Hear from Aidan, who came to PT Northwest to complete his Undergratuate Observation Hours

Are you a physical therapy student looking for internship and observation opportunities in the Willamette Valley? If so, PT Northwest has you covered! We have worked hard to create an awesome Student Education page on our website just for you! There you’ll find everything you need to know about PT Northwest, including real feedback and tips from some of our past students.

And that’s not all! You can browse our latest job openings, apply for an internship with PT Northwest, check out our awesome perks, get the lowdown on our CEU program, and so much more! We’re sure your time with us will be super rewarding and we can’t wait to meet you!

To get you started, recent grad Aidan has put together a guide on what to expect during your physical therapy undergraduate internship experience. So gear up and let’s dive into this incredible adventure together.

Meet Aidan!

Hi students, my name is Aidan and I recently graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. While pursuing my degree, I was required to complete experiential learning in a health-related field. This is when I reached out to PT Northwest for an undergraduate opportunity. By completing my experiential learning at PT Northwest, I learned a lot about how a physical therapy clinic runs, patient interaction, and corrective exercise.

Here is what you can expect during your undergraduate experience

During your physical therapy student experience, you can expect to gain practical, hands-on experience in the outpatient clinical setting under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist. Here are some general expectations:

Observation and Learning

• You will observe and actively participate in patient care, applying theoretical knowledge to real-life situations.
• You will learn how to conduct patient assessments, develop treatment plans, and implement interventions.

Patient Interaction

• You will interact with patients, take medical histories, and help with physical examinations while under supervision.
• You will participate in patient education and help patients understand their treatment plans.

Documentation

• You will gain experience in documenting patient progress, treatment plans, and interventions in accordance with healthcare standards.

Treatment Techniques

• You will learn and practice various physical therapy techniques, exercises, and modalities used in patient rehabilitation.
• You will learn and understand the application of therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.

Professionalism

• You can expect to develop professional skills, including effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• You can expect to learn about ethical considerations and patient confidentiality.

Professional Networking

• You should use this opportunity to network with experienced physical therapists, potentially opening doors for future job opportunities.

Remember to approach your experience with an open mind, eagerness to learn, and a proactive attitude. Ask questions and actively engage in the clinical environment to make the most out of this valuable learning opportunity!

After reading this, you should have a better understanding of what your student experience with PT Northwest could look like. Participating in experiential learning at PT Northwest has allowed me to gain knowledge about the physical therapy field, work with some amazing therapists, and has given me the opportunity for a job as a PT Aide. Having an internship at PT Northwest taught me more about physical therapy than any class I could have taken.

Ready to go?

Click to learn more about our Student Education Program, read blogs from former students, and apply to join our student education program. Good luck and we look forward to working with you!