Clinical Education Opportunities

Hands-on experiences to complement your classroom learning.

Our Approach to Clinical Education

As a physical therapy student at Ithaca College, you will be required to practice your skills in clinical settings while under the supervision of experienced, licensed physical therapists. Clinical activities on the Ithaca campus include "Grand Rounds" elective courses with faculty in our Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Clinic, aquatics and electrodiagnostic electives, a performing arts injury screening clinic, and a course at our Center for Life Skills at Longview (a residence for senior citizens adjacent to the Ithaca College campus) which involves interprofessional work with community members who have experienced a stroke.

In addition, we affiliate with approximately 1,000 clinical sites throughout the country. You will complete a minimum of 30 weeks of clinical education at a variety of clinical health facilities, which may include:

  • Acute care hospitals
  • Rehabilitation units
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Outpatient practices

While you may have identified a primary clinical interest, our goal is to prepare you as general practitioners with entry-level skills in a variety of settings. Therefore, you may complete several clinical placements outside of your primary area of interest.

Clinical Education Dates

2024 Clinical Education Dates

  • CE 1 - June 3, 2024 - July 26, 2024
  • CE 2 - January 2, 2024 - March 8, 2024
  • CE 3 - May 20, 2024 - August 9, 2024
     

2025 Clinical Education Dates

  • CE 1 - June 2, 2025- July 25, 2025
  • CE 2 - January 6, 2025- March 14, 2025
  • CE 3 - May 19, 2025- August 8, 2025

Clinical Education Assignments

Clinical education assignments are coordinated by two faculty members in our program: the Director of Clinical Education (DCE) and the Associate Director of Clinical Education (ADCE). All clinical sites must meet certain criteria and enter a written contractual agreement with Ithaca College. Our DCE/ADCE conduct a review of the facility to ensure that a quality educational experience can be delivered before offering a contract. The review procedure may take up to a year from the time the initial contact is made with the clinic until the contract is signed. We are pleased to partner with approximately 1,000 sites across the country, from large urban hospitals to small rural practices, and believe that each site offers a unique learning opportunity for our students. Due to the diversity requirements and the number of offerings in any given year, we cannot guarantee that students will be placed in a clinical facility near their home.

Student placements are determined by the DCE or ADCE in collaboration with each student. Information about each clinical facility is available to students for their consideration when providing their preferences. It is essential that communication with our clinical education sites be coordinated by our DCE or ADCE; therefore, students and family members are not allowed to contact current or potential facilities prior to a clinical assignment. Once a clinical assignment is made, students are then required to initiate communication. Changes are not allowed unless an emergency arises; any change must be processed by the DCE or ADCE.

Position Statement

In support of the position of the American Physical Therapy Association, as of January 2007, the Ithaca College Department of Physical Therapy will not participate in clinical education with practice settings that identify themselves as physician owned physical therapy services (POPTS).

Expenses

You will be responsible for all travel arrangements and all living expenses while participating in clinical education coursework. Please be aware that additional tuition is charged for clinical education coursework that takes place during the summer and that financial aid awards may or may not continue during this period. 

Questions?

Dr. Megan Hotchkiss PT, D.P.T.
Director of Clinical Education
Fax: (607) 274-3514