Clinical Rotations

[Member724]

Hello all!

I know it varies among schools but could any current PT students disclose a little bit about their clinical experiences? Were most of them in-state? Did anyone travel far away? What did you like? What did you not like?

Any info is greatly appreciated!

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[Rob87]

I completed my first clinical experience last summer (2011) in an outpatient facility and it was a great experience. I was in-state but I had to drive 1 hour to get to my site and deal with the rush hour traffic. Besides the traffic, I loved everything about my experience. My CI was tough but fair. Make sure you know and practice basic stuff like goniometer measurements and the normal ranges, manual muscle testing and special tests. Your CI will work with you on your weak areas and enhance the areas you perform well in. No matter what, always arrive early and come in with a smile and talk to everyone. Even if you don't know anything, if you come early, have a good attitude, listen carefully and take notes you will be fine.

 

[Konmavro]

I am in my last year of PT school and am finishing up my final clinical (of 4) The above poster was definitely correct in saying to go into your clinicals with a good attitude. It does make a difference between a good and a bad clinical. Come prepared to work, and try and get any information your CI wants you to know ahead of time in order to be well prepared for the types or patients you might see.

I live in Nj but go to school in PA but 3 out of the 4 of my clinicals were in NJ so I didn't have to travel far (half hour at most) as I lived back at my parents place. I did travel to Arizona for one of my clinicals and I used it as an opportunity to drive across the country. I absolutely suggest doing one if not more clinicals outside of your general area as I was a great experience! I had family out there so that helped with living arrangements but I traveled about 40 min each way to get to the site. It was interesting to see how some things were done differently on the West Coast vs the East coast and I got to meet some very interesting people and patients as well as working in a great rehab environment.

I will say that your clinicals can be bad too, and I don't say this to scare or deter you I'm just being honest. My 2nd clinical went horribly and some of that was my fault but many of it was the attitude my CI had. We had 2 students in the clinic and there was clear Favoritism as well as personal attacks against my character. In that situation I remained professional throughout the experience and tried to remember that there is always something to learn. It taught me a great lesson on what NOT to be in the clinic and I feel I will be a better therapist and hopefully future CI because of it.

I wish you the best of luck and I know you will have great experiences and learn a lot. Ask plenty of questions and don't be afraid to challenge your CI (in a professional) manner to get what you want out of the clinical.