Physical Therapy Student InternAt — Marketplace Physical Therapy and Wellness Center

• Assist staff with various cleaning duties in clinic

• Shadow PTs and PTAs

• Instruct patients in exercise with proper mechanics

Tasks:

Instruct clinicians in exercise mechanics, accept feedback.

The intern will demonstrate learning outcomes by showing knowledge in basic anatomy (planes of motion, basic bony landmarks, muscles and their actions, types of muscle contraction)
The intern will demonstrate ability to perform proper exercise mechanics by instructing staff, then receiving verbal feedback regarding instruction and ability to instruct more efficiently. If intern is able to give satisfactory instruction, they will be allowed to work with patients with supervision from all clinical staff including overseeing physical therapist.

If intern is working with patients at any time, there will always be at least one DPT and multiple PTAs providing direct supervision with direct line of site at all times per California Physical Therapy regulations.

Training:

Specific instruction in roles of PT intern.

The intern will perform daily administrative tasks within the clinic including cleaning, replacing supplies, arranging weight room, etc. Shadowing will include observation with personnel including physical therapist assistants and doctors of physical therapy with ability to ask questions and receive explanations/clinical reasoning from therapists. Mandatory training includes a single 1 hour orientation in which intern will be familiarized with clinic duties and clinic flow by our lead aide. We discuss safety procedures, emergency exits, etc during that orientation.

Learning Outcome:

By the end of the internship, the student will be able to assist patients with various basic therapeutic exercises, have good understanding of the PT profession and roles within a clinic, and interact with patients of all demographic types in empathetic and culturally competent manner.