Anxious to know what to expect during student fieldwork with Carolina PT?

We’ve got you covered! Welcome aboard, PT college students. Get ready to dive into an exciting journey with us! We’ve dedicated significant time to curating a comprehensive Student Education page on our website tailored just for you. Here, you’ll find invaluable insights into Carolina PT, including genuine feedback from fellow students who’ve smoothly transitioned into full-time roles.

But that’s not all! You can also explore our current job openings, apply for a coveted residency with Carolina PT, discover our company perks, delve into details about the Jackson Residency Program, and much more! We’re confident that your time with us will be nothing short of fulfilling.

To kickstart your journey with Carolina PT, recent graduate Emmie has put together a list of what to expect during your physical therapy student fieldwork experience. So buckle up, and let’s embark on this incredible adventure together!

Hello! My name is Emmie Cates and I graduated from Anderson University‘s DPT program in December of 2022.

I started my journey with Carolina Physical Therapy during my third clinical rotation of PT school. I knew immediately that this was a special place and I could not wait to see all of the opportunities I would have to apply my knowledge and skills learned in PT school. This was my first true outpatient orthopedic rotation so I was fully ready to embrace this learning opportunity. Here are some expectations from my experience that might help you gain a better understanding of what your experience might be like at Carolina PT! 

During your physical therapy student fieldwork 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.
• Learn how to conduct patient assessments, develop treatment plans, and implement interventions.

Patient Interaction

• Interact with patients, take medical histories, and conduct physical examinations under supervision.
• Participate in patient education and help patients understand their treatment plans.

Documentation

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

Treatment Techniques

• Learn and practice various physical therapy techniques, exercises, and modalities used in patient rehabilitation.
• Understand the application of therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.

Professionalism

• Develop professional skills, including effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Learn about ethical considerations and patient confidentiality.

Professional Networking

• Use the opportunity to network with experienced physical therapists, potentially opening doors for future job opportunities.

Remember to approach your fieldwork 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!

I hope this has helped you gain perspective on what your experience could be like with Carolina PT! My encouragement to you as you embark on this journey to is to be confident in yourself, ask as many questions as you can, and fully participate in every opportunity you can to learn. You will be challenged out of your comfort zone at times, but do not be discouraged! You are not supposed to know everything, that is what these opportunities are for – to learn! Thank you for letting me share my experience with you and encourage you along your journey. I wish you the best, and I hope so see you around our clinics, soon!

Click here to learn more about our Student Education Program, read blogs from former students who now work full-time for Carolina PT, and apply to join our fieldwork program!
Click here to learn about the Jackson Clinic Residency Program