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Clinical Education

Course and Placement

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº features a comprehensive clinical education component spanning the second and third years of study. This component includes four distinct 8-week clinical experiences, designed to deepen students' practical understanding and application of clinical practice. These experiences are meticulously integrated into the curriculum as follows:

PTED 76000 Clinical Education 1 (Semester 6): This experience marks the transition to hands-on clinical training starting in the sixth semester, following the completion of most didactic courses. After this initial clinical phase, students return to campus for additional coursework, including PTED 76100 Leadership & Advocacy, PTED 76200 Geriatric Physical Therapy with lab, PTED 76500 Integrated Patient Management with lab, and PTED 76700 Primary Care Physical Therapy with lab.

PTED 77000 Clinical Education 2 and PTED 77100 Clinical Education 3 (Semester 7): These sequential clinical placements coincide with the PTED 77900 Physical Therapy Comprehensive Exam. This arrangement helps students prepare for the National Physical Therapy Examination alongside their ongoing clinical experiences.

PTED 78000 Clinical Education 4 (Semester 8): The final clinical phase allows students to further refine their skills while undertaking the PTED 78900 Doctoral Capstone Project.

Categories of Clinical Education Experiences

To ensure students meet entry-level competencies as entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy, participation in diverse clinical settings is required. Students must complete placements in both Category 1 sites—including acute inpatient, subacute, and post-acute settings such as home health—and Category 2 sites, which cover a range of outpatient PT settings. Successful completion of placements in both categories throughout all four clinical experiences is essential for graduation. This structured approach guarantees that our graduates are well-rounded, adaptable practitioners ready to address a variety of patient needs across different healthcare environments.

Clinical Education Placement Process

Students are encouraged to express their preferences for clinical education experiences by ranking their choices. The clinical education team will make every effort to minimize travel requirements; however, it should be expected that one or more experiences may necessitate travel beyond local commuting distances. Students are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation costs, as these are not included in the DPT program tuition.

ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº provides a professional liability insurance plan that covers students during their clinical placements. Depending on the requirements of specific clinical sites, students may need to obtain additional insurance coverage.

Furthermore, there may be additional requirements for clinical education, such as drug testing and criminal background checks, to ensure compliance with clinical site policies and to maintain the highest standards of professional practice. These requirements will be communicated to students as necessary.

Emergency situations: In the event of a life-threatening medical emergency occurring off-campus, immediately call 911. Please be aware that you are responsible for all associated costs of emergency services incurred during off-campus educational experiences. Ensure you have arrangements in place for handling such expenses.

Immunization Requirements for the ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº DPT Program

Prior to enrollment in the ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº DPT program, students must provide proof of a comprehensive physical examination and up-to-date immunization records. Additional immunization requirements are specified for participation in clinical education experiences. All health and immunization documentation must be completed and verified by a licensed healthcare provider. These health requirements are also outlined in the DPT student handbook and include the following:

• Physical Examination: Must be completed by a medical health professional.
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccine:
• Two documented vaccinations or
• Positive titer for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
• HBV (Hepatitis B) Vaccine:
• Three documented vaccinations and
• Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antibody.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap):
• Tdap booster required within the last 10 years, must include Pertussis.
• Td vaccine is not accepted.
• Varivax (Varicella) Vaccine:
• Two documented vaccinations or
• Proof of a positive titer for Varicella.
• Flu Vaccine:
• Annual documented vaccination required for the current flu season.
• COVID-19 Vaccine:
• Strongly recommended as many clinical sites require it.
• Documented vaccinations: two for Moderna and Pfizer, one for Johnson & Johnson, including any required boosters.
• TST – TB Skin Test (PPD):
• Must be within one year of admission.
• Two-step PPD Negative or
• Negative TB – QuantiFERON test.

These immunizations are critical for ensuring your safety and compliance with healthcare standards during clinical placements. Ensure all documentation is submitted as required to facilitate a smooth start to your educational experience.

Criminal Background Checks and Drug Testing in the ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº DPT Program

In alignment with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requirements, ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº mandates criminal background checks and drug testing for all students entering the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. These screenings are essential due to the common policies and requirements of healthcare facilities, physical therapy corporations, and private clinics.

Requirements:

• Initial Screening: All prospective students must undergo a criminal background check and drug testing prior to formal enrollment or matriculation in the DPT program.
• Further Assessments: An additional background check and drug test is necessary before commencing clinical education in Semester 6.
• The criminal background check and drug testing will be done through Universal and Exxat Approve will facilitate the process.

Important Considerations:

• Impact of Criminal Records: A previous criminal record may limit an applicant’s opportunities for clinical placement and professional licensure. It is crucial for applicants to understand that acceptance into the DPT program does not guarantee eligibility for clinical site placement or future licensure.
• Compliance and Clearance: Successfully passing these checks is required to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and to facilitate secure and professional clinical experiences.

Students are encouraged to disclose any potential issues early in the application process to seek guidance and ensure clear understanding of the implications for their educational and professional paths.

 

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