Northern Illinois University

School of Allied Health & Communicative Disorders

Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy Program is located in the School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders, in the College of Health and Human Sciences. The Physical Therapy Program started in 1980 as a Bachelor's program, made the transition to the Master of Physical Therapy degree in 1999, and is currently awaiting state approval to offer the Doctor of Physical therapy (D.P.T.) degree. To practice as a Physical Therapist, an individual must be licensed by the state in which he or she wishes to practice. Requirements for licensure include successful completion of an accredited program in physical therapy and meeting all licensing requirements of the state. The Physical Therapy Program has been fully accredited since its inception, and will undergo re-accreditation in 2013.

 

Graduate Physical Therapy

Implemented in 1980, NIU's Physical Therapy Program is dedicated to educating individuals who can function as inquiring, well-rounded, entry-level therapists capable of providing optimum care in a sophisticated and changing health care environment. The Program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE):

  • Focuses on enhancing the student's problem-solving skills, using evidence based practice, and fostering positive attitudes toward professional involvement and continuing education
  • Exposes students to a broad range of part-time and full-time clinical experiences with clinical specialists in the PT laboratory and at various health care facilities throughout the Illinois and the surrounding states.

 

Undergraduate Health Sciences/Pre-Physical Therapy

The Pre-Physical Therapy emphasis in the Health Sciences major provides the educational foundation needed to pursue a Graduate Degree in Physical Therapy. About the Health Sciences/Pre-Physical Therapy Major.

Click here for information about the Health Sciences/Pre-Physical Therapy Major

 

This site is currently under construction. Interested students should contact the Physical Therapy office at (815) 753-1383 for more information of the anticipated D.P.T professional program.