CAPTE Accreditation
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has had an accredited program in physical therapy since 1929, during which time the program has progressed from educating undergraduates to granting doctorates.
In the fall of 1996, the last class of undergraduate students were admitted to the program. The first class of Master of Physical Therapy graduate students was admitted in June 1997. Since 2010, students have been awarded the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree upon successful completion of the three-year professional program.
The program’s two-year averages are:
- Graduation rate (2024, 2025): 95%
- Employment rate (2023, 2024): 96%
- Ultimate licensure pass rate (2024, 2025): 100%
- First time licensure pass rate (2024, 2025): 99%
In April 2022, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association granted accreditation status to the program through Dec. 31, 2031.
Student Outcomes
About Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Sue Wenker, Program Director, 608-263-9427 or email wenker@pt.wisc.edu.
Procedure for Complaints
A complaint is a formal expression of dissatisfaction with the program or allegation against the program.
Complaints about the program are acknowledged upon receipt and should be brought to the attention of the program director. The program director will note complaints, examine the nature of each complaint, and work with appropriate personnel to resolve the complaint. The program director will keep a record of all complaints, including the nature and disposition of each complaint.
The university mechanism for handling complaints about the program begins by addressing the complaint at the program level. If the complaint cannot be adequately addressed at the program level, it is transferred to the associate dean for academic affairs. Consultation with the University Office of Legal Services may be necessary.
Following appropriate levels of review within the School of Medicine and Public Health, if the complaint is unresolved, it may be directed to the chancellor and finally to the Board of Regents, in accordance with UW System Rules.