Students in the Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree program will be required to complete a total of 15 weeks of clinical internships under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. This will include three clinical affiliations throughout the program.
The first experience is three weeks (40 hours per week) in length and is completed during the last three weeks of the fall semester of the second year of the program (Semester 3). The final two clinical affiliations are each six weeks (40 hours per week) in length and completed in the summer semester of the second year of the program (Semester 5), prior to graduation in mid-August.
All clinical experiences are full-time rotations in which the student is required to follow the work hours of the supervising clinical instructor. Students are to anticipate the possibility of working evenings and weekends as part of the clinical experience. Students are required to complete rotations in a variety of settings in preparation for an entry-level position as a physical therapist assistant.
Clinical cost
Current and prospective students should be aware that there are many requirements associated with the clinical education portion of the program. All costs associated with clinical affiliations are the responsibility of the students. Expected costs will include but may not be limited to transportation, parking, housing, liability insurance and fees associated with background checks and drug testing. Every attempt is made to keep students close to their homes for clinical placements; however, travel to facilities may be up to ninety minutes to ensure optimal learning experiences. Students are responsible to provide their own transportation to clinical sites and to secure housing as necessary.
Clinical requirements
Students should be aware that the majority of clinical sites require criminal background checks, FBI fingerprinting, child abuse, and possible drug testing prior to accepting a student for a clinical experience. Sites may also request drug or alcohol testing during clinical rotations.
A positive or unfavorable result may preclude you from completing your clinical internships which could lead to dismissal from the PTA program. Documentation of recent physical examination and proof of childhood immunizations may also be requested by clinical sites. Students are strongly encouraged to receive the Hepatitis B series of vaccinations.
Contact information
For additional information regarding the clinical internship portion of the curriculum or to learn more about becoming part of our clinical education team, please contact:
Lynne McDonough
Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education
[email protected]
570-450-3051