Contacting PT clinics?

[Souzou]

I want to intern or volunteer at a PT clinic over the summer. I have found multiple clinics near my city, however none of them say they are looking for volunteers or interns. I was wondering if it would be appropriate to contact these clinics by phone or email and inquire about volunteer/intern opportunities? Also, is there even a such thing as PT 'interns' or are most of them just PT aides? Any advice is appreciated 🙂

 

[goyo1010]

Well, they usually don't post on their website if they're looking for volunteers. Most of the time, you have to actually directly contact the PT clinic/hospital where you would like to volunteer/shadow. Calling them is the best choice, since they can easily forget or just delete your e-mail.

You're not technically an "aide" or "intern" if you're just volunteering or shadowing. Just ask them if they're accepting any volunteers.

 

[neb19]

Yeah just call them and ask 🙂 That's what I did last summer. Everyone I talked to was really nice.

From what I've seen, you're an observer/volunteer if you're not getting paid, an aide/tech if you are getting paid, and an intern when you are doing clinicals in PT school.

 

[markelmarcel]

I agree with calling- working in an office, I see how many emails I get a day (and all I do is sit at a desk!) let alone if I were up and out doing things. Emails can get ignored easily, a ringing telephone does not.

Call and say you are interested in shadowing/if they accept observers/volunteers at their clinic/hospital/etc to fulfill your requirements to apply to PT school.

Everyone I spoke to was very familiar with these requirements and all welcomed me aboard. I had 2 good experiences out of the 3 that I did. Not bad 😉