Clinical Education

Clinical activities are integrated throughout the three-year curriculum. Integrated part-time clinical experiences take place in local physical therapy clinics and coincide directly with curricular coursework.

During clinical rotations, students may manage individuals in a variety of settings. This could include individuals with cardiac dysfunction on a transplant ward, spinal cord injury in a trauma unit, children in an acute hospital setting, athletes in a sports medicine facility, patients with stroke in a rehabilitation hospital or individuals with orthopedic dysfunction in an outpatient clinic.

Because of our small class size, we are able to take an individualized approach to clinic placements. Both the unique needs of student and clinic are considered when making assignments.

Part-Time Clinical Rotations

A unique aspect of the MU Doctor of Physical Therapy program is student participation in part-time, integrated clinical rotations.  Students complete four part-time clinical rotations over four semesters, for a total of 152 clinical hours, starting in the spring of Year One.

Full-Time Clinical Rotations

Full-time clinical practicums begin in the summer of the second year and take place in clinics locally and nationally.  The majority of full-time clinical placements occur within the greater metropolitan Washington area and nearby states. Students complete three full-time practicums, for a total of 35 weeks, each at different clinic sites.

  • Summer, Year 2:  12 week full-time practicum
  • Spring, Year 3: 11 week full-time practicum
  • Summer, Year 3: 12 week full-time practicum

Clinic Site Information

Marymount’s location in the greater Washington metropolitan area provides students with more than 250 local clinic sites, many of them nationally recognized. In addition, the program may be able to provide students with access to clinic placements outside of the Washington D.C. area.  All of Marymount’s clinical sites provide a wide range of opportunities for mentored, hands-on learning in urban, suburban, and occasionally rural communities, in settings such as:

  • outpatient clinics representing specialty areas across the range of physical therapy practice: orthopedic and manual therapy, neurological rehabilitation, pediatrics, geriatrics, sports rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, work ergonomics, wellness and health promotion, among others
  • skilled nursing facilities
  • acute care hospitals
  • inpatient rehabilitation hospitals

Medical and Certification Requirements for PT students

In addition to the items below, a medical examination record is required upon admission to the DPT Program.

  • verification of 2-part TB skin test for tuberculosis. Quantiferon Gold, Quantiferon Gold PLUS and TSpot are also accepted. If positive results, a clear chest x-ray must be obtained (lab report required) from within the last 10 years
  • evidence of the following immunizations or titer:  Hepatitis A and B, MMR, Varicella (history of disease not accepted) and Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
  • valid health insurance
  • evidence of certification of American Heart Association BLS CPR for Providers (adult, child and infant)
  • a criminal background check prior to matriculation.  This is a federal requirement for all persons working with vulnerable populations
  • drug screening prior to matriculation, which is required by clinical agencies
  • there may be additional requirements as stated by specific health care agencies

DPT Clinical Education

Marwan Kublawi, PT, ScD

Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy

Director, Clinical Education