Scholarships and Assistantships/Physical Therapy Department/UW-La Crosse

Scholarships and Assistantships

Why choose UW-L Physical Therapy?

UW-La Crosse is a public university with one of the most respected Physical Therapy Programs in the country.
Consider the cost of public vs. private education. Why pay more to go somewhere else? UW-L is one of the least expensive programs in the midwest.
UW-La Crosse is an established leader in Physical Therapy!!

Scholarships

Scholarships, administered by the UW-La Crosse Foundation, are available for full-time students in the DPT program. There are two deadlines for scholarship application:

Polek Scholarship:

In October of each academic year, both first and second year DPT students may apply for the Polek scholarships. The number of scholarships awarded depends on the funds available. Typically six full-tuition (for a calendar year) scholarships are awarded to both the first year and second year DPT students. Scholarship applications are available from the Chair of the PT scholarship committee, Dennis Fater. The Chair of the Scholarship committee obtains input from all full-time and part-time PT faculty and obtains the necessary financial aid information from the Financial Aids Office to aid in the selection process. Winners are announced during the annual PT Family and Friends weekend. Selection of recipients is based on the following criteria:
Priority one is attitude and character:
- Person who views PT as a calling - not a job
- Individual who is more concerned about seeking and absorbing knowledge as opposed to being concerned about a grade on a test
- Person who is patient-oriented and has demonstrated compassion
- Person who has devoted time to helping their peers
- Evidence of Community Service Involvement
- Person who is willing to share treatment ideas or skills with peers
- Individual who is selfless and totally professional
- In summary - looking for a giving person - not a taker.

The person or persons who most satisfy these traits should be awarded the scholarship. In the event that superior candidates can not be identified based on attitude and character then financial need (based on information from financial aids office) and scholastic ability will be considered.

UW-L Foundation Scholarships:

March 1st of each academic year is the application deadline for all other UW-L Foundation scholarships for DPT students. The PT department scholarship selection committee will be reviewing applications, obtaining recommendation from other PT faculty, and selecting the scholarship recipients. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the Honors Reception set for the last Monday in April in Valhalla. Applications are available at the UW-L Foundation office. A separate form must be filed for each scholarship. Application forms should be returned to the College of Science and Allied Health - Main Hall. These scholarships include:

First Year Students
- Robert and Judy Strzelczyk - usually three of these scholarships are awarded annually and cover tuition for 12 months. Applicants must be a Wisconsin resident in order to receive this scholarship. Financial need will be considered.
- Thorman Family Scholarship.
- James A. and Deborah K. Gould scholarship. Financial need will be considered but will not be the sole determinant.
- Patricia Betthauser Niemuth and Paul Niemuth scholarship Financial need will be considered.
- UW-L Physical Therapy Alumni scholarship. Selection will be based on both financial need and leadership within the class.
Second Year Students
- James A. Gould Memorial scholarship. Financial need will be considered but will not be the sole determinant.
- Rick Palmer Memorial Scholarship. Selection will be based on character and attitude (same selection criteria as for the Polek scholarships).
- UW-L Physical Therapy Alumni scholarship. Selection will be based on both financial need and leadership within the class.
- Lillian Smith scholarship. Financial need will be considered.

Out-of-state Tuition Waivers

Out-of-state tuition waivers are awarded each academic year to graduate students in the physical therapy program who demonstrate worthiness and need. Students may receive either full (100%) or partial waivers. Students that receive a waiver for the first academic year are not guaranteed a waiver for subsequent years. The number of waivers awarded depends on funds available.