PTT EXTERNSHIP GUIDE
Physical Therapy Technician Externship in Wisconsin
Your complete guide to gaining hands-on clinical experience in Wisconsin. Work alongside licensed Physical Therapists at top rehabilitation facilities. Wisconsin has 1520+ job openings with $32K average salary.
40-80
Hours Recommended
152+
PT Facilities
1520+
WI Job Openings
$32K
Avg WI Salary
$0
Externship Cost
Why Get a PTT Externship?
A Physical Therapy Technician externship gives you real-world clinical experience that employers value. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist aides earn a median salary of $35,330 nationally, with Wisconsin paying 8% below average at $32,680. Hands-on experience sets you apart from other candidates.
An externship helps you:
- ✓ Practice patient transfers, therapeutic exercises, and equipment operation in a real clinical environment
- ✓ Build professional references from licensed Physical Therapists and PTAs
- ✓ Discover which PT setting fits you best (inpatient rehab, outpatient clinic, sports medicine, SNF)
- ✓ Convert your externship into a job offer — many facilities hire their externs
- ✓ Gain confidence working with patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, and neurological conditions
New to physical therapy? EHired offers free training to prepare you for AMCA certification. An externship is optional but highly recommended for building clinical skills and professional connections.
⚠️ Important: EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. You contact rehabilitation facilities and PT clinics directly to arrange your own placement. This self-managed approach gives you flexibility to choose sites near your home and build direct relationships with potential employers.
How to Find a PTT Externship in Wisconsin
Follow this step-by-step process to secure a clinical externship at a Wisconsin rehabilitation facility.
Identify Potential Sites
Look for facilities with PT departments:
- ✓ Outpatient PT clinics — Gundersen Health System, ATI, Athletico
- ✓ Rehabilitation hospitals — UW Health
- ✓ Hospital PT departments — Froedtert & MCW, Ascension Wisconsin
- ✓ Sports medicine centers — Athletic training facilities, team clinics
- ✓ Skilled nursing facilities — Genesis, ManorCare, local SNFs
- ✓ Home health agencies — Bayada, Amedisys, LHC Group
Prepare Your Approach
Get ready before contacting sites:
- ✓ Update your resume — Include EHired training, any fitness/healthcare experience
- ✓ Prepare a pitch — "I'm completing PTT training and seeking hands-on clinical experience"
- ✓ Highlight relevant skills — Physical fitness, patient interaction, attention to detail
- ✓ Be flexible — Offer to work their schedule, early mornings or evenings
- ✓ Dress professionally — Scrubs or business casual for in-person visits
Make Contact
Reach out to PT facilities directly:
- ✓ Call first — Ask for the clinic manager or rehab director
- ✓ Visit in person — Drop off resume during non-peak hours (early AM or 2-4 PM)
- ✓ Email if provided — Brief, professional, attach resume
- ✓ Explain the arrangement — Unpaid, flexible hours, eager to learn PT skills
- ✓ Follow up — If no response in 1 week, call again politely
Complete Your Externship
Make the most of your experience:
- ✓ Arrive early — Show reliability and eagerness to learn
- ✓ Ask questions — PTs appreciate engaged learners
- ✓ Take initiative — Help with equipment setup, cleaning, patient prep
- ✓ Document your hours — Keep a log for your records
- ✓ Request feedback — Ask for a reference letter before you leave
PTT Externship Sites in Wisconsin
These healthcare systems and facilities have PT departments that may accept extern volunteers. Contact them directly to inquire about externship opportunities.
UW Health
Top Employer📍 Madison
📞 608-263-6400
State's academic medical center
View Opportunities →Froedtert & MCW
Major System📍 Milwaukee
📞 414-805-6644
SE Wisconsin academic center
View Opportunities →Ascension Wisconsin
Regional Leader📍 Statewide
📞 414-465-3000
Major Catholic system
View Opportunities →Advocate Aurora Health
Growing📍 Milwaukee/Statewide
📞 414-647-3000
Now merged with Advocate
View Opportunities →Gundersen Health System
Tuition Aid📍 La Crosse
📞 608-782-7300
Western WI leader
View Opportunities →ATI Physical Therapy
National Chain📍 Multiple locations
📞 Contact local clinic
National outpatient PT network with locations across the state
View Opportunities →🏃 Sports Medicine & Orthopedic
- • ATI Physical Therapy — National chain with local presence
- • Athletico Physical Therapy — Sports rehab focus
- • CORA Physical Therapy — Growing regional network
- • Pivot Physical Therapy — Orthopedic specialization
- • Local university athletics — College sports medicine
🏠 SNF & Home Health
- • Genesis Healthcare — Skilled nursing facilities statewide
- • Kindred Healthcare — Post-acute care and rehab
- • ManorCare/ProMedica — Rehabilitation and skilled nursing
- • Bayada Home Health — Home health PT services
- • Amedisys — Home health and hospice
Skills You'll Learn During Your PTT Externship
A clinical externship provides hands-on experience with core PT Tech competencies that classroom training alone cannot replicate.
Patient Mobility
Safe patient transfers, gait training assistance, wheelchair mobility, and use of assistive devices (walkers, canes, crutches).
Therapeutic Exercise
Setting up exercise equipment, assisting with stretching protocols, monitoring exercise form, and tracking repetitions.
Modality Application
Hot/cold pack application, ultrasound preparation, electrical stimulation setup, and paraffin bath treatments.
Equipment Management
Treatment table preparation, equipment maintenance, supply inventory, and ensuring clean treatment areas.
Documentation Support
Recording patient attendance, tracking exercise completion, scheduling follow-up appointments, and basic EHR navigation.
Patient Communication
Professional interaction with patients, explaining exercises, providing encouragement, and reporting concerns to supervising PT.
Wisconsin PT Tech Market
Wisconsin offers unique advantages for PT Technicians:
Madison: America's Hidden Gem
Madison consistently ranks among America's best places to live—progressive politics, excellent schools, lakes, and cultural vibrancy in a mid-sized city. UW Health brings academic medicine excellence. PT Techs in Madison enjoy quality of life that rivals cities paying 50% more. The trade-off: smaller job market than Milwaukee and competition for positions in this desirable location.
Milwaukee's Healthcare Hub
Milwaukee is Wisconsin's largest city and healthcare hub, with Froedtert/Medical College of Wisconsin providing academic medicine and Advocate Aurora (Aurora, now merged) offering extensive community services. More PT jobs exist here than anywhere in Wisconsin. Cost of living is lower than Madison. For PT Techs prioritizing job availability over Madison's lifestyle premium, Milwaukee delivers strong career opportunity.
| Region | Salary Range | Externship Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Madison Metro | $34K-$43K | UW Health, best quality of life |
| Milwaukee Metro | $33K-$42K | Most jobs, Froedtert/Aurora |
| Green Bay/Fox Valley | $31K-$40K | Growing region |
| La Crosse | $30K-$39K | Gundersen, Mississippi River |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PTT externships in Wisconsin
What makes UW Health exceptional for PT careers?
How do Madison and Milwaukee compare for PT careers?
Is Wisconsin affordable for PT Techs?
What's unique about healthcare in rural Wisconsin?
What PTA programs are in Wisconsin?
How many hours should a PTT externship be in Wisconsin?
Ready to Start Your PTT Career in Wisconsin?
Complete your free training with EHired, then secure an externship at one of Wisconsin's top rehabilitation facilities. Many externs convert their experience into full-time positions.