Student Perspectives of Integrated Clinical Practicum Experiences in Physical Therapy Education: A Pilot Study

The goal of this pilot study was to discover students' perspective of clinical practicum experiences utilized for accreditation-required Integrated Clinical Experiences in doctor of physical therapy education. This study aimed to learn how students perceived the value of participating in institution-based clinical practicum experiences and the perceived utility and value of these clinical practicum experiences to their future careers in physical therapy.

A case study design using an agreement survey followed by randomized semi-structured interviews with a cohort of physical therapy students provided the data to inform investigators of student perspectives regarding clinical practicum experiences.

Students overwhelmingly agreed that practicum adds value to their education and was worth the time spent. Students reflected that practicum was a strength of their education, provided and built upon skills above the didactic curriculum, and improved their ability to perform during full-time clinical education experiences. Students perceived that full-time clinical education experiences would have greater effect on their future career direction than clinical practicum experiences.

Students perceived that clinical practicum experiences are valuable in their physical therapy education, in preparation for full-time clinical education experiences, and for beginning careers as physical therapists, but do not influence their future career direction.