Barry PhilipsAre you looking for the best physical therapy schools in Chicago? Chicago and its surrounding metropolitan area are home to several universities offering Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs for students who want to build careers in rehabilitation, sports medicine, healthcare and human movement.
Physical therapists play an important role in helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, neurological conditions and chronic health problems. They also help people improve mobility, manage pain, regain strength and maintain physical independence.
To become a licensed physical therapist in the United States, students typically need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program and meet the licensing requirements of the state where they intend to practice.
Chicago is an attractive location for physical therapy students because of its large healthcare system, teaching hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, sports organizations and diverse patient population.
In this guide, we explore some of the top physical therapy schools in Chicago and the surrounding Chicagoland area, including their admission requirements, prerequisite courses, GPA expectations and clinical experience requirements.
Top Physical Therapy Schools In Chicago And Requirements
1. Northwestern University DPT Program
Northwestern University is one of the most recognized universities in Chicago and offers a highly regarded Doctor of Physical Therapy program through its Feinberg School of Medicine.
The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory education, clinical experiences and research. Students are introduced to areas including human movement, rehabilitation, neuroscience, musculoskeletal care and other aspects of physical therapy.
Northwestern takes a holistic approach to admissions. This means that academic performance is important, but the university also considers an applicant’s experiences, personal qualities, understanding of physical therapy, leadership and commitment to healthcare.
Northwestern University Physical Therapy Requirements
Applicants generally need to:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Complete the required prerequisite courses.
- Earn acceptable grades in prerequisite coursework.
- Complete anatomy and physiology requirements.
- Complete chemistry and physics requirements.
- Complete psychology and other supporting coursework.
- Obtain physical therapy observation, volunteer or work experience.
- Submit the required recommendations and essays.
- Apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
Northwestern does not use GRE scores as part of its DPT admission process.
Why Choose Northwestern University?
Northwestern is particularly appealing to students who want to study physical therapy in downtown Chicago while being part of a major academic medical environment.
Its combination of research, clinical education and access to a large healthcare network makes it an attractive option for students seeking a comprehensive DPT education.
2. UIC Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is another excellent choice for students searching for a physical therapy school in Chicago.
UIC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program provides students with extensive academic and clinical preparation. The program takes approximately 33 months and includes classroom education, laboratory experiences and full-time clinical education.
Students can develop knowledge in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, rehabilitation and human movement.
UIC Physical Therapy Requirements
Applicants generally need:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- A minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.5.
- Required prerequisite coursework.
- At least 40 hours of physical therapy experience.
- GRE scores.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Official transcripts.
- PTCAS application.
- Required UIC application materials.
Typical prerequisite subjects include biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, statistics and psychology.
UIC’s relatively flexible undergraduate-major requirement means students do not necessarily need to major in kinesiology or exercise science.
Why Choose UIC?
UIC is an excellent option for students who want a public university in Chicago with access to a major academic healthcare environment.
The program’s clinical education component is another important advantage for students who want significant hands-on preparation before entering professional practice.
3. Rosalind Franklin DPT Program
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is located in North Chicago and is one of the major health-sciences universities serving the Chicagoland region.
Its Doctor of Physical Therapy program is designed to provide intensive academic, clinical and practical training. The program can be completed in approximately two and a half years.
Because Rosalind Franklin specializes heavily in healthcare education, students can benefit from an environment focused on medicine and other health professions.
Rosalind Franklin Physical Therapy Requirements
Applicants generally need prerequisite coursework in:
- General biology with laboratory.
- General chemistry with laboratory.
- Physics with laboratory.
- Anatomy and physiology with laboratory.
- Psychology and social sciences.
- English or composition.
- Statistics.
Prerequisite courses must generally be completed with grades of C or better.
Applicants also need a bachelor’s degree before matriculation and at least 40 hours of physical therapy observation, volunteer work or employment experience.
The university does not require the GRE for its DPT program.
Why Choose Rosalind Franklin?
Rosalind Franklin is particularly suitable for students who want a healthcare-focused university and an interprofessional learning environment.
Its location in North Chicago also gives students an opportunity to study within the wider Chicago metropolitan area without being directly in the downtown core.
4. Midwestern University Physical Therapy Program
Midwestern University’s Downers Grove campus is located in the western suburbs of Chicago and offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
The university has a strong focus on health professions, making it an appealing option for students who want to study physical therapy alongside other healthcare disciplines.
The DPT program combines academic instruction, laboratory training and clinical experiences to prepare students for professional practice.
Midwestern University DPT Requirements
Applicants generally need:
- A bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
- A minimum science GPA of 2.90.
- Required prerequisite courses.
- At least 30 hours of physical therapy observation, employment or volunteer experience.
- Evidence of community involvement or extracurricular activities.
- Application through PTCAS.
- Required supporting documents.
Common prerequisite subjects include biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, psychology and statistics.
Applicants should note that prerequisite courses generally need to be completed with acceptable grades.
Why Choose Midwestern University?
Midwestern University can be a good choice for students who prefer a health-sciences-focused institution located close to Chicago.
Its suburban location may also appeal to students who want access to the Chicago metropolitan area while living and studying outside the city center.
5. North Central College DPT Program
North Central College in Naperville is another option for students looking for a Doctor of Physical Therapy program near Chicago.
Naperville is part of the greater Chicagoland area, making the university worth considering for students who are willing to study outside Chicago proper.
The DPT program prepares students through academic coursework, laboratory training and clinical education.
North Central College Physical Therapy Requirements
Applicants generally need:
- A bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA of approximately 2.85.
- Grades of C or better in prerequisite courses.
- Biology with laboratory.
- Chemistry with laboratories.
- Physics with laboratories.
- Anatomy and physiology.
- Statistics.
- Psychology.
- Humanities or social sciences.
- Three recommendation letters.
- Official transcripts.
- Required essays.
- PTCAS application.
Physical therapy observation or work experience is encouraged, although it is not currently a universal requirement for admission.
Why Choose North Central College?
North Central may be attractive to students who prefer a smaller college environment and want to study in a suburban community.
Its location in Naperville also provides access to the broader Chicago healthcare market.
6. Governors State University DPT Program
Governors State University is located in University Park, south of Chicago, and offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program designed to prepare students for professional practice.
The program covers areas such as human movement, neuroscience, orthopedics, diagnostic imaging and rehabilitation.
Students receive both theoretical and practical preparation as they progress through the curriculum.
Governors State University Physical Therapy Requirements
Applicants generally need:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of approximately 2.8.
- Minimum prerequisite GPA of approximately 3.0.
- Required prerequisite coursework.
- Physical therapy observation experience.
- PTCAS application.
- Official transcripts and other required documents.
Prerequisites include courses such as:
- Biology with laboratory.
- Chemistry with laboratory.
- Anatomy and physiology.
- Physics with laboratory.
- Statistics.
- Psychology, sociology or anthropology.
Governors State lists physical therapy observation experience among its admission requirements and recommends exposure to more than one type of physical therapy setting.
Why Choose Governors State University?
Governors State can be a particularly interesting option for students looking for a public university in the southern part of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Its minimum GPA requirements may also make it worth considering for applicants who do not have the academic profile required by some of the more selective programs.
7. Lewis University DPT Program
Lewis University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Romeoville, Illinois, southeast of Chicago.
The program is designed around evidence-based physical therapy, human movement and clinical education. Its curriculum includes areas such as orthopedic, neurological and acute-care physical therapy.
The program is structured as a concentrated 2.5-year curriculum.
Lewis University Physical Therapy Requirements
Prospective students should expect to complete:
- A bachelor’s degree or approved undergraduate pathway.
- Required prerequisite coursework.
- PTCAS application requirements.
- Official transcripts.
- Required personal and academic application materials.
- Other program-specific requirements.
Students from different undergraduate majors may be eligible as long as they complete the required prerequisite coursework.
Because Lewis’s DPT program is relatively new, prospective students should carefully review its current accreditation and admissions information before applying.
Why Choose Lewis University?
Lewis may appeal to students who want a newer DPT program with a concentrated curriculum and technology-enhanced learning opportunities.
Its Romeoville location also provides an alternative for students who want to remain within the Chicago metropolitan area.
What Are the Requirements to Study Physical Therapy in Chicago?
Bachelor’s Degree
Most traditional DPT programs require applicants to complete a bachelor’s degree before entering the professional program.
Your undergraduate major does not necessarily have to be physical therapy, kinesiology or exercise science. However, you must complete the prerequisite courses specified by your target schools.
Prerequisite Courses
Physical therapy schools commonly require courses such as:
- Biology
- General chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Social sciences
- English or composition
The exact credit-hour requirements vary by university.
Competitive GPA
Every school has its own minimum GPA, but applicants should understand the difference between a minimum GPA and a competitive GPA.
A university may allow applicants with a GPA of 2.5 to apply, but successful applicants may have significantly higher GPAs.
Students should therefore aim to perform as strongly as possible, particularly in prerequisite science courses.
Physical Therapy Experience
Many DPT programs expect applicants to demonstrate that they understand the profession through observation, volunteering or employment.
Depending on the university, applicants may need between approximately 30 and 40 hours or more.
Experience in multiple settings can be especially useful. Examples include:
- Outpatient clinics
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Sports facilities
- Pediatric settings
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Geriatric care
Letters of Recommendation
Recommendation letters allow universities to assess an applicant’s academic ability, professional character and suitability for a career in healthcare.
Applicants should ideally seek recommendations from professors, physical therapists, supervisors or other professionals who know their work well.
Personal Statement and Essays
Many DPT applications require written responses explaining why the applicant wants to become a physical therapist and what experiences have prepared them for the profession.
A strong personal statement should demonstrate genuine understanding of physical therapy rather than simply saying that the applicant wants to help people.
GRE Requirements
GRE requirements vary significantly among Chicago-area DPT programs.
Some universities have removed the GRE requirement entirely, while others may still require or prefer it.
Students should therefore check the specific policy of every school before beginning the application process.
PTCAS Application
Many physical therapy programs use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
Instead of preparing completely separate applications for every university, students can use PTCAS to submit common application information, academic records and other materials to participating programs.
However, individual universities may still require additional application steps after the PTCAS submission.
How Much Does Physical Therapy School Cost in Chicago?
The cost of a DPT degree varies considerably depending on the university, residency status, program length and financial aid.
Students should consider more than tuition when creating a budget.
Additional expenses may include:
- Student fees
- Books
- Laboratory equipment
- Housing
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Clinical education expenses
- Professional examination fees
- Licensing costs
Public universities may offer different tuition rates for Illinois residents and non-residents, while private universities generally have their own tuition structures.
Prospective students should compare the total estimated cost of attendance rather than tuition alone.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist in Chicago?
The timeline varies according to the student’s educational background.
A typical route involves completing a bachelor’s degree first, followed by a DPT program lasting approximately two and a half to three years.
Therefore, students should expect the complete educational pathway to take roughly seven years after high school, although accelerated or combined pathways can change this timeline.
After completing the DPT degree, graduates must satisfy the applicable licensing requirements before practicing as physical therapists.
How to Choose the Best Physical Therapy School in Chicago
Consider Accreditation
Accreditation is one of the most important factors when choosing a DPT program.
Students should verify the current accreditation status of a program before applying, particularly when considering a newer program.
Compare Clinical Opportunities
Clinical education is a major component of becoming a physical therapist.
Look for programs that provide exposure to different patient populations and clinical environments.
Compare Tuition and Financial Aid
Do not select a school solely because it has a lower advertised tuition.
Compare total costs, scholarships, grants, financial aid and potential living expenses.
Consider Location
If you specifically want to live in Chicago, programs located within the city may be preferable.
However, expanding your search to Chicagoland can significantly increase your options.
Examine Your Academic Profile
Compare your GPA and prerequisite coursework with each program’s requirements.
Applying only to extremely competitive programs can make your application strategy unnecessarily risky. A balanced application list should include schools where your academic profile is a reasonable match.
Comparison Table of Physical Therapy Schools in Chicago
| School | Location | Degree | Approx. Program Length | Minimum GPA* | PT Experience | GRE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | Chicago | DPT | About 3 years | Competitive | Required/expected | Not considered |
| University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago | DPT | About 33 months | 2.5 | 40 hours | Required |
| Rosalind Franklin University | North Chicago | DPT | About 2.5 years | No stated minimum | 40 hours | Not required |
| Midwestern University | Downers Grove | DPT | Professional DPT | 3.0 cumulative | 30 hours | Check current policy |
| North Central College | Naperville | DPT | Professional DPT | 2.85 | Encouraged | Check current policy |
| Governors State University | University Park | DPT | About 3 years | 2.8 cumulative | 30 hours | Preferred |
| Lewis University | Romeoville | DPT | About 2.5 years | Program-specific | Program-specific | Check current policy |
*Minimum requirements and admission policies can change. Applicants should confirm the current requirements for their intended admission cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy Schools in Chicago
What is the best physical therapy school in Chicago?
Northwestern University and the University of Illinois Chicago are among the most prominent options for students who specifically want to study physical therapy within Chicago. However, the best school depends on your academic profile, budget, preferred curriculum and career goals.
How many years does it take to become a physical therapist?
Students typically complete a bachelor’s degree followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy program lasting about two and a half to three years. The overall pathway can therefore take approximately seven years after high school.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to enter a DPT program?
Most traditional DPT programs require a bachelor’s degree before matriculation. However, some universities may offer special accelerated or combined pathways.
Do physical therapy schools require the GRE?
Not all of them. Some Chicago-area programs have eliminated the GRE, while others still require or prefer it. Always check the current requirements of each school.
Is physical therapy a good career?
Physical therapy can be a rewarding career for people interested in healthcare, rehabilitation, movement and helping patients improve their physical function. However, students should consider the educational cost, licensing requirements and demands of clinical practice before choosing the profession.
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Conclusion
Choosing among the top physical therapy schools in Chicago requires more than simply looking at university rankings. Students should compare DPT curriculum, accreditation, admission requirements, prerequisite courses, GPA expectations, clinical opportunities, tuition and location.
Northwestern University and the University of Illinois Chicago are strong choices for students who want to study directly in Chicago. Meanwhile, Rosalind Franklin University, Midwestern University, North Central College, Governors State University and Lewis University provide additional opportunities throughout the greater Chicagoland area.
The ideal applicant should begin preparing early by completing prerequisite courses, maintaining a strong GPA, gaining meaningful physical therapy experience and preparing a compelling application.
Whether your goal is to work in sports rehabilitation, hospitals, outpatient clinics, neurological rehabilitation, pediatrics or another area of healthcare, earning a DPT from a suitable program can provide the professional foundation needed to pursue a career as a physical therapist.