Throughout KU's physical therapy program, students have opportunities to apply essential knowledge and skills from the classroom in clinical environments. This occurs through a combination of integrated clinical experiences, clinical simulations and full-time clinical rotations.

Because we believe broad exposure to different practice areas and treatment of patients throughout the lifespan is instrumental in the development of a well-rounded and versatile physical therapist, our clinical education curriculum begins early, in the fall semester of the first year. During the first two years of the curriculum, students complete part-time integrated clinical experiences each semester at partnering facilities. These experiences offer meaningful avenues for translating classroom learning into practice across diverse patient populations and clinical settings.

Integrated clinical experiences in the hybrid pathway are structured to provide the same depth, breadth and rigor as the on-campus pathway. Students complete their required integrated clinical experiences in approved sites near their home communities when at all possible. This allows students to gain hands-on experience across diverse practice settings without the need for relocation. In those instances where a student may be unable to complete their requisite integrated clinical hours in their home community, intensive options may be available to them either immediately before or immediately after a lab immersive and while they are still in the Kansas City area. Additional areas for hands-on clinical experiences can be accomplished via telehealth in JaySTART, our student-run pro bono clinic.

All clinical placements meet program and accreditation standards and are supported by the same faculty oversight and assessment processes used in the on-campus program.