UW-Milwaukee Doctorate Physical Therapy

Make a Difference as a Physical Therapist

Physical therapists (PTs) play a critical role in helping individuals of all ages recover from injuries, improve mobility, manage chronic pain, and enhance their overall quality of life. As licensed healthcare professionals, PTs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, and sports facilities. They design and implement individualized treatment plans to promote functional independence and prevent further injury. 

The need for skilled physical therapists is growing rapidly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow by 14% from 2023 to 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand is particularly strong in rural and underserved areas, including communities throughout Wisconsin, where access to rehabilitation and preventative care is essential. 

With a rewarding career in physical therapy, you can make a lasting impact on others while enjoying job stability, flexible work environments, and opportunities for lifelong learning. The profession also emphasizes patient-centered care, allowing PTs to develop strong relationships with their clients as they guide them through recovery and improved physical health.

What You’ll Learn in the Program 

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have partnered to offer an innovative 3+3 program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Health Science emphasis at UW-Platteville and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from UW-Milwaukee in as few as six years. 

This streamlined pathway offers a seamless academic transition, early immersion into physical therapy education, and removes traditional barriers to admission. There’s no GRE requirement and no need to apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Instead, the program is designed for highly motivated and mature students who want to pursue a clear and efficient route to earning a physical therapy degree. 

Throughout the undergraduate portion of the program, students engage in rigorous coursework while also participating in advising sessions, healthcare enrichment experiences, and service learning. These opportunities allow students to build the foundation they need to succeed in a doctoral-level physical therapy program.

Why This 3+3 Pathway Stands Out

Unlike traditional DPT admission processes that require four years of undergraduate coursework followed by three years of graduate school, this 3+3 model offers:

• Time Savings: Complete both degrees in just six years instead of seven.
• Cost Efficiency: Reduce the total number of undergraduate credits and tuition costs.
• Early Clinical Focus: Start engaging with physical therapy faculty and clinical concepts in your fourth year.
• Personalized Support: Benefit from high-touch advising, enrichment seminars, and career development opportunities.

Through programs like Preparing Undergraduate Medical Professionals (PUMP) and the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars PUMPed Program, DPT students gain access to hands-on learning, service experiences, and a strong professional network. These experiences build leadership, confidence, and communication skills that are critical for success in physical therapy practice and clinical education.

Students also benefit from a close partnership between the faculty at UW-Platteville and UW-Milwaukee. Regular collaboration between both institutions ensures that students stay on track and are supported academically, professionally, and personally throughout their DPT education.

3+3 Program Pathway

Students interested in this opportunity must apply specifically to the 3+3 track. Here are the eligibility criteria and benchmarks:

• Declared Major: BS in Biology with a Health Science emphasis
• Application Timing: Apply to the DPT program after completing your sophomore year
• GPA Requirements: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 and at least a 3.3 GPA in all prerequisite science courses
• Grade Standards: No grades lower than a B in key prerequisite courses
• Experience: Complete a minimum of 30 hours of healthcare-related service, shadowing, or leadership experience
• Enrichment Participation: Attend advising sessions and participate in mentoring programs or seminars to strengthen your academic profile and readiness 

This path provides a clear, goal-driven structure for aspiring physical therapists and minimizes uncertainty in the graduate admission process. Students are encouraged to work closely with academic advisors and the program director to ensure they meet all benchmarks and are prepared for the rigors of the DPT curriculum.

Program Structure 

Here is a year-by-year look at what you can expect from this program: 

Years 1–3: UW-Platteville

• Complete foundational science and general education coursework
• Engage in enrichment activities and advising
• Gain clinical experience in healthcare-related settings
• Apply to UW-Milwaukee’s DPT program during Year 2 

Year 4: UW-Milwaukee (DPT Year 1)

• Begin the DPT curriculum
• Credits from this year transfer back to UW-Platteville to fulfill requirements for your Bachelor of Science in Biology
• Continue developing clinical skills and foundational PT knowledge

 Years 5–6: UW-Milwaukee (DPT Years 2 & 3)

• Participate in advanced coursework and hands-on clinical rotations
• Complete placements in a variety of healthcare settings, including rural communities across Wisconsin
• Prepare for licensure and clinical practice through the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) 

This carefully designed transfer structure helps you stay on track to complete your doctor of physical therapy degree efficiently and effectively, while ensuring you gain real-world clinical experience.

About the Collaboration 

The UW-Platteville to UWM DPT 3+3 partnership was created to address a critical need for healthcare professionals across Wisconsin. With an emphasis on rural healthcare access, this program helps develop compassionate, skilled physical therapists who are prepared to work in communities where their services are most needed. 

The collaboration is a product of intentional design and strategic alignment between UW-Platteville’s Department of Biology and UW-Milwaukee’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences & Technology. Together, they identified a gap in healthcare provider availability, particularly in underserved and rural regions of the state. Their shared goal is to create a pathway that nurtures local talent, reduces barriers to graduate admission, and retains healthcare professionals within the region. 

Key aspects of the collaboration include:

• Curriculum Alignment: Courses at UW-Platteville are tailored to support successful transition into UW-Milwaukee’s PT program, with advising that prepares students to meet the clinical and academic rigor of the DPT curriculum.
• Faculty Cooperation: Faculty members from both institutions are engaged in mentoring, progress tracking, and curriculum development. This cooperative model ensures continuity in student support throughout both undergraduate and graduate phases.
• Focus on Workforce Needs: Wisconsin, like many states, is experiencing a growing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in the field of physical therapy. This partnership actively addresses this issue by creating a sustainable and intentional pipeline.
• Commitment to Student Success: From first-year advising to DPT licensure preparation, students benefit from high-quality guidance, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences grounded in clinical practice. 

By combining resources, expertise, and student support systems, the program sets you up for success from the first day of college through licensure as a physical therapist. The partnership also strengthens ties between institutions within the UW System and reflects a commitment to accessible, affordable, and high-impact education in the health professions.

Alumni of UW-Platteville have gone on to become successful PTs throughout Wisconsin and beyond, working in hospitals, private clinics, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Their stories underscore the value of early mentorship, practical experience, and strong advising throughout their academic journey.

Start Your Journey in Healthcare

The 3+3 UW-Platteville to UW-Milwaukee DPT pathway is a powerful opportunity to fast-track your career, reduce your costs, and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Whether you're passionate about helping others recover from injury, enhancing wellness through movement, or advancing rural health access, this program is built to support your goals. 

Learn more about the DPT program, prerequisites, and how to apply by visiting UW-Platteville's collaborative opportunities page or contacting the Department of Biology at biology@uwplatt.edu. 

For more details about financial aid options for this pathway, please consult UW-Platteville’s and UW-Milwaukee’s financial aid offices. Securing support early ensures that you can focus on your studies and clinical education without financial stress. Students in this PT program are eligible for aid during both undergraduate and graduate phases of the program, making it easier to manage the investment in your education. 

Prepare for your future with a DPT degree from UW-Milwaukee, starting at UW-Platteville.