DPT Program Overview
The UW–Madison Physical Therapy program was one of the first three physical therapy programs in the country to receive accreditation from the American Physical Therapy Association in 1929. The three-year program offers a professional doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree in the School of Medicine and Public Health.
A class of 40 students begins once a year in early June.
Training Tomorrow’s Therapists
Physical therapists are licensed health care professionals who diagnose and oversee the management of patients of all ages in order to improve their physical and functional abilities. They help people maintain optimal health and fitness, and prevent the onset or progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to disease, disorders and other conditions.
DPT graduates practice in a wide variety of settings such as clinics, hospitals, nursing facilities, patients’ homes, schools, emergency departments, research settings, sports centers, and industrial workplaces. They often pursue professional development opportunities; they can complete clinical residencies and become board-certified in many specialties including: orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, sports, geriatrics, cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, pelvic health, oncology, and wound management.
As a physical therapist, you will work with people from a variety of health and social professions. Through the UW Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education, DPT students learn alongside students from social work, genetic counseling, public health, medicine, pharmacy and more.
Learning, Research and Practice
The DPT integrated curriculum covers basic science, clinical science and clinical practice. We use a non-concurrent structure, where students are either in school or immersed in a clinical environment full-time.
Students interested in research can study under the direction of research mentors, participate in interdisciplinary research projects and attend research seminars and clinical conferences.
Learning Through Service
In the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea, which extends learning and knowledge-sharing to the borders of the state and beyond, our students participate in many engaging and rewarding educational and service opportunities. It’s a great way to learn and give back to the community.
Meet the UW–Madison DPT Program
- Watch the 9/27/2025 Meet the Program video: Hear from our own people what makes the UW–Madison Doctor of Physical Therapy program a place to thrive. From expert faculty to supportive peers and unique clinical opportunities, the program produces well-rounded physical therapists.
- Upcoming events
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I attend part-time?
No. The program is full-time, including summers.
Is it possible to work while being a student?
It’s important to know and understand your own situation. The curriculum is intense, and students are not encouraged to work. However, some students do work part-time (typically about 10 hours per week). There are many student jobs at UW.
Do physical therapy students interact with medical students?
The UW–Madison DPT program prepares graduates for interprofessional collaborative care. DPT students learn from, by and with students from these health professions: medicine, physician assistant, genetic counseling, public health, pharmacy, nursing, social work, and occupational therapy. Mandatory and elective courses are threaded throughout the curriculum.
Is there a research component of the program? Are students required to do research?
UW–Madison is an R1 research institution, which means there is very high research activity across our campus. The DPT program includes research principles throughout the curriculum, and three courses directly address research concepts. DPT students learn to design and critique research; however, they are not required to produce novel research.
The DPT program includes numerous opportunities for students to conduct research with program faculty and other UW–Madison researchers, including a unique opportunity for students to prepare for a career in research with the DPT-PhD pathway program. Research practicum credits can also be taken by any DPT students interested in doing additional research. Tuition does not increase if additional credits are taken.
What’s most unique about UW–Madison’s DPT program?
The UW–Madison DPT program offers many opportunities for applied learning and collaboration.
- Interprofessional learning and research
- Funding to present at state and national conferences and international applied learning experiences
- Direct interactions with faculty
- 1:10 faculty-to-student ratios in labs
- Open-door access to renowned faculty
Top-Notch Facilities
The DPT program’s home is in the Medical Sciences Center building, in the heart of campus. We also deliver courses in the state-of-the-art Health Sciences Learning Center and offer a top-notch clinical simulation facility.
Social Impact and Belonging
We welcome students of all backgrounds and perspectives, and provide a wide array of educational, research, patient care and service opportunities.
Our commitment to belonging
Sue Wenker, PT, PhD, DPT Program Director
CAPTE Accreditation
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has had an accredited program in physical therapy since 1929.
More about CAPTE accreditation
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