Preparing physical therapy students for the role of clinical educator: a case study report

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this case report was to describe an innovative model for transforming physical therapist students into clinical instructors with the use of a pro bono clinic. This model may assist other academic programs in creating effective approaches to transition entry-level students into future quality clinical instructors.

Participants: Third year physical therapist students served as clinical instructors for second year students.

Methods: Peer and self assessments were collected to assess intended objectives.

Results: Second year students were made more aware of the role of the clinical instructor and were able to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical teaching and third year students appreciated the impact of clinical teaching and increased their desire to become clinical instructors in the future.

Conclusions: Student self and peer assessments reveal that this experiential model is an effective way of transitioning entry-level physical therapist students into the role of clinical instructor.