The clinical education (internship) portion of the program lasts 36 weeks, which includes three 12-week, full-time clinical experiences. This program also includes five part-time, integrated clinical education experiences that give students hands-on experience while they learn didactic content. In the final didactic semester, students can select from an array of advanced clinical training electives that focus on topics including advanced musculoskeletal issues, vestibular issues, research, geriatrics and pediatrics. The program also has a unique clinical pain science course that allows students to gain an additional understanding of how to manage individuals with chronic or persistent pain.
The program values diversity of clinical education: Over the course of the DPT, students complete clinical experiences in at least two different practice settings. Students work collaboratively with College of Public Health staff to obtain suitable placements that meet their individual professional interests and academic needs. Specialized placements in areas such as manual physical therapy, pediatrics, sports medicine and vestibular physical therapy might be available to third-year students as their final experiences, depending on clinic availability.
The DPT program has contracts with more than 300 facilities across the country and around the world. International placements are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Requirements for clinical internships might vary according to individual facilities. Prior to participation in clinical education, Temple University requires that all students complete basic compliance training that may include
- current CPR and first aid certifications,
- a drug screening,
- FBI clearance and a criminal background check,
- personal medical insurance,
- a physical examination, and
- a PPD (tuberculosis) test.
Clinical education staff in the College of Public Health will give you information to facilitate these processes, but you are responsible for compliance costs.
Note: Students are responsible for all costs associated with clinical education, including housing, meals, travel and other living expenses, which can add up to $1,500 per full-time experience.