Physical Therapy Clinical Education
High quality clinical education is critical in developing our students into competent physical therapists. Integral to this is the partnership with and development of top-notch clinical education sites and clinical instructors. We are extremely fortunate to have a supportive and highly skilled group of clinical instructors to work with our students. In assessing efficacy in this area, we adhere closely to the APTA guidelines for clinical sites and clinical instructors.
This page contains information for use by current physical therapy students, current clinical instructors, and physical therapists who would like to become clinical instructors for Pacific University students.
Clinical Education Calendar
2024-2025
Clinical Education Experience III (3rd Year — 10 weeks)
Aug. 5 - Oct. 11, 2024
Clinical Education Experience II (2nd Year — 6 weeks)
Jan. 6 - Feb. 14, 2025
Clinical Education Experience IV (3rd Year — 9 weeks)
Jan. 6 - Mar. 14, 2025
Clinical Education Experience V (3rd Year — 9 weeks)
Mar. 17 - May 14, 2025
Clinical Education Experience I (1st Year — 4 weeks)
May 19 - Jun. 13, 2025
Clinical Education Experience III (3rd Year – 10 Weeks)
Aug. 4 - Oct. 10, 2025
Facility Clinical Education Manual
The Facility Clinical Education Manual is included within Chapter 3: Clinical Education Manual. Additional resources for facilities and instructors are included below.
Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument (PT-CPI)
Pacific's Physical Therapy Program utilizes the APTA PT-CPI to assess the student's performance during their clinical education experience. The PT-CPI is available to both the clinical instructor and student here.
How to Use PT-CPI Web
- Complete the required self-guided New User Training Modules.
The one time online training and assessment program is free. Once the training is completed and assessment is passed with at least 70%, a certificate for 0.2 CEU units becomes available. - Complete the APTA Learning Center Post-Test Assessment.
- Access PT-CPI
If you are a first time user, your login is created by the Physical Therapy Program. Your login will be the email address that you have provided to us. Please update your information under profile.
Forgot your login? Contact Alice Johnson
Forgot your password? Email PT CPI Web Support for assistance. The academic program cannot reset your password.
Become a Clinical Site
If you would like to become a clinical partner with Pacific University, please contact Brian Wilkinson, PT, DPT, Associate Director of Clinical Education.
Continuing Education Opportunities in Clinical Education
APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program
This course addresses issues of planning and preparing for physical therapist students during their clinical internships, developing learning experiences, and supporting ongoing learning through questioning and effective feedback.
Skills of evaluations are discussed, as well as the identification and management of students with exceptional situations. The course also includes a look at legal implications for the clinical educator, including issues presented by ADA legislation.
The course is useful for both new and experienced physical therapist educators involved in clinical education. While the information presented covers the basic skills for clinical instructors, the interactive tasks and large and small group discussions will be of benefit even to experienced educators.
The Northwest Intermountain Consortium Annual Conference
The Northwest Intermountain Consortium hosts a clinical education conference each fall. Registration information is posted when it becomes available here.
Receive Oregon Continuing Education Credits for being a CI
Oregon clinical instructors who have completed the APTA's Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program Level 1 are eligible to receive continuing education credit for being a CI. PTs receive one credit hour for each 40 hours of direct clinical instruction. The maximum cumulative credit gained for serving as a clinical instructor shall be no more than one-third (8 hours) of the total continuing education requirement during any certification period. Details are available on the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy's website and specifically under Oregon Administrative Rules 848-035-0030(2)(h). If you have not received your CEU certificate within 30 days after the end of the clinical experience, please contact Alice Johnson .
Library privileges for CIs
Clinical instructors are granted full privileges to Pacific University Libraries for one year from the date they host a student. Please contact Alice Johnson to set up a library account. In the e-mail please provide the following information:
Name
E-mail address
Phone number
Name of Clinic Site
Are you an alumnus?