Wisconsin Lutheran College

What you'll study

Undergraduate study takes place at WLC in either biology or sport and exercise science, following sample plans and student resources provided by the department. The RFU D.P.T. curriculum emphasizes clinical judgment grounded in current evidence, interprofessional healthcare education, and culturally sensitive practice. RFU’s suburban Chicago location provides access to diverse clinical experiences. RFU reports a two-year average NPTE ultimate pass rate of 100% for the Classes of 2020 and 2021, and a two-year average employment rate of 100% for the Classes of 2019 and 2020 who passed the NPTE and sought employment.

Entry requirements

Admission into the WLC portion follows standard WLC entry procedures for undergraduate majors in biology or sport and exercise science. For progression to RFU, applicants must meet RFU’s competitive admissions process; the partnership waives the GRE requirement common to many D.P.T. programs. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 is required. The partnership does not provide direct entry—acceptance to RFU is competitive.

Career prospects

Graduates who complete the D.P.T. are qualified to pursue licensure as physical therapists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand for physical therapists, estimating 40,400 new PT positions nationally over the next ten years and an anticipated 17% growth rate, well above the average for all occupations. Forbes has also listed physical therapy among highly satisfying careers.

Scholarships & funding angle

The accelerated timeline can lower total tuition and living costs by shortening the period of study before entering paid practice. Students should consult WLC and RFU financial aid offices and departmental advisors about scholarships, grants, and aid options available to undergraduate and professional students.