The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has received authorization from the UW System Board of Regents to offer a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program, the college announces in a media release.

Two additional accreditations are needed before students can begin enrolling in the proposed program, which has been in development since 2014 and is designed to address regional and rural needs in the state.

“The physical therapy program is being developed in partnership with local health care providers and has the specific intent of graduating physical therapists ready to collaborate and serve the evolving and diverse needs of rural communities,” says Kathryn Zalewski, physical therapist, physical therapy educator, and consultant with the College of Professional Studies, in the release.

“Our local clinical partners have many unfilled openings throughout their health care workforce, and adding the doctor of physical therapy helps all of us meet an important regional need,” said Marty Loy, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “We will grow on the strength of our existing undergraduate degrees and expand programs where need exists.”

When fully implemented, the DPT program at UW-Stevens point will be the fourth offered in the UW system. The others are at UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-La Crosse, according to the release.

[Source: University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point]