Physical Therapy

Current students

Kids College

Physical Therapy students working with a patient.

Physical Therapy program resources

Academic calendar

Policies

Procedures

Clinical Education

The UW-La Crosse Doctor of Physical Therapy program has contracts with 500 Physical Therapy clinical sites across the country. Clinical partnerships exist with hospitals, private practice clinics, schools, outpatient clinics, VA facilities, Military hospitals and clinics, college and professional athletic organizations, and rehabilitation facilities. Students complete a total of five formal clinical experiences throughout the curriculum, along with patient experiences integrated in the curriculum.

The first clinical experience is during the first J-Term and is a two-week collaborative experience in which students practice the skills learned in their first two semesters of didactic work.
The second clinical experience is a four-week rotation that occurs at the end of the students’ second summer in the program.
The PT curriculum culminates in the 3^rd year in which students complete three 12 week internships. Each internship encompasses a unique practice setting to provide the students with a breadth of experience preparing them for board exams and physical therapy practice.

New Clinical Education Sites

If you are a clinician or clinic manager interested in partnering with UW-La Crosse Physical Therapy for clinical education, please contact:

Director of Clinical Education - Amy Taebel, PT, DPT, DCE (ataebel@uwlax.edu)
or
Associate Director of Clinical Education - Michelle Olson, PT, DPT (molson@uwlax.edu)

Resources for Clinical Educators

Clinical Education Course Documents:

Helpful Resources:

Clinical Instructor Program

November 2 and 3, 2023: American Physical Therapy Association Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program (CCIP) - Level 1. For further information, as well as registration instructions please visit November 2023 APTA CCIP - Level 1 at UWL

A dual degree program leading to an undergraduate degree in Biology (no emphasis) or Physics (Biomedical Concentration) from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a graduate degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is available to qualified University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Students. The dual degree program will require at least three years of attendance at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to complete undergraduate requirements, followed by 34 months of attendance at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in the graduate program in Physical Therapy.

More information on the Biology Dual Degree Program

More information on the Physics Dual Degree Program

UWL graduate student resources

Graduate students should be aware of resources available as well as the policies and guidelines impacting graduate education. Links to this much of this important information are available below. If you can't find what you need below, please contact us, gradstudies@uwlax.edu.

Graduate students must adhere to university policies as well as program specific requirements. Information on various university graduate student policies and forms is available on the Graduate Studies website via the link provided.

Please check with the Graduate Program Director for information on academic policies specific to the Physical Therapy program.

The Office of Equity and Affirmative Action provides resources for policies and procedures in regards to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

The Office of Title IX and Compliance is responsible for providing information and resources relating to sexual misconduct policies.

Graduate students at UWL have access to numerous campus resources. Below you will find links to many of the offices providing services for grad students.

ACCESS

Do you have a documented disability? The ACCESS Center can help you get the accommodations you need.

Admissions

Our Admissions staff can answer your questions as you prepare to apply for graduate school at UWL.

Campus Climate

Campus Climate is a leader in efforts to create a positive climate for the UWL campus and beyond.

Counseling & Testing

Counseling & Testing promotes students' emotional, academic, social, and cultural growth.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is committed to answering questions about how you will cover the costs of your graduate education.

OMSS

Multicultural Student Services uses a holistic development approach to promote academic, leadership, personal, and social development.

PRIDE Center

The Pride Center advocates for and supports LGBTQ+ students and educates the campus community.

Rec Sports

UWL Rec Sports helps you stay active, meet new people and reduce your stress levels.

Student Support Services

Student Support Services works to promote student success and foster a supportive institutional climate.

Veteran's Services

Our Veteran's Services team will assist your transition from military to university life.

International Education & Engagement

International Education & Engagement (IEE)

The International Education & Engagement office team of advisors and knowledgeable student staff are here to offer specialized support for international students.

Graduate and Extended Learning with support from the Academic Initiatives Differential Allocation Committee, and the Graduate Student Organization work to provide funding opportunities for our graduate students. The grant writing and scholarship competition processes involved also serve as unique professional development opportunities for students.

Grants

Scholarships

Visit the program's Financial Aid page for additional scholarship opportunities.

Graduate & Extended Learning is dedicated to helping graduate students from application through commencement. We are here for you throughout your UWL journey. Email your questions to gradstudies@uwlax.edu.

Latest news

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

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

PT students motivate elementary school staff, help fill a health need

Faculty member joins Parkinson’s Disease Foundation pilot program to help train future physical therapy leaders