Health Professions

Sam Weigel, PA Studies program student

• Physician Assistant Studies

“This program is excellent. The professors are wonderful and supportive. They challenge us in different ways and push us hard, but only because they know we can do it.”

Hailey Carlson, occupational therapy student

• Occupational Therapy

"Having first-hand experience through this program makes us better at interpreting results and applying our own interventions. Hopefully, it will have a positive effect for patients down the road."

Kayla Lass, '26

• Physical Therapy

The UW–La Crosse Physical Therapy program stands out for its mentorship and community. Professors truly invest in you as a person, creating lifelong mentors. Through research, national conferences, leadership opportunities, and diverse clinical rotations, the program prepares students to become well-rounded clinicians.

Joseph Penchi

• Nuclear Medicine Technology

I love the program. I like that we learn in these hands-on ways and have an internship experience, so I’m able to see the type of profession I’m getting into well ahead of time.

Maggie Cristoforo, occupational therapy student

• Occupational Therapy

"I’ve gone from just following instructions as an undergraduate to having a bigger role in planning and executing a research study as a graduate student. It’s empowering to have a say in the research process."

Seth Polfus, '25

• Physical Therapy

I believe the high-level education across disciplines makes the program stand out. Working now in a rural setting I see a little bit of everything, and coming out of school I felt prepared to provide quality care to whoever walked in the door, regardless of diagnosis.

Amber Skrzypcak

• Nuclear Medicine Technology

In Nuclear Medicine Technology, I'll have the opportunity to make an impactful difference in people's lives by helping diagnose disease and support new therapies that continue to improve patient care. What attracted me most to this field was being able to combine my love of science with helping others.

Carmen Crandall

• Nuclear Medicine Technology

I chose this field because of the balance between technology and patient care. I’ve always loved using technology, so incorporating that into my love of working with patients and caring for them is a great fit. There are always new therapies and new tracers coming out, so I will be continually learning new things throughout my career.

Alexander Morgan, ’20, Tomah Health Rehabilitation Services Department.

• Tomah Health
• Occupational Therapy

“UWL gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to hit the ground running. The classes, hands-on learning and community-based parts of the program all prepared me to provide direct patient care and tailor that care to meet each person’s needs.”

Makenna Carpenter, '26

• Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy program provides a truly authentic learning experience with a strong curriculum and diverse clinical and research opportunities. Faculty genuinely invest in students as both learners and individuals, fostering meaningful relationships beyond the classroom, while building a solid foundation for continued growth as clinicians.

HIRED!

Marina Hart

• Family Medicine Physician Assistant | Allina Health
• Physician Assistant Studies

My time as Diversity Chair for the UWL Physician Assistant Student Society helped me learn to lead with confidence and build skills in interprofessional collaboration. My favorite moment in this role was organizing a campus-wide Narcan training that the OT students helped me bring to life, which brought over 80 students and faculty together!

Katie Hall, '26

• Physical Therapy

The UW–La Crosse Doctor of Physical Therapy Program truly embodies a “work hard, play hard” ethos. The tight-knit community, supportive faculty, and focus on academic rigor, research, and service have made my last three years here incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally!