DPT students helping a patient

Program Objectives

We set clear goals and objectives for recruitment, training and contributions to the field:

  • Recruit and matriculate the most qualified and diverse students, and challenge and support them throughout their time in the program
  • Develop generalist practitioners prepared to be clinicians, with foundational training as educators, researchers, administrators and consultants
  • Recruit and retain diverse faculty who exemplify excellence in teaching and serve as professional role models
  • Contribute to evidence-based practice through scholarly activity
  • Facilitate lifelong learning within the physical therapy community

For detailed information on curricular goals, generic abilities, and specific courses and descriptions, see our academic curriculum.


Program Outcomes

Our program prepares students for success. UW–Madison students, on average, score above students from other Wisconsin and national programs on the NPTE exam for all content and system areas.

 

100%

Employment rate post-graduation*

97.5%

Program graduation rate

100%

**Student pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)

*According to 6-month post-graduation survey

**According to two-year averages (2022, 2023)

Graduate Outcomes

Through our program, you become a valued member of an important medical profession. As a graduate, you will be able to:

  • Practice the art and science of physical therapy as a generalist recognized as a member of a doctoring profession
  • Be a practitioner of choice by clients of all ages for management of movement-related dysfunction and for developing and implementing health promotion initiatives
  • Enter the profession as an autonomous practitioner who engages in evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Serve your community by addressing issues of cost, quality and access to health care
  • Assume leadership roles and engage in continuous professional development
  • Value and practice professional behaviors
  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity
A large group of students in their white coats repping UW
Ramsey Benkert
I hope to continue to improve the gap of care that exists between initial rehabilitation following injury and return to sport for athletes of all ages.

Ramsey Benkert, DPT '23