DPT-PhD
The Doctor of Physical Therapy-Doctor of Philosophy (DPT-PhD) pathway program offers the opportunity to prepare for a career as a researcher or clinician-scientist. As one of the few DPT-PhD programs in the United States, the pathway prepares graduates for a range of careers — from clinical research and academic faculty roles to clinical practice informed by research expertise.
The DPT-PhD aligns with the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) vision to grow the number of physical therapists who integrate clinical practice with research.
Advisors help students integrate aspects of the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) Clinical Investigation curriculum into an individualized academic plan, which may include a full-time internship with combined clinical and research experience. DPT graduates transition smoothly into the PhD work, fully engaged with clinical research labs and principal investigator partners.
Potential Clinical Research Labs and Principal Investigators
DPT-PhD Admissions Process
If you are interested in pursuing a DPT-PhD pathway, please share your interest in the ‘why are you applying to the UW–Madison DPT program’ custom question on the PTCAS application. Admitted applicants can then apply to the ICTR Clinical Investigation PhD program during their first year, with the opportunity to enroll in ICTR courses during the DPT program.
Deciding early in year 1 to pursue the DPT-PhD pathway will allow you to potentially select a DPT internship offering clinical research experience.
No preference for admission to the DPT program will be given to those with interest in the DPT-PhD pathway.
Sample Schedules During DPT Program
The sample schedules illustrate two approaches to the DPT-PhD pathway. The total estimated time from DPT matriculation through PhD completion is approximately 5–7 years, depending on the student’s timeline and research focus. Both schedules include the same ICTR core courses; the primary difference is the pace at which students commit to the pathway and begin ICTR coursework.
Student is fully committed to DPT-PhD pathway at time of admission
Year 1
Fall semester:
- Identify advisors in DPT and ICTR programs.
- ICTR admissions application deadline (Oct 1st ); admission decisions are returned approximately 3 weeks after the deadline. Students have until the end of December to respond.
- Investigate ICTR courses to integrate into the individualized student academic plan for year 2 of DPT program.
Spring semester:
- ICTR coursework: BMI/STAT 542 Intro to Clinical Trials I (in addition to DPT coursework)
- Discuss potential clinical internship opportunities and availability.
Year 2
Fall semester:
- ICTR coursework: BMI/STAT 541 Intro to Biostatistics (in addition to DPT coursework)
Spring semester:
- PT elective course(s) towards ICTR Research Design Requirement*
- Prepare for selection of final DPT clinical internship (split clinical education and research)
Year 3
Fall semester:
- ICTR coursework: BMI 544 Intro to Clinical and Healthcare Research II or PHS/SOC 797 Intro to Epidemiology
- DPT Clinical internships
Spring semester:
- DPT Clinical internships
Post DPT Degree
- Remainder of ICTR required courses and fully engage in PhD work with partners identified during Years 1-2
*ICTR Research Design Requirement: 6 credits of elective courses approved on a case-by-case basis and may include:
PT 642: Research Practicum (1–3 credits)
PT 799: Independent Study/PT Elective courses (1–3 credits each). Opportunities can vary each year.
PT 640: Scientific Inquiry in Physical Therapy
PT 643: Current Issues in Rehabilitation Research II
Student has interest in DPT-PhD pathway, but is not ready to commit
Year 1
Fall semester:
- Rotate among labs to explore PhD programs and determine interest and fit.
Spring semester:
- ICTR admissions application deadline (Feb 1st); admission decisions are returned approximately 3 weeks after the deadline. Students have until mid-April to respond.
Year 2
Fall semester:
- ICTR coursework: BMI/STAT 541 Intro to Biostatistics (in addition to DPT coursework)
Spring semester:
- ICTR coursework: BMI/STAT 542 Intro to Clinical Trials I (in addition to DPT coursework)
- Explore opportunity of final DPT clinical internship (which may include clinical education and research)
Year 3
Fall semester:
- ICTR coursework: BMI 544 Intro to Clinical and Healthcare Research II OR PHS/SOC 797 Intro to Epidemiology
- DPT Clinical internships
Spring semester:
- DPT Clinical internships
Post DPT Degree
- Remainder of ICTR required courses and fully engage in PhD work with partners identified during Years 1-3
*ICTR Research Design Requirement: 6 credits of elective courses approved on a case-by-case basis and may include:
PT 642: Research Practicum (1–3 credits)
PT 799: Independent Study/PT Elective courses (1–3 credits each). Opportunities can vary each year.
PT 640: Scientific Inquiry in Physical Therapy
PT 643: Current Issues in Rehabilitation Research II
Tuition for DPT-PhD Pathway
Tuition fees do not increase when you take ICTR courses as a full-time DPT student.
DPT provides no special funding for graduate study
ICTR has an NIH-funded TL1 training grant* with a few positions available each year on a highly competitive basis. Eligible students are US citizens or permanent residents earning a PhD in clinical investigation full-time or earning a PhD minor in clinical investigation while pursuing a PhD in other UW–Madison programs.
Students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research fellowships and NIH F31 predoctoral awards.
* Potential for transition to a T32 renaming mechanism to align with other NIH institutes.
Matt Kuik, DPT ’22