Developing a clinical education program from the clinician's perspective

As the number of physical therapy programs increases, more physical therapy departments will be developing clinical education programs. A guide for clinicians who are developing clinical education programs is presented. Suggestions are made for developing a philosophy of clinical education and for structuring the program. Topics discussed include guidelines for clinical instructors and students, learning contracts, negotiable time, and program evaluation. Examples adapted from the clinical education materials developed at Massachusetts Rehabilitation Hospital are included.