An On-Site Clinic: A Model for Part-time Concurrent Clinical Education

Abstract

Clinical education is an essential component of physical therapist professional education. This article describes the development, implementation, and clinical operation of a part-time concurrent clinical education experience within a physical therapist education program. Students, faculty, and the community recognize benefits of the on-site physical therapy clinic. Students have an early opportunity to incorporate their academic skills into clinical practice under the direct supervision of instructors. Faculty have an on-site place to practice and share their clinical skills with students. The community benefits from having ready access to physical therapy services at modest costs. Coordinating the schedule of academic classes and patient treatment sessions has been the primary challenge associated with the on-site clinic. Overall, the on-site clinic has proved a beneficial educational experience, providing students with early patient interaction and an alternative clinical education opportunity.