Clinical Practicums

Clinical education is a critical part of the preparation of all physical therapists. The DPT curriculum includes extensive clinical education in a variety of practice settings. It involves part-time field trips to clinical facilities that are within 250 miles of San Angelo as part of assigned course work, in addition to the longer full-time clinical practicums. The Acute Care Practicum (8 weeks) occurs during the second year fall term, the Musculoskeletal Practicum (10 weeks) occurs during the third year summer term, and the Neuromuscular Practicum (12 weeks) occurs during the third year spring term.

Sites for Clinical Practicums

Sites for clinical practicums are located all over the United States. Placements may be available in acute, long-term acute and rehabilitation hospitals, ambulatory care centers, private practices, nursing homes/extended care facilities, inpatient and outpatient pediatric facilities, and occupational medicine sites. Clinical practicum assignments are made on the basis of the student's educational needs and the availability of appropriate sites.

Additional Responsibilities and Obligations

Due to the nature and location of the clinical assignments, a student must understand the additional responsibilities and obligations required of this critical portion of the program. These responsibilities include provision for transportation, living expenses (e.g., housing, meals, etc.), textbooks and educational supplies. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation for field trips and clinical practicums so a car is necessary.

Practice Outside Texas
It is generally required that all students practice outside Texas for at least one of the three clinical practicums, some to distant cities in other states or countries. The student is required to make his/her own arrangements for housing, as most of the facilities are no longer able to provide living quarters for students.

Expenses
Students should anticipate a total additional cost of $3,500 - $4,500 for all full-time clinical experiences, though each student must understand that the cost incurred may vary significantly from student-to-student and clinical-to-clinical. Additional expenses required for clinical education include, but are not limited to lab jacket, meals, annual tuberculosis test or chest X-ray, Hepatitis B vaccinations, updated DpT and MMR immunizations, chicken pox vaccination (or evidence of chicken pox immunity by history or titer) and CPR certification. In addition, proof of health insurance and a criminal background check are also required. Professional liability insurance premiums are paid by the department.

Publications

The student clinical education handbook that includes policies and procedures is available online by clicking on Publications on this Web site. Students must abide by and uphold the policies and procedures contained in this publication.