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.
DPT Program Heading link
Explore the each semester schedule — including courses, activities, and opportunities — by clicking through the tabs below.
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 semester
Spring semester
| Spring semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| PT 604 | Anatomy of the Central Nervous System, Head and Neck for Physical Therapy | 4 hours |
| PT 617 | Applied Kinesiology | 4 hours |
| PT 618 | Motor Control | 2 hours |
| PT 625 | Professional Development I | 2 hours |
| PT 629 | Science and Practice Seminar I | 3 hours |
| PT 635 | Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction | 4 hours |
| 19 total hours |
Summer
Plan ahead for year 2
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 semester
Spring semester
| Spring semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| PT 620 | Clinical Applications | 1 hour |
| PT 622 | Psychosocial Theory and Practice I | 2 hours |
| PT 623 | Psychosocial Theory and Practice II | 3 hours |
| PT 631 | Musculoskeletal Dysfunction I | 5 hours |
| PT 634 | Neuromuscular Dysfunction II | 5 hours |
| PT 639 | Integration and Assessment II | 1 hour |
| Optional electives | ||
| 17+ total hours |
Summer
| Summer | ||
|---|---|---|
| PT 641 | Clinical Education Experience II | 12 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!
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 semester
| Fall semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| PT 642 | Clinical Education Experience III | 12 hours |
| 12 total hours |
Spring semester
Year 1 Opportunities Heading link
White coat ceremony Heading link
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!
