Introduction

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Physical Therapy Program was initiated in 1926 and became one of the first three physical therapy curricula in the United States to receive accreditation from the American Physical Therapy Association in 1929. The PT Program is now a free-standing program in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation in the School of Medicine and Public Health, and offers an entry-level professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The Program begins a new class of 40 students each June.

Our Home

The Physical Therapy Program’s home on the UW-Madison campus grants it access to the abundant resources available at a major research institution. Faculty collaborate with other departments, and students can study under the direction of research mentors; participate in interdisciplinary research projects; attend research seminars and clinical conferences; and take advantage of the exemplary library resources and campus support services.

The PT Program’s location in the School of Medicine and Public Health allows for cooperative teaching arrangements with Department of Anatomy faculty and provides opportunities for interdisciplinary programming with students from numerous health care professional programs.

One of the many advantages of being housed in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation is the involvement of physicians within the PT Program as adjunct faculty.

Our Strengths

UW-Madison Physical Therapy Program faculty have worked as a team to develop an integrated curriculum and have earned the reputation of being very student-focused and committed to the learning process, facilitating student involvement at professional conferences, Student Conclaves, and state Legislative Days. Faculty are professionally involved at district, state, national and international levels. Faculty areas of clinical expertise are diverse, with Clinical Specialist certifications in Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Neurology, Orthopedics, and Sports. Other areas of expertise are biomechanics, business administration, modalities, vestibular rehabilitation, and women’s health. UW-Madison PT Program faculty are nationally-recognized leaders in the development of the professional behaviors known as Generic Abilities.

Faculty and students alike have been recognized for research and leadership. In both 2004 and 2005, UW-Madison Physical Therapy students have won the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association Best Poster in Research Award. In addition, the program director, Lisa Steinkamp, received the 2005 Wisconsin Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Leadership and Dr. William Boissonnault was the recipient of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health's 2006 Dean's Teaching Award.

The UW-Madison PT Program has consistently attracted high-quality students who score well above state and national averages on the National Physical Therapy Examination and who are described by employers as “professional, well-rounded, empathetic, patient advocates, professionally involved, able to accept feedback, lifelong learners and critical thinkers.” Students are involved in many outreach and fundraising activities that range from Program-specific endeavors to interdisciplinary efforts with medical students and students from other disciplines.

Finally, one of the UW-Madison Physical Therapy Program’s greatest strengths is its extensive and loyal alumni base.

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Physical Therapy - University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation
First published: 01/01/04 Last updated: 07/04/08 webmaster@surgery.wisc.edu
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