What to Expect

Thinking about joining our program? Find out what you can expect as a student at UIC.

Are you a current UIC DPT student? Visit the student resources page on Inside AHS.

Scheduling

While fall and spring classes follow UIC’s undergraduate academic calendar, summer courses and clinical education experiences do not. See all physical therapy course descriptions.

Summer Classes meet TBD.  Prior example: 5/26-7/17/20xx
Clinical Education Experience I TBD. Prior example: 7/20–7/31/20xx

Fall

PT 600Introduction to Physical Therapy4 hours
PT 603Gross Anatomy for Physical Therapy5 hours
PT 605Systems Physiology and Plasticity6 hours
15 total hours

Spring

PT 604Anatomy of the Central Nervous System, Head and Neck for Physical Therapy4 hours
PT 617Applied Kinesiology4 hours
PT 618Motor Control2 hours
PT 625Professional Development I2 hours
PT 629Science and Practice Seminar I3 hours
PT 635Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction4 hours
19 total hours

Summer

PT 616Biophysics4 hours
PT 624Therapeutic Applications5 hours
PT 640Clinical Education Experience I2 hours
11 total hours

Opportunities

Plan ahead for year two

Scheduling

While fall and spring classes follow UIC’s undergraduate academic calendar, summer courses and clinical education experiences do not. See all physical therapy course descriptions.

Clinical Education Experience II TBD.  Prior examples: 5/20-8/9/20xx; 5/18-8/7/20xx
Clinical Education Experience III TBD. Prior examples: 8/19-11/8/20xx; 8/17-11/6/20xx

Fall

PT 626Professional Development II3 hours
PT 632Musculoskeletal Dysfunction II5 hours
PT 633Neuromuscular Dysfunction I5 hours
PT 636Applied Pathophysiology4 hours
PT 638Integration and Assessment I1 hour
Optional electives
18+ total hours

Spring

PT 620Clinical Applications1 hour
PT 622Psychosocial Theory and Practice I2 hours
PT 623Psychosocial Theory and Practice II3 hours
PT 631Musculoskeletal Dysfunction I5 hours
PT 634Neuromuscular Dysfunction II5 hours
PT 639Integration and Assessment II1 hour
Optional electives
17+ total hours

Summer

PT 641Clinical Education Experience II12 hours
12 total hours

Prepare for clinical education experiences in year three

You’ve completed foundational courses in year one, and are integrating and applying your knowledge in year two.

Here are some tips to prepare you for the 36 weeks of full-time clinical education experiences ahead:

  • Be flexible – While algorithms are used to optimize the match of student to site, be open to the possibility of a location or setting different than you hoped for. Every clinical site offers great learning opportunities.
  • Be ready – You may need to foot the bill for travel, transportation, or living expenses. Your site may require extra immunizations or background checks. Research the diagnoses of the patient population of your site.
  • Set your expectations and goals – You will discover the hectic pace of clinical PT practice. To get the most out of your experience, be clear about your current capabilities and areas you hope to grow.
  • Stay on the same page – Communication is the key to success!
  • Enjoy yourself!

 

Class of 2018

White coat ceremony

Just before the 12-week long clinical education experiences begin, students mark their transition from the classroom to the clinic. Time to wear white coats!

Learn more

Scheduling

While fall and spring classes follow UIC’s undergraduate academic calendar, summer courses and clinical education experiences do not. See all physical therapy course descriptions.

“Capstone courses” (PT627, PT628, and PT630) begin in the Fall term and end in Spring following Clinical Education Experience IV.

Clinical Education Experience III TBD.  Prior examples: 8/19-11/8/20xx; 8/17-11/6/20xx
Clinical Education Experience IV TBD. Prior example: 1/6-3/27/20xx

Fall

PT 642Clinical Education Experience III12 hours
12 total hours

Spring

PT 627Professional Development III2 hours
PT 628Case Management in Physical Therapy Practice3 hours
PT 630Science in Practice Seminar II1 hours
PT 643Clinical Education Experience IV12 hours
18 total hours

Next steps