Explore UAB

Colleges & Schools

Department of Physical Therapy School of Health Professions

Welcome to the Department of Physical Therapy

Our department has a dynamic mix of faculty with outstanding educational preparation, research, and expertise in clinical practice. We are housed in a state of the art facility within a nationally ranked research-focused university.

Read our Annual ReportResearchProgramsFaculty

Programs

The Department of Physical Therapy has offered outstanding educational programs in physical therapy since 1964. Currently, we offer:

B.S. in Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science

Program for students interested in working with individuals with disabilities to improve their quality of life, access, and participation in their community.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Program for students who want to become physical therapists.

Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Physical Therapy for Underserved Populations

For physical therapists and DPT students who want to provide primary care physical therapy (PT) services in an interprofessional team to underserved communities and marginalized populations.

PhD in Rehabilitation Science

Program for students who seek to advance rehabilitation knowledge by participating in specialized research and teaching opportunities.

Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency

Program for physical therapists interested in specializing in neurologic physical therapy.

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency

Program for physical therapists interested in specializing in orthopedic physical therapy.

Latest News

  • Natasha Brooks: Advocacy for Positive Change
    Third year Physical Therapy student, Natasha Brooks, has always had an interest in PT advocacy. In anticipation of Capitol Hill Day 2024, we asked Brooks a few questions about her Capitol Hill Day Student Scholarship.
  • Heersink family gifts $1M to UAB School of Health Professions
    Marnix E. Heersink, M.D., and Mary Heersink, longtime supporters of UAB, have made a gift of $1,040,000 gift to the UAB School of Health Professions. The donation, which established the Heersink Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship in Health Professions, is the largest single scholarship gift in school history.
  • Lisa Altamirano, PT, BBU (Class of 1998)
    As UAB PT celebrates its 60th anniversary, we want to spotlight a few of our many successful alumni and hear how the department has impacted their journeys. With that said, we are pleased to introduce you to Lisa Altamirano, PT, BBU, alumna of our PT Class of 1998. Currently, Lisa is owner of Agile Physical Therapy in Birmingham.