Clinical Experiences

The UW-Madison Physical Therapy Program requires completion of 36 weeks of full-time clinical education experiences. The Program utilizes a non-concurrent clinical education design, where students are either in school full-time or immersed in a clinical environment full-time. Research has shown improved clinical decision-making skills with this design as compared to a concurrent clinical education design, where the students does part-time clinical work and goes to school part-time. However, as part of the student’s coursework during the academic semester, many courses require clinical observations and experiences (arranged by the course instructor) to provide continued clinical exposure throughout the academic semester.

When do Clinical Experiences Occur?

The clinical experiences begin during the coursework and increase in length as the student progresses through the Program. The following is a complete list of required clinical experiences (36 weeks total):

• 2 Weeks - first two weeks in January after completion of the first fall academic semester
  
• 4 Weeks - at the end of the summer semester of the second year

• 9 weeks - at the end of the second summer and the beginning of the 3rd fall semester
  
• 9 weeks - during the end of the 3rd fall semester
  
• 12 weeks - during the 3rd spring semester
  

Rotation Type

The Students are required to complete 8 weeks each of acute care, orthopaedics and neurological rehabilitation. Acute care rotations take place in hospitals, most often involving patients who are critically ill and/or in the ICU. Orthopaedic rotations are in out-patients clinics, private practices, and sports medicine settings. Clinical rotations involving patients with neurological insults occur in hospitals on inpatient rehabilitation units, in skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, spinal cord injury centers, and traumatic brain injury centers. In addition, students are encouraged to gain exposure to both rural and urban settings. Lastly, students may perform clinicals in special populations, such as pediatrics.

Where do Clinical Experiences Occur?

The UW-Madison contracts with approximately 350 organizations and facilities across the nation, including Alaska and Hawaii. Approximately 250 of our facilities are in Wisconsin, while the other half are located throughout the country. Because the UW-Madison Program is over 75 years old, our alumni base is very strong and our alumni are more than willing to mentor our students! All travel, lodging and meal expenses associated with clinical placements are the student's responsibility.

Quotes from Clinical Instructors About Current or Recent UW-Madison Students

"Wonderful learner; impressed with his professionalism."

"Has exceptional abilities. I also ask myself two questions: 1) would I want her as a peer? 2) would I want her treating a member of my family? I am very happy to say yes to both questions."

"He will be an asset to the profession."

"Improved markedly during this rotation. She is well on her way to becoming an exceptional clinician."

"Wonderful. I heard many compliments from other therapists saying he was one of the best students they had observed. Impressive critical thinking."

"Very mature & respects personal boundaries of the patient."

"I would give him my highest recommendation for his work ethic & professionalism."

"I am very impressed with her willingness to push her critical thinking. I am also impressed with the growth she has made in 4 weeks."

Quotes from Students About Clinical Experiences

"My first clinical in January was an amazing experience! I was able to gain confidence in my clinical skills, interact with a team of health professionals, and go home with the feeling that I can make a difference in a patient's life". -Mark, PT-1

"Clinical experiences are a great way to make connections with PTs in the community who will become great resources in the future." Shannon, PT-2

"Clinical experiences are tremendous learning experiences. Although I learn a lot of new information on my rotations, it is also refreshing to discover how much I have learned in the classroom that is applicable to everyday clinic situations." Jim, Pt-2

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Physical Therapy - University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation
First published: 01/01/04 Last updated: 05/09/08 webmaster@surgery.wisc.edu
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