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Physical Therapy

Current students

Kids College
Physical Therapy students working with a patient.

Physical Therapy program resources

UWL PT Program Student Handbook

Student Handbook

Current Graduate Catalog

Graduate Catalog

Current Academic calendar

Academic calendar

Policies and Procedures

Policies

Procedures

Clinical resources

Clinical Education

The UW-La Crosse Doctor of Physical Therapy program has contracts with 500 Physical Therapy clinical sites across the country.  Clinical partnerships exist with hospitals, private practice clinics, schools, outpatient clinics, VA facilities, Military hospitals and clinics, college and professional athletic organizations, and rehabilitation facilities.  Students complete a total of five formal clinical experiences throughout the curriculum, along with patient experiences integrated in the curriculum. 

  • The first clinical experience is during the first J-Term and is a two-week collaborative experience in which students practice the skills learned in their first two semesters of didactic work.
  • The second clinical experience is a four-week rotation that occurs at the end of the students’ second summer in the program.
  • The PT curriculum culminates in the 3rd year in which students complete three 12 week internships.  Each internship encompasses a unique practice setting to provide the students with a breadth of experience preparing them for board exams and physical therapy practice. 

New Clinical Education Sites

If you are a clinician or clinic manager interested in partnering with UW-La Crosse Physical Therapy for clinical education, please contact:

Director of Clinical Education - Amy Taebel, PT, DPT, DCE (ataebel@uwlax.edu)
or
Associate Director of Clinical Education - Michelle Olson, PT, DPT (molson@uwlax.edu)

Resources for Clinical Educators

Clinical Education Course Documents:

Helpful Resources:

Clinical Instructor Program

  • January 9 and 10, 2025:  American Physical Therapy Association Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program (CCIP) - Level 1.  For further information, as well as registration instructions please visit January 2025 CCIP Course
Dual degree

A dual degree program leading to an undergraduate degree in Biology (no emphasis) or Physics (Biomedical Concentration) from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a graduate degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is available to qualified University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Students. The dual degree program will require at least three years of attendance at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to complete undergraduate requirements, followed by 34 months of attendance at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in the graduate program in Physical Therapy.

More information on the Biology Dual Degree Program

More information on the Physics Dual Degree Program

Class of 2025
Class of 2026

 

 

Class of 2027

 

 

UWL graduate student resources

Graduate students should be aware of resources available as well as the policies and guidelines impacting graduate education. Links to this much of this important information are available below. If you can't find what you need below, please contact us, gradstudies@uwlax.edu. 

Academic policies

Graduate students must adhere to university policies as well as program specific requirements. Information on various university graduate student policies and forms is available on the Graduate Studies website via the link provided. 

Please check with the Graduate Program Director for information on academic policies specific to the Physical Therapy program.

Equity resources

The Office of Equity and Affirmative Action provides resources for policies and procedures in regards to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

The Office of Title IX and Compliance is responsible for providing information and resources relating to sexual misconduct policies.

Campus resources

Graduate students at UWL have access to numerous campus resources. Visit the Campus Life page to learn about services that are available to grad students.

International student resources

International Education & Engagement

International Education & Engagement (IEE)

The International Education & Engagement office team of advisors and knowledgeable student staff are here to offer specialized support for international students.

Grants & scholarships through Graduate & Extended Learning (GEL)

Graduate and Extended Learning with support from the Academic Initiatives Differential Allocation Committee, and the Graduate Student Organization work to provide funding opportunities for our graduate students. The grant writing and scholarship competition processes involved also serve as unique professional development opportunities for students.

Grants

Scholarships

Visit the program's Financial Aid page for additional scholarship opportunities.

Not sure where to start?

Graduate & Extended Learning is dedicated to helping graduate students from application through commencement. We are here for you throughout your UWL journey. Email your questions to gradstudies@uwlax.edu. 

Latest news

APTA CCIP Level 1 course to be held in January 2025

 

Alum Nate Vannatta’s career strengthens ties between UWL and Gundersen

 

New UWL research offers hope for enhanced recovery after total knee replacement

 

UW-La Crosse looks to transform lives of amputees with LEAP Program

 

Innovative program helps amputees thrive through personalized therapy

 

How UWL's new program transforms lives of amputees and PT students

 

UWL PT students enhance skills through healthcare experiences in India

 

Dr. Kernozek named to governor's healthcare task force.

 

Interview with third year student Callie Pohlman, author of the article "Effects of Body Weight Support in Running on Achilles Tendon Loading" published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine.

Want less impact on joints?  UWL PT research shows a simple cue can make a big difference.

 

Alum provides care for theater productions in the United Kingdom.  Read more in the Campus Connection

 

Virtual rehab: UWL Physical Therapy Program embraces shift to telehealth.  Read more in the Campus Connection

 

Leaving a legacy: Family scholarship supports students overcoming adversity.  Thorman Family Pay It Forward Scholarship

 

UWL PT students create programming for people with progressive neurological diseases in unique community program.  To learn more please visit EXPAND Program Video

 

EXPANDing the minds of both students and clients

 

Led by Tom Kernozek, UW-La Crosse's physical therapy program a hotbed for scientific studies.  Read more at the La Crosse Tribune

 

The UW-La Crosse PT Program has been granted the maximum 10 years of accreditation.  Read more in Campus News

 

To learn about current continuing education opportunities offered through the PT program please visit Continuing Education

Pathophysiology and Differential Diagnosis is a course designed to empower students with a deep understanding of organ system pathophysiology and its relevance to physical therapy. Pathophysiology Posted 2:57 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024 Four courses with tongue-twisting titles that offer a clear impact for students Read more about Pathophysiology UWL students engaged with athletes at various stations, measuring physical fitness data. Project ALL STAR Posted 10:29 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 UWL students help collect health insights on Special Olympics athletes Read more about Project ALL STAR Nate Vannatta's journey in physical therapy has come full circle — now working alongside UWL faculty that he learned from as a student. From student to colleague Posted 10:29 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, 2024 Alum Nate Vannatta’s career strengthens ties between UWL and Gundersen Read more about From student to colleague The study involved 26 TKR patients performing squats and leg presses at an outpatient sports medicine clinic. Balancing act Posted 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 New UWL research offers hope for enhanced recovery after total knee replacement Read more about Balancing act Professor of Health Professions/Physical Therapy Tom Kernozek was selected to serve on a statewide task force exploring ways to grow Wisconsin's health care workforce. A stronger health care workforce Posted 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, 2024 Professor of Health Professions Tom Kernozek lends expertise to statewide task force Read more about A stronger health care workforce
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