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 600 | Introduction to Physical Therapy | 4 hours |
| PT 603 | Gross Anatomy for Physical Therapy | 5 hours |
| PT 605 | Systems Physiology and Plasticity | 6 hours |
| 15 total hours |
Spring
| 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
| PT 616 | Biophysics | 4 hours |
| PT 624 | Therapeutic Applications | 5 hours |
| PT 640 | Clinical Education Experience I | 2 hours |
| 11 total hours |
Opportunities
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Attend CSM
Join the largest gathering of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students. Registration opens in the fall for event in February.
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Pursue Multidisciplinary Opportunities
PT 496 The Health and Wellness Academy (HWA) is a service-learning course that connects with our surrounding community here in Chicago. Our mission is to empower youth through experiential learning opportunities that promote ownership over their lifestyle choices and helps build positive relationships with food and movement.
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Volunteer
Practice what you're learning and give to the community at the same time:
Participate in events and runs.
Raise $$ for PT Research via the Marquette Challenge. Or, go on a service trip over winter break. -
Innovate and Collaborate
Brainstorm with people in different fields to create new health apps that solve important problems. Join our annual Health Tech Jam!
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 626 | Professional Development II | 3 hours |
| PT 632 | Musculoskeletal Dysfunction II | 5 hours |
| PT 633 | Neuromuscular Dysfunction I | 5 hours |
| PT 636 | Applied Pathophysiology | 4 hours |
| PT 638 | Integration and Assessment I | 1 hour |
| Optional electives | ||
| 18+ total hours |
Spring
| 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
| 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!
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!
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 642 | Clinical Education Experience III | 12 hours |
| 12 total hours |
Spring
| PT 627 | Professional Development III | 2 hours |
| PT 628 | Case Management in Physical Therapy Practice | 3 hours |
| PT 630 | Science in Practice Seminar II | 1 hours |
| PT 643 | Clinical Education Experience IV | 12 hours |
| 18 total hours |
Next steps
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Residency in sports or orthopedic PT
Apply for a residency at our Physical Therapy Faculty Practice
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PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences
Pursue a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences
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UIC Alumni Association
Learn how UIC can serve you as an alum
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Become a licensed PT
Certify your competence and meet the PT regulatory standards by passing the NPTE