Purpose: The goal of this pilot study was to discover students' perspective of clinical practicum experiences utilized for accreditation-required Integrated Clinical Experiences in doctor of physical therapy education. This study aimed to learn how students perceived the value of participating in institution-based clinical practicum experiences and the perceived utility and value of these clinical practicum experiences to their future careers in physical therapy.
Procedures: A case study design using an agreement survey followed by randomized semi-structured interviews with a cohort of physical therapy students provided the data to inform investigators of student perspectives regarding clinical practicum experiences.
Findings: Students overwhelmingly agreed that practicum adds value to their education and was worth the time spent. Students reflected that practicum was a strength of their education, provided and built upon skills above the didactic curriculum, and improved their ability to perform during full-time clinical education experiences. Students perceived that full-time clinical education experiences would have greater effect on their future career direction than clinical practicum experiences.
Conclusion: Students perceived that clinical practicum experiences are valuable in their physical therapy education, in preparation for full-time clinical education experiences, and for beginning careers as physical therapists, but do not influence their future career direction.