UW - La Crosse Physical Therapy Department

Biology - Physical Therapy Dual Degree

Dual Degree Coursework

During the first three years of coursework taken at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Biology students would complete 91 credits towards a bachelor’s degree comprised of:

o All courses to meet general education requirements
o All courses required for the Biology major except 6 credits fulfilled by the PT 521/H-P 421 Human Gross Anatomy course
o Chemistry courses required of Biology majors
o All pre-requisite physical therapy coursework
o Biology capstone experience

Physical Therapy courses taken during the first year of the professional program (student’s fourth year) that will count toward the undergraduate degree in Biology include the following:

6 credit Human Gross Anatomy course (H-P 421/PTS 511)

and 22 elective credits outlined below:

PT 422/522 Physiology (3 credits)
PT 423/523 Kinesiology and Biomechanics of Normal and Abnormal Movement (3 credits)
PT 424/524 Physiological Regulation of Exertion and Disease (3 credits)
PT 425/525 Neuroanatomy (3 credits)
PT 431/531 Basic Handling in Patient Care (2 credits)
PT 441/541 Applied Communications in Allied Health Professions (1 credit)
PT 446/646 Professional Ethics (1 credit)
PT 449/549 Physical Therapy Practice (1credit)
PT 461/561 Applied Anatomical Assessment (3 credits)
PT 462/562 Scientific and Clinical Foundation for Evaluation and Treatment of Musculoskeletal Conditions (2 credits)

Specific physical therapy coursework counted toward the undergraduate biology degree (6 credits of Human Gross Anatomy and 22 credits of electives specified above) will be subsequently waived from the physical therapy graduate degree requirements for that student.

Changes in curricula will be accommodated as they occur. Students will be eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for both degrees (bachelors and masters) when they are earned.

Students enrolled in the Physical Therapy Graduate Program under this dual-degree agreement must meet the graduate student probation and retention standards outlined in the UW-La Crosse Graduate Catalog.

Advising of Dual Degree Candidates
The Graduate Program in Physical Therapy will work with Biology advisors to recommend appropriate courses for students interested in this dual-degree option. Summer school attendance during the undergraduate phase of study is recommended to complete the requirements for this option in a timely fashion.

Admission to the Physical Therapy Program
When applying to the Graduate Program in Physical Therapy at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Biology Program, the student is expected to submit applications for admission, housing (if necessary), and financial aid on standard forms. These forms must be submitted in accord with the deadlines published in the current Graduate School and Physical Therapy program documents.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students will be selected for entrance into the Graduate Program in Physical Therapy based on the calculation of a cumulative grade point average, completed application to the Program in Physical Therapy with positive clinical recommendations, and a successful personal interview. UW-La Crosse Biology majors seeking admission to the Physical Therapy Program via this dual degree agreement will be guaranteed a personal interview for the Program in Physical Therapy. A minimum 3.0 grade point average is necessary for admission into the graduate school and the Graduate Program in Physical Therapy.

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