Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
Prepare to excel as an entry-level physical therapist.
With a focus on experiential learning and evidence-based practice, our program will give you the knowledge and skills needed to start a rewarding career as a physical therapist.
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), our program’s excellence can be seen in our students’ high employment, licensure and graduation rates.
How Can Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) Advance My Career?
You'll receive hands-on training from experienced faculty in the NIU Physical Therapy Clinic preparing you for careers in hospital clinical roles, outpatient clinics and specialized areas.
At a Glance
107 credit hours
In person
Full time
Start in the summer semester
Admissions Process
D.P.T. program admissions are processed through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS). You must also apply to NIU's graduate school. Applications are typically available in mid-June for admission the following summer.
For summer 2027 admission, applications are due Oct. 2, 2026.
How to Apply
Cost of Attendance
Curriculum and Requirements
The program consists of nine consecutive terms, starting in the summer semester of year one and finishing in the spring semester of year three. Coursework consists of a combination of lecture courses, lecture/laboratory courses and clinical experiences.
Our Vision and Mission
Our goal is to enable our faculty and graduates to be transformative agents of health care through inclusion, empowerment and respect for diversity of persons, experiences and thoughts.
With a focus on contemporary evidence, we strive to educate individuals to become physical therapists who are collaborative problem-solvers in health care teams to improve the health and well-being of populations, communities and individuals.
Faculty
Our supportive faculty bring diverse experiences, backgrounds, scholarship and expertise in physical therapy. They’re committed to helping students learn therapeutic skills and exercise principles to treat clients of all ages.
Contact Us
Physical Therapy
340 Wirtz Hall, DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1484
815-753-9123 (fax)
pt@niu.edu
Looking for the NIU Physical Therapy Clinic?
Call 815-753-1481
The Physical Therapy Program at Northern Illinois University is accredited by:
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
800-999-2782
accreditation@apta.org