Physical Therapy (Professional Program: DPT)

The College of Applied Health Sciences offers the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The DPT is the entry-level degree for individuals who wish to become physical therapists. At the University of Illinois Chicago, students complete eight terms (33 months) of didactic and clinical education that includes didactic lecture and laboratory courses and clinical experiences.

UIC DPT graduates are ahead of the curve: The overall licensure exam pass rates have been 100% for the last three years. The job market is strong. All graduates responding to a survey one year post-graduation report they are working as physical therapists in diverse clinical settings within six months of graduation.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Illinois Chicago is accredited by:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
(703) 999-2782
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Website: http://www.capteonline.org

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program was first accredited in 1973 and was awarded a 10-year reaccreditation in November 2017.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program offers students the following:

  •  a student and faculty community dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  •  an academic program highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report, 6th among public universities
  •  nationally and internationally known faculty teach in all major physical therapy specialties and many have research labs on site
  •  unique U.S. and international clinical experiences with diverse patient populations
  •  strong ties to the Illinois Medical District including clinical experiences at our dedicated faculty practice and UIC Hospital and clinics
  • availability of three certificate programs as well as elective courses in geriatrics, pelvic health, neuroplasticity, sports physical therapy and pediatrics
  • located in the heart of beautiful Chicago

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at UIC is considered a professional clinical doctorate degree program, not a graduate program. Applications for this program should be submitted through the Physical Therapist Central Application Service (PTCAS). The applications are then forwarded to and processed by the Department of Physical Therapy. For additional information on the DPT program, admission requirements, and the application process, please consult the Department of Physical Therapy website.

Interdepartmental Concentrations

Students earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy may complement their courses by enrolling in select concentrations after consulting with their advisor. Interdepartmental concentrations available for this degree include: