ages range from 21-35 and students have graduated from 23 different colleges and universities.