Physical Therapy

Kids College

Earn your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at UW-La Crosse!

Program distinction

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY DEGREE
34 month program

EXEMPLARY PASS RATE
Recent Two-Year Average: 100% (Class of 2022 & 2023)

SMALL CLASS SIZES
Low student-faculty ratios for personalized feedback & relationships

HANDS-ON LEARNING
Throughout curriculum in coursework, labs, fieldwork, and clinic experiences

HEALTH SCIENCE CONSORTIUM
Inter-professional collaboration & research with health programs from local universities

Graduate preparation and employment

NATIONALLY ACCREDITED PROGRAM
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Review our program profile for more information!

IMPRESSIVE EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Physical Therapists is expected to grow 15% from 2022-2032, considerably faster than the national average for all occupations. To learn more about the current employment outlook please visit – Bureau of Labor Statistics

What is a physical therapist?

When individuals are recovering from injury or disease, the physical therapist evaluates and directs the recovery process to relieve pain, make them stronger, and help them to regain use of an affected limb. Physical therapists also teach patients and their families what to do so that healing continues through self-care at home.

Physical therapy attempts to meet an individual's health goals, whether a patient's goal is walking without assistance or running a marathon. A physical therapist is an integral part of the health care team that makes these goals a reality.

Watch the video below to see how our UWL PT students make a difference in their patients' lives.

Contact our program

PROGRAM INQUIRIES & APPLICATION QUESTIONS

MEET OUR GRADUATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

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