Barry PhilipsIllinois is home to several highly regarded universities offering Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. For students interested in becoming licensed physical therapists, choosing the right school involves more than simply looking at rankings. Factors such as accreditation, admission requirements, clinical education, program structure, tuition, location, and prerequisite coursework can all influence the decision.
In this guide, we highlight 25 physical therapy schools and programs in Illinois, along with their typical admission requirements. Requirements can change from one admission cycle to another, so prospective applicants should always verify the latest requirements directly with their chosen institution.
Top 25 Physical Therapy Schools in Illinois
1. Northwestern University
Northwestern University in Evanston is one of the most prominent institutions in Illinois for physical therapy education. Its Doctor of Physical Therapy program is designed to prepare students for clinical practice, leadership, research, and healthcare innovation.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Completion of required prerequisite courses
- Competitive GPA
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Clinical or physical therapy exposure
- Application through PTCAS
- Interview when selected
Northwestern can be particularly attractive to students interested in evidence-based practice and advanced healthcare education.
2. University of Illinois Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago offers professional education in physical therapy through its College of Applied Health Sciences.
The program prepares students to work with patients across different age groups and clinical settings.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite coursework
- Minimum GPA
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Clinical experience or observation
- PTCAS application
- Interview, where applicable
UIC’s location in Chicago also provides access to a large and diverse healthcare environment.
3. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Rosalind Franklin University, located in North Chicago, is known for its health-professions-focused educational environment.
Its physical therapy program emphasizes interdisciplinary education and clinical preparation.
Common requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree or required undergraduate preparation
- Prerequisite courses
- Competitive GPA
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Physical therapy exposure
- PTCAS application
- Interview
Students interested in learning alongside other healthcare disciplines may find this environment appealing.
4. Washington University in St. Louis – Illinois-Area Option
Washington University is located in Missouri rather than Illinois, so it should not be confused with Illinois-based programs. However, students in the Illinois region sometimes consider it because of its proximity and reputation in physical therapy education.
For a strictly Illinois-focused application list, applicants should prioritize programs physically located in Illinois.
5. Midwestern University – Downers Grove
Midwestern University has a campus in Downers Grove, Illinois, and offers health-professions education in an environment focused heavily on clinical training.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preparation
- Required prerequisite coursework
- Minimum GPA
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Healthcare or physical therapy experience
- PTCAS application
- Interview
The Downers Grove location may be convenient for students seeking a suburban Chicago-area campus.
6. Governors State University
Governors State University offers physical therapy education designed to prepare students for professional practice.
The university is located in University Park, Illinois, south of Chicago.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Prerequisite courses
- Competitive GPA
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Clinical observation
- PTCAS application
- Interview
Applicants should carefully review the university’s prerequisite course equivalencies before applying.
7. Bradley University
Bradley University in Peoria offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program that combines academic coursework with clinical education.
The program can be suitable for students seeking a private university experience outside the Chicago metropolitan area.
Common requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree or required undergraduate coursework
- Prerequisite classes
- Competitive GPA
- Science prerequisites
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Clinical exposure
- PTCAS application
- Interview
8. Rosalind Franklin University – Chicago Medical School Environment
Rosalind Franklin’s broader healthcare environment is another reason applicants consider the institution. Students can benefit from exposure to multiple health professions and interdisciplinary healthcare concepts.
Applicants generally need:
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent
- Required prerequisite courses
- Strong academic performance
- Science coursework
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Relevant clinical exposure
- PTCAS application
- Interview
9. Saint Louis University – Regional Consideration
Saint Louis University is not located in Illinois, but its proximity to southern Illinois can make it relevant to students comparing Midwest DPT programs.
Students seeking an Illinois-only list should distinguish regional programs from institutions actually located in the state.
10. North Central College
North Central College in Naperville is another Illinois institution that students interested in physical therapy may consider when researching healthcare education and preparation.
Applicants should confirm the current professional DPT pathway and admission structure offered during their intended application cycle.
Typical preparation includes:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Strong GPA
- Clinical exposure
- Recommendations
- Personal statement
11. Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University in DeKalb is a major public university serving students throughout the state.
Students interested in physical therapy should examine its current graduate and professional health-sciences offerings and determine whether the relevant DPT pathway matches their career plans.
Common preparation requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Prerequisite science courses
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Strong academic record
- Recommendations
- Clinical experience where required
12. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of Illinois’ largest public research universities.
Although students may use its undergraduate health-science and pre-health resources as preparation for physical therapy, applicants should distinguish undergraduate preparation from an actual professional DPT program.
Students preparing for DPT admission commonly complete:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Bachelor’s degree requirements
- Clinical observation
13. DePaul University
DePaul University in Chicago provides students with extensive undergraduate and health-related educational opportunities.
Students interested in physical therapy should verify the current DPT program availability and whether the institution offers a professional physical therapy degree or primarily pre-health preparation.
14. Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago is a major private university with extensive healthcare and biomedical education.
Students considering physical therapy can benefit from its broad pre-health environment.
Typical DPT preparation involves:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Strong GPA
- Clinical exposure
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
Applicants should verify whether the specific physical therapy pathway is currently offered.
15. Rush University
Rush University in Chicago is particularly well known for healthcare education.
Its healthcare-focused environment makes it an important institution for students researching graduate health professions in Illinois.
Potential DPT applicants should expect requirements such as:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Prerequisite coursework
- Strong academic record
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Recommendation letters
- Clinical experience
- PTCAS application
16. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is another institution that students in the southern Illinois region may consider when researching physical therapy education.
Typical preparation may include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Science prerequisites
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Clinical observation
- Interview
17. Illinois State University
Illinois State University in Normal provides students with a large public-university environment and a variety of health-related academic opportunities.
Prospective physical therapy students should check the institution’s current graduate offerings and distinguish pre-physical therapy preparation from professional DPT admission.
18. Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University offers students a private university environment near Chicago.
Students preparing for physical therapy can use undergraduate science programs and pre-health advising to complete prerequisites for professional DPT programs.
Common prerequisites include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
19. Loyola University Chicago – Pre-Physical Therapy Preparation
Loyola can also be considered by students who want a structured undergraduate route toward professional physical therapy education.
Students should focus on completing the prerequisite courses required by the DPT programs to which they intend to apply.
20. University of St. Francis
The University of St. Francis in Joliet provides health-related education and is another Illinois institution worth investigating when planning a physical therapy career.
Prospective students should verify the current availability and admission structure of professional physical therapy education.
21. Benedictine University
Benedictine University in Lisle offers undergraduate science and health-related programs that can help students prepare for professional healthcare education.
Students pursuing physical therapy should ensure that their undergraduate coursework meets the prerequisites of their target DPT programs.
22. Aurora University
Aurora University offers programs that can serve as undergraduate preparation for students interested in healthcare careers.
Prospective physical therapists should compare their undergraduate course selections against the prerequisite requirements of their preferred DPT programs.
23. Augustana College
Augustana College in Rock Island provides undergraduate science education that may support students pursuing graduate health professions.
Students planning to become physical therapists should select appropriate prerequisite courses early and seek clinical observation opportunities.
24. Wheaton College
Wheaton College in Illinois provides undergraduate education with science and pre-health opportunities.
Students interested in physical therapy can use their undergraduate years to complete DPT prerequisites and gain relevant healthcare exposure.
25. North Park University
North Park University in Chicago is another Illinois institution that can be considered by students building an undergraduate pathway toward physical therapy.
Students should work with academic advisers to ensure that their courses satisfy the requirements of their intended DPT programs.
How to Choose the Best Physical Therapy School in Illinois
Consider Accreditation
Accreditation is one of the most important considerations when selecting a DPT program. Students should verify that the professional program is appropriately accredited or has the required accreditation status for graduates seeking licensure.
Compare Tuition and Financial Aid
DPT education can be expensive. Compare tuition, fees, scholarships, assistantships, grants and other financial-aid opportunities before making a final decision.
Review Prerequisite Requirements
Prerequisites can differ significantly between programs. One university may require a particular number of anatomy courses, while another may have different biology, chemistry or physics requirements.
Examine Clinical Education
Clinical training is essential to becoming a competent physical therapist. Look for programs that provide students with diverse opportunities to work with patients in different healthcare environments.
Consider Location
Chicago-area schools may provide access to large healthcare systems and diverse patient populations. Students outside Chicago may prefer programs in Peoria, DeKalb, Normal, Joliet or other Illinois communities.
Check Graduation and Licensure Preparation
Students should investigate program outcomes, graduation rates, licensure examination performance and employment information when these data are available.
Common Physical Therapy Prerequisite Courses
Before applying to DPT school, students should expect to complete many of the following courses:
| Course | Common Requirement |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | Yes |
| Physiology | Yes |
| Biology | Usually |
| General Chemistry | Usually |
| Organic Chemistry | Some programs |
| Physics | Usually |
| Statistics | Usually |
| Psychology | Usually |
| Exercise Science | Sometimes |
| English/Writing | Some programs |
| Medical Terminology | Some programs |
The exact number of credits and course requirements varies by university.
Physical Therapy School Application Process
Complete Your Bachelor’s Degree
Many applicants complete a bachelor’s degree before entering a DPT program. The undergraduate major does not always have to be exercise science or kinesiology, provided the required prerequisites are completed.
Complete Prerequisite Courses
Review every target school’s prerequisite list early. This can prevent applicants from discovering missing courses after graduation.
Gain Physical Therapy Experience
Observation or work experience in physical therapy can help applicants understand the profession and demonstrate informed career interest.
Prepare Your Application
Many DPT programs participate in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, commonly known as PTCAS.
Applicants may need transcripts, essays, references, observation information and other supporting documents.
Prepare for Interviews
Some programs invite competitive applicants to interviews. Applicants should be prepared to explain why they want to become physical therapists, their understanding of the profession and their experiences working with people.
Comparison Table: Physical Therapy Schools and Pathways in Illinois
| # | School/Institution | Location | Main Consideration | Typical Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwestern University | Evanston | Professional DPT education | Bachelor’s + prerequisites |
| 2 | University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago | Public research university | Bachelor’s + prerequisites |
| 3 | Rosalind Franklin University | North Chicago | Health-professions focus | Bachelor’s + prerequisites |
| 4 | Midwestern University | Downers Grove | Healthcare-focused campus | Bachelor’s + prerequisites |
| 5 | Governors State University | University Park | Public university option | Bachelor’s + prerequisites |
| 6 | Bradley University | Peoria | Private university | Bachelor’s + prerequisites |
| 7 | Northern Illinois University | DeKalb | Public university/pre-health pathway | Prerequisites |
| 8 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Urbana-Champaign | Research/pre-health preparation | Prerequisites |
| 9 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago | Private/pre-health environment | Prerequisites |
| 10 | Rush University | Chicago | Healthcare-focused institution | Prerequisites |
| 11 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | Edwardsville | Southern Illinois option | Prerequisites |
| 12 | Illinois State University | Normal | Public university | Prerequisites |
| 13 | Elmhurst University | Elmhurst | Chicago-area private university | Prerequisites |
| 14 | University of St. Francis | Joliet | Health-related education | Prerequisites |
| 15 | Benedictine University | Lisle | Pre-health preparation | Prerequisites |
| 16 | Aurora University | Aurora | Undergraduate preparation | Prerequisites |
| 17 | Augustana College | Rock Island | Science/pre-health preparation | Prerequisites |
| 18 | Wheaton College | Wheaton | Undergraduate preparation | Prerequisites |
| 19 | North Park University | Chicago | Pre-health preparation | Prerequisites |
| 20 | DePaul University | Chicago | Undergraduate/pre-health option | Prerequisites |
| 21 | Saint Louis University | Regional | Nearby Midwest alternative | DPT prerequisites |
| 22 | Washington University in St. Louis | Regional | Nearby Midwest alternative | DPT prerequisites |
| 23 | University of Illinois Springfield | Springfield | Undergraduate preparation | Prerequisites |
| 24 | Lewis University | Romeoville | Health/pre-health preparation | Prerequisites |
| 25 | Dominican University | River Forest | Pre-health preparation | Prerequisites |
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Conclusion
Choosing among the top physical therapy schools in Illinois requires careful research. While institutions such as Northwestern University, University of Illinois Chicago, Rosalind Franklin University, Midwestern University and Governors State University are important options for students researching professional physical therapy education, other Illinois universities can also provide valuable undergraduate preparation for DPT admission.
The most important step is to determine whether a school offers a professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program or primarily provides undergraduate/pre-physical-therapy preparation. Applicants should also compare accreditation status, prerequisites, GPA expectations, clinical education, tuition, financial aid and application procedures.
For students planning to become licensed physical therapists in Illinois, starting prerequisite planning early can make the application process significantly easier. A strong academic record combined with relevant clinical exposure, excellent recommendations and a clear understanding of the profession can strengthen a DPT application.