Finding the Right Match: Clinical Education in PT Programs

In the journey to becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), clinical education isn't just a requirement—it's the cornerstone of professional development.  

These hands-on experiences bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to refine their skills, navigate real-world patient challenges, and build lasting relationships with seasoned physical therapists (PTs).  

But how do students ensure they find the right clinical education match, one that aligns with their goals and prepares them for a dynamic career in physical therapy?

This article delves into the critical role clinical education plays in DPT programs, offering insights into how students can find clinical instructors who will mentor them toward success.

Understanding Clinical Education in Physical Therapy

Clinical Education lets DPT students apply their knowledge in clinical settings under expert physical therapists' (PT) supervision. These programs challenge students to address real-life issues with actual patients.

Students get one-on-one time with veteran PTs to gain personalized knowledge and experience aligned with their interests. Clinical education helps students enhance their clinical experience, refine patient relationship skills and gain support as they prepare for professional careers.

DPT programs are required by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) to meet specific clinical education requirements to maintain accreditation. To fulfill these requirements, most DPT programs include 30-40 weeks of clinical education, ensuring students gain sufficient hands-on experience in various settings.

Challenges in Finding the Right PT Clinical Education Program

Finding appropriate clinical education sites presents challenges for students and institutions. A key challenge is aligning students' required clinical objectives and personal goals with clinical instructors who have expertise in specific physical therapy specialties.

Given the range of specialties and clinical settings, clinical instructors must have relevant backgrounds to support students' interests. Clinical instructors must meet certain credential standards, including being a licensed physical therapist and having at least one year of clinical experience.

Geographical factors can add another layer of complexity to the matching process. Students may need to be placed in specific regions due to personal hardships or logistical reasons, such as family obligations or housing. However, finding an available clinical education site in their preferred location can be challenging, as the options in certain areas may be limited.  

“When we identify hardships, those students are given priority for clinical placements,” says Jaime Thomas, associate director of clinical education at Evidence In Motion (EIM). “For instance, if they can't relocate, we ensure they are placed first in their preferred location.”

EIM's Approach to Clinical Education Matching

With multiple factors at play, gathering student preferences is essential to making the best matches with clinical educators. At EIM, clinical education specialists collaborate with university partners to survey students about their individual preferences.

“We identify students early through the survey process, allowing us to consider everything alongside the university's clinical objectives to ensure students are set up for success,” says Thomas.

“Students can select up to five preferences,” Thomas explains. “Once the wish list closes, the university and EIM collaborate to review student choices.” EIM and its university partners then evaluate these responses to match students with clinical instructors who align with their educational interests, preferred settings, and geographical preferences.

Key Features of EIM's PT Clinical Education Program

EIM's access to over 30,000 clinical education sites helps match students successfully. As part of the Confluent Health network and beyond, EIM provides extensive options.

EIM also works with students seeking clinical education outside Confluent Health's network. "If a student suggests a site that isn't already part of our system, we initiate the process to pursue a contract with that site on the student's behalf," says Ivette Matias, director of clinical education operations at EIM. "This allows the university to establish an agreement, enabling the student to complete their rotations there."

The wide array of sites provides flexibility and diverse ranges of PT clinical settings and specialties. Through Confluent Health connections and ability to add sites, EIM broadens prospects while meeting student and institutional needs.

Personalized Support for Students and Instructors

EIM also provides personalized support to students and clinical instructors. " We provide insight to the programs via thorough reviews on how the students can enhance their student profiles," Thomas says. "Our clinical education specialists provide feedback — like flagging sideways photos or missing resumes — and follow up to ensure profiles are polished and professional."  

Matias notes that students keep profile access after graduation to upload resumes, update vaccination records and share profile links with employers.

“When clinical instructors agree to take a student from one of our university programs, they become eligible for discounts on post-professional courses,” Thomas explains, highlighting EIM’s way of rewarding instructors for their mentorship.

Impact on PT Career Development

Effective clinical education significantly impacts PT career development. Working with experienced clinicians helps PTs build valuable skills and professional networks that can lead to future opportunities.  

“We take pride in our track record of successfully placing 100% of our students each term for every university partner we serve. This achievement underscores our commitment to excellence in student placement and support,” Matias notes.  

Clinical education lets PTs enhance clinical skills and build confidence applying theoretical knowledge in real settings. It also helps shape career paths by exposing PTs to different specializations that align with long-term goals.

As one student from the South College Knoxville January Class of 2024, who completed a rotation at Breakthrough Physical Therapy, noted, “My clinical competence and confidence have both greatly improved and exceeded my expectations for the rotation.”  

Another student from the South College Knoxville January Class of 2025, who trained at Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, shared a similar sentiment: “I became more efficient and effective at my ability to work through information quickly.”

Final Thoughts

Clinical education critically shapes PTs' futures through hands-on education, mentorship and professional development. EIM's approach ensures support for students, university partners and clinical instructors throughout the process.

By fostering meaningful connections, EIM helps students succeed in rotations and build foundations for long-term career growth.