Clinical experiences begin with the first year of the program. During the first two weeks of spring quarter of the first year and winter quarter of the second year, students work full-time at assigned clinical affiliation sites, then return to the University for eight weeks of didactic instruction. The final summer and autumn quarters are spent entirely on clinical internships. The program culminates with the award of a Master of Physical Therapy degree. To qualify for practice after graduation, students must pass the national physical therapist licensure examination, which is administered via computer in Washington State.
Students are eligible to take the exam after their internship assignments are complete.
An interim permit is available to cover practice between graduation and successful PT authorization. Applicants should be aware that licensure and employment may be affected by a history of substance abuse, gross misdemeanor or felony conviction, or other condition that the licensing board determines would seriously affect the applicant's ability to practice physical therapy. In Washington State, physical therapists are covered by independent practice laws. This means that PTs need not receive a physician referral for patient treatment if the client's condition is of neuromusculoskeletal origin. The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.