Physical Therapy InternAt — AMR Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Intern

Tasks:

Shadow the physical therapist during patient evaluations, follow-up treatments, reassessments, and patient education.
Observe and discuss clinical reasoning related to examination findings, functional limitations, treatment selection, and progression of rehabilitation programs.
Learn the purpose and appropriate application of commonly used therapeutic exercises, rehabilitation equipment, and physical therapy modalities.
Assist with preparation and organization of treatment areas and rehabilitation equipment under supervision.
Participate in case-based discussions involving anatomy, biomechanics, common musculoskeletal conditions, rehabilitation principles, and treatment planning.
Review examples of physical therapy documentation, including evaluations, daily treatment notes, progress reports, and plans of care.
Complete brief literature reviews or educational assignments related to rehabilitation, injury prevention, exercise, or conditions encountered in the clinic.
Observe professional communication with patients, physicians, insurance representatives, and other healthcare professionals.
Learn basic outpatient clinic operations, including patient scheduling, insurance verification, documentation requirements, and overall patient flow.
Maintain professional behavior, patient confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries throughout the internship experience.

TRaining:

The student will receive an initial orientation to the clinic, including workplace expectations, patient privacy/HIPAA requirements, safety procedures, clinic workflow, and the role and responsibilities of the physical therapist.

Training will primarily occur through direct job shadowing and one-on-one mentorship with the supervising physical therapist. The student will observe patient evaluations and treatment sessions and receive explanation of clinical decision-making, treatment selection, exercise progression, and patient education strategies.

The student will also participate in regular case discussions, review relevant anatomy and rehabilitation concepts, receive instruction on commonly used rehabilitation equipment and therapeutic exercises, and be provided with opportunities to review sample documentation and relevant clinical literature.

Learning Outcomes:

Describe the role of a physical therapist in the evaluation, treatment, and progression of patients with common orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic clinical reasoning, including how patient presentation, functional limitations, and treatment goals influence a physical therapy plan of care.
Identify commonly used therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, modalities, and rehabilitation equipment and explain their general purpose within a rehabilitation program.
Demonstrate professional communication, workplace conduct, patient confidentiality, and appropriate interaction with patients and healthcare professionals.
Explain basic aspects of outpatient physical therapy clinic operations, including scheduling, documentation, insurance considerations, patient flow, and coordination of care.