Physical Therapy
Application process
Admission requirements
It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Physical Therapy Program that all students who desire admission to the program must meet the requirements and complete the admission process by the posted deadlines. All applications will be carefully reviewed, adhering to the procedure detailed below. All applicants, regardless of professional or academic background, must meet the following requirements for admission.
Candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements and do not request special consideration will not be considered for admission.
Please be aware that a felony charge may affect your ability to obtain fieldwork placements and/or sit for the board examination.
Professional licensure disclosure
- If you plan to apply for licensure in a state other than Wisconsin after completion of this program, you should contact that state's appropriate licensing board and refer to the Professional Licensure Disclosure to determine whether this UWL program meets licensure requirements in a specific state.
Submit a PTCAS application and reference contacts
The UWL PT program participates in the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Applicants use PTCAS to submit all official college transcripts, program-specific narrative statements, and contact information for two individuals to provide recommendations.
Evaluators will complete the recommendation process electronically via PTCAS. Only references submitted via PTCAS will be accepted.
It is not advisable to have a physical therapist who you shadowed for a short period of time write you a letter of recommendation. Please visit PTCAS References to learn more about completing the process.
PTCAS is scheduled to open on approximately June 14. For an applicant to be considered, all required application materials must be submitted to PTCAS by November 1. However, the UW-La Crosse Admissions Committee will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis after August 15, when the admission cycle opens, and continue until the class is full.
Program Application Fee
A non-refundable $50 program application fee is required of all applicants. Please include a completed copy of the PT Program Application Fee Form with your payment. Payment instructions are included on the form.
Interview
Qualified applicants will complete an online, asynchronous interview via Canvas. Applicants will be presented with interview questions, and make video recordings of their responses. Instructions will be shared with applicants via email once the program has determined the applicant meets all admission requirements, and has received the following:
- Complete PTCAS application
- Official GRE results
- $50 application fee
Applicants will then have approximately one week to complete the online interview process. An application will not be considered until the asynchronous interview is complete.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
- Transcript information - Official, certified or attested transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended must be submitted. Additionally, documents issued in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
- Course-by-Course Evaluations – This program requires a WES or ECE evaluation to be submitted as part of the application process.
- Proof of English language proficiency: Non-native English speakers must submit evidence of one the following language proficiency requirements for admission (Institution code: 1914):
- TOEFL score (within last 2 years) of at least 100 iBT or 600 pBT
- IELTS score of at least 7.0
- Duolingo English Test (DET) score of at least 110
- Proof of funding: Submit a bank statement and completed Affidavit of Support form.
- Applicants who require F-2 visas for dependents (spouse and/or children) must submit additional proof of funding and passport copies for each dependent.
- Passport information: Submit a photocopy of the photo page of your passport.
Please contact International Admissions at intladmissions@uwlax.edu if you have questions. Each of the items listed in this section "Additional requirements for international applicants" can be sent directly to the UWL Admissions Office.
UWL Admissions Office
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
USA
Dates & deadlines (2024-25)
PTCAS application cycle opens: June 14
Candidates may begin the online application process via PTCAS.
Admissions Committee begins review: August 15
Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting August 15, continuing until the class is full. We recommend applying early.
An application will only be considered when all of the following have been met:
- Verified PTCAS application (this includes having all official transcripts submitted to PTCAS)
- Official GRE scores
- UW-La Crosse Program Fee Form and application fee paid
- Asynchronous interview
If an applicant's application is considered before the November 1 deadline, admission may be offered or denied, or deferred for consideration at a later date.
First admissions letters sent: late September
Applicants will be notified of admission into the program on an ongoing basis beginning in late September.
If the applicant accepts admission, they must complete and submit the UW System application and the associated application fee by a date specified in their admission offer.
Firm application deadline: November 1
If the applicant's application, transcripts, or fee arrive after the deadline, PTCAS will automatically consider the application incomplete. The applicant is also responsible for completing and submitting the UWL program fee by this date.
Info sessions will resume in Spring 2024
Watch this spot for information about how to sign up to learn more about application requirements and admission processes.
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