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Clinical education is a core component of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Nova Southeastern University. Through full-time clinical experiences, students apply classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare settings, developing the skills, professionalism, and clinical reasoning required for entry-level physical therapy practice.
Students participate in a variety of supervised clinical rotations across inpatient and outpatient environments, gaining hands-on experience with diverse patient populations and conditions.
Overview of Clinical Education
Clinical education provides students with direct patient care experience under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. These experiences are designed to:
- Bridge didactic learning with clinical practice
- Build clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills
- Develop professional behaviors and communication
- Prepare students for licensure and practice
Clinical Education Curriculum = 21 Credits
(Class of December 2027)
|
Semester |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
|
Fall |
PHTT 5611 Professional Issues |
PHTT 6840 Neuromuscular PT (PE) PHTT 6812 Topics in Clinical Education (1 week ICE) |
|
|
Winter |
PHTT 6510 Applied Physiology (PE)
|
PHTT 6845 Musculoskeletal: Management of the Upper Quarter (PE) |
PHTT 6850 Neuromuscular PT (PE) |
|
Summer |
PHTT 6855 Musculoskeletal: Management of the Lower Quarter (PE)
|
PHTT 6944 Clinical Experience I (10 wks) PHTT 6954 Clinical Experience II (8 wks) |
|
|
Fall Graduation |
PHTT 6954 Clinical Experience II (2 wks) PHTT 6964 Clinical Experience III (10 wks) |
Clinical Education Resources
- Acute Care Core Competencies for Entry-Level Practice in Physical Therapy (PDF)
- APTA Reference Manual for Site Coordinators of Clinical Education (PDF)
- Atkinson-Nixon and Cave: A Tool for Clinical Reasoning and Reflection Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Framework and Patient Management Model (PDF)
- Clinical Education Terminology Updates (PDF)
- CIET Instructions
- CIET Expectations
- CIET Operational Definitions
- Essential Functions/Technical Standards of DPT Students
- Facilitating Student Clinical Reasoning - Power Point Presentation
- Student Notice of Absence Form