Doctor of Physical Therapy - Nonacademic Factors

Instructions for Nonacademic Factors

Complete the Physical Therapy Program Application and submit it with the Prerequisite Course Worksheet to 5173 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706-1532.
Complete the Patient Care Experience Forms

At least two Patient Care Experience Forms must be completed and submitted with your application materials. Only experiences documented and evaluated on these forms will be accepted. Additional instructions are included on the Patient Care Experience Form.

The form must be completed by a licensed physical therapist. The Physical Therapist's signature is not required over an envelope's seal. You may submit this form with other application materials or the form may be sent directly to the DPT Program. If the form is mailed directly to the Program, please check with the physical therapist to verify that the form has been mailed and will be received in the Program office by the specified deadline. Suggest that the clinician keep a copy of the form in the event that the form does not reach us.
Complete the Letters of Recommendation

It is important to obtain three letters of recommendation from individuals who can provide specific evidence of your potential to succeed in the UW-Madison Physical Therapy Program. Individuals writing the letters of recommendation do not need to be physical therapists and should not be from physical therapists who have completed Patient Care Experience Forms. Letters that provide comments relative to your unique background and diverse life experiences will strengthen your application.

Exactly three letters of recommendation are required. Please see the form Instruction for Writers of Recommendation Letters. Be sure to sign the form and check the appropriate box regarding your right to view the letter. Letters may be returned to you and submitted with other application materials, or letters may be sent directly to the DPT Program. Letters do not need to be submitted in a sealed envelope with the author's signature over the seal. You are encouraged to check and verify that the letters have been sent and will arrive by your application deadline. Three letters must be received by the deadline for your application to be considered.
Complete the Personal Statement

The personal statement provides you with an opportunity to share with the Admissions Committee your personal characteristics and goals, and to give the Committee insight into your experiences and background. You are asked to divide your personal statement into two sections.

In the first section , please express your motivations for choosing physical therapy in 250 words.

In the second section , please describe your background and experiences as they pertain to your future success as a physical therapy student and professional. The UW-Madison Physical Therapy Program and the physical therapy profession believe that each individual's background and experiences contribute to the collective educational environment and facilitate the development of characteristics exhibited by successful physical therapists. You are strongly encouraged to address the uniqueness of your background and your diverse life experiences. You are limited to 500 words for this section.

Submit your personal statement with the Physical Therapy Program Application and Prerequisite Course Worksheet. Personal statements are to be typewritten and double-spaced.

Physical Therapy - University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation
First published: 01/01/04 Last updated: 11/07/09 webmaster@pt.wisc.edu
Copyright © 2005 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System