Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Physical Therapist Programs in Aurora, Chicago, Elgin, Joliet, Naperville, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield.
Looking to kickstart your career as a physical therapist in Illinois?
This guide highlights the top Physical Therapist Programs in Illinois, detailing the most reputable schools and what makes each program stand out.
Discover the best options to enhance your education and career opportunities in the healthcare field.
University of Illinois at Chicago – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program aims to equip you with the expertise needed to prevent and correct movement disorders. Spanning 33 months over eight terms, this program seamlessly integrates theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
- Extensive Curriculum: Includes lectures, labs, and 38 weeks of full-time clinical education.
- High Rankings: UIC’s DPT program is ranked #17 among public universities and #34 among all universities in the U.S.
- Affiliations: Over 400 clinical sites nationally and internationally.
- Specialized Electives: Offers unique courses in areas such as gait, pediatrics, gender health, and sports therapy.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Outcomes: Boasts high first-time licensure exam pass rates and a 100% employment rate within six months of graduation.
Discover more about building a rewarding career through UIC’s DPT Program.
Northern Illinois University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
Northern Illinois University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program provides a well-rounded education to develop exceptional physical therapists. The program, accredited by CAPTE, is notable for its impressive employment, licensure, and graduation rates.
- Hands-On Clinical Experience: Offers practical experience in faculty-run clinics, research labs, and diverse healthcare settings.
- Comprehensive Application Process: Uses the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS), with an October 2 deadline for the upcoming summer.
- Rich Clinical Education: Ensures thorough training in real-world healthcare scenarios.
Learn how to excel in the physical therapy field with NIU’s DPT Program.
North Central College – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
North Central College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program aims to prepare you for a successful career through its 112 credit hours completed over 7 semesters.
- Integrated Curriculum: Combines liberal arts and movement science with clinical practice scenarios such as communication, billing, and diagnostic intervention.
- Holistic Admissions: Considers your experiences and alignment with the program’s mission.
- Active Learning Models: Uses technology and a pass/no pass grading system to prioritize your competency.
- Clinical Experiences: Includes full-time clinical experiences and vacation periods, offering a balanced education.
Explore how you can advance your career with the North Central College’s DPT Program.
Elgin Community College – Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Elgin Community College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant program that combines academic and clinical education over two years, preparing you for the state-administered licensure exam.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Balanced Curriculum: Consists of approximately 75% classroom and lab study and 25% clinical education across five semesters.
- Career Readiness: Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assisting, preparing them for immediate employment.
- Hands-On Experience: Partners with clinics to provide practical training, often leading to job offers.
Learn more about starting your career with Elgin Community College’s Program.
Northwestern University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Northwestern University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offers an unrivaled education that blends new knowledge with clinical practice and research opportunities.
- Robust Curriculum: Focuses on wellness and optimal health outcomes, accredited by CAPTE.
- Mentorship Program: Assists with career planning and academic counseling.
- Residencies and Fellowships: Emphasizes hands-on learning and global health perspectives.
- Premier Medical Environment: Situated in Chicago, providing access to a leading medical community.
Advance your knowledge with Northwestern University’s DPT Program.
Lewis University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Lewis University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program emphasizes clinical education through four 8-week experiences in various settings.
- Diverse Clinical Settings: Includes orthopedics, neurorehabilitation, and pediatrics.
- Accreditation: CAPTE-accredited, ensuring the highest educational standards.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Combines lectures, hands-on labs, and interprofessional education across 112 credit hours over 7.5 semesters.
- High Employment Prospects: Graduates are well-prepared for the physical therapy licensure exam, with significant growth projected in the field by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Start your journey with Lewis University’s DPT Program.
Southern Illinois University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Southern Illinois University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is designed to prepare students for diverse careers in physical therapy. This flexible program combines theoretical and practical training to ensure students are ready to excel in their field.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers essential topics, equipping you with the knowledge needed for various physical therapy scenarios.
- Hands-On Experience: Students benefit from clinical experiences, preparing them for real-world applications.
- Alignment with Requirements: Though not a major, it serves as a robust pre-physical therapy curriculum, paving the way for applications to DPT programs nationwide.
- Partner Affiliations: Collaborations with regional schools offer enhanced learning and job placement opportunities.
Start your journey to becoming a physical therapist through SIU’s DPT Program.
Midwestern University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Midwestern University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Downers Grove provides extensive education aimed at developing skilled, compassionate physical therapists. This 34-month program ensures you gain the necessary clinical expertise.
- Extensive Clinical Education: Includes 800 clock-hours of hands-on clinical training across various healthcare settings.
- Interprofessional Collaboration: Encourages teamwork with other healthcare professionals for a holistic approach.
- Community Service: Promotes involvement in community-oriented activities, enhancing your practical skills.
- Rolling Admissions: Enables flexibility in application timelines, allowing you to apply at your convenience.
Elevate your career with the Midwestern University’s DPT Program.
Illinois Central College – Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Illinois Central College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program offers rigorous training to prepare you for licensure and a successful career as a PTA. Accredited by CAPTE, this program combines robust academic coursework with extensive practical experiences.
- Historical Accreditation: Accredited since 1971, ensuring a longstanding tradition of excellence.
- Hands-On Lab Experiences: Incorporates practical labs to reinforce academic knowledge.
- Clinical Rotations: Includes three full-time clinical rotations to offer experience in various real-life settings.
- High Success Rates: Boasts an 80% graduation rate and a 100% ultimate exam pass rate.
Kickstart your career with training from ICC’s PTA Program.
Southern Illinois University – Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Pending CAPTE approval, Southern Illinois University is developing a hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This unique program combines online and face-to-face classes to offer flexible learning options for allied health professionals.
- Flexible Learning: Combines weekend face-to-face classes with online lectures, meeting nine times per semester.
- Focused Practical Training: Emphasizes exercise prescription, hands-on care, and patient education.
- Eligibility: Requires a bachelor’s degree and current employment in allied health.
- Licensure Readiness: Prepares graduates for the National Licensure Examination for Physical Therapy.
Stay updated on this innovative program through SIU’s Grad Catalog.
What to Look for in a Physical Therapist Program
Choosing the right physical therapist program requires careful consideration. Focus on these key aspects to make an informed decision for your career:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), guaranteeing adherence to high educational standards.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program should cover necessary areas such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and specific fields like pediatrics or sports therapy.
- Clinical Education Opportunities: Look for programs offering diverse and extensive clinical internships or rotations to gain practical experience.
- Experienced Faculty: Qualified instructors with relevant experience and specializations can provide valuable insights and mentorship.
- Program Outcomes: Review metrics such as licensure exam pass rates and graduate employment rates to evaluate program effectiveness.
- Costs and Financial Aid: Consider tuition fees and the availability of financial aid, scholarships, and other funding options.
- Support System: A program offering strong student support services, including career guidance and mentorship, can significantly enhance your educational experience.
- Location and Clinical Placements: Proximity to varied clinical settings can offer a broader range of experiences, preparing you for different aspects of physical therapy.
Researching these factors will help you choose a program aligned with your career goals and educational needs.
Physical Therapist Programs By State
Conclusion
Illinois offers a plethora of top-notch physical therapist programs designed to provide you with the education and practical experience required to excel in the field. From prestigious DPT programs to specialized PTA courses, these institutions stand out for their robust curricula, clinical training, and excellent program outcomes.
Take the first step towards a fulfilling career by exploring these reputable Physical Therapist Programs in Illinois. Each program link provides detailed information to help you get started on your educational journey. Choose the right program that aligns with your career aspirations and begin your path to becoming a skilled physical therapist.