Learn by doing.

At USP you’ll find special opportunities to learn on every level in many different environments—not just in the classroom. We make learning interesting, enjoyable and professionally valuable. You’ll work in the field—doing things that will prepare you for the real world. You’ll work with real patients in a real clinic setting. You’ll have the opportunity to pursue research with faculty. You’ll leave with more than a degree. You’ll have had the experiences that prepare you well for a fulfilling profession in physical therapy.

Clinical rotations in a variety of health care settings.

In the summer after your third year, you’ll begin the professional phase of your education. Clinical education is a vital component of your professional education. You’ll integrate knowledge, skills and professional development in the field through part-time and full-time clinical education experiences.

When clinical educational experiences begin in the first professional year, you’ll have the advantage of the supervision of a clinical instructor who is a licensed physical therapist. You will complete 34 weeks of full-time, hands-on clinical experience in a variety of clinical settings and specialty areas. USP affiliates with over 350 clinical sites are located throughout the United States. The diverse practice settings of your clinical rotations could include:

• Large medical systems with acute-care and specialty clinics
• Inpatient rehabilitation centers
• Community hospitals and clinics
• Skilled nursing facilities and sub-acute rehabilitation centers
• Outpatient offices that may offer specialties such as women’s health, work hardening and neurologic rehabilitation
• School and preschool programs
• Occupational medicine
• Home health care
• Sports medicine clinics 

Pro Bono Clinic—learn to make a difference.

The Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic started in 2002 as a partnership between University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Mercy Health System and the City of Philadelphia. The goal was to provide underserved residents of southwest and west  Philadelphia with access to physical therapy services while giving students a unique context in which to learn. Through clinic experiences, students benefit from a faculty mentorship beginning in the first year of their professional curriculum.

Student participation in the clinic—working hands-on with patients in a real-world environment—has helped bolster self-confidence and decision-making skills. Faculty members have derived a greater sense of their role as professionals in addressing society’s needs. After recognizing the importance of the clinic in the eyes of both students and faculty, the Pro Bono Clinic was permanently added to the physical therapy curriculum. Since its inception, the clinic has provided care to more than 800 uninsured patients and countless invaluable experiences to students and faculty alike.

Read a profile about the Pro Bono Clinic.

Motion Analysis Lab—get hands-on training.

At USP, you’ll learn by doing as you work side-by-side with faculty members using state-of-the-art equipment.

The Physical Therapy Department’s Motion Analysis Lab, located within the Patricia Leahy Memorial Research Lab, is equipped with some of the most advanced technology in the field including a Polhemus motion capture device that allows researchers to track limb movements. The lab is also equipped with a BIOPAC Systems MP 150 portable EMG amplifier/processor and twin axis electronic goniomenter.

Here are just a few of the research and training projects currently under way:

• Analysis of upper limb training techniques in post-stroke individuals
• Analysis of muscle activation patterns of quadriceps using open and closed kinetic techniques
• Analysis of the reaching ability on the involved side of individuals who have had a stroke
• Investigation of the efficacy of commonly used open and closed kinetic chain exercises of the lower extremity and how or if they make knee rehabilitation more efficient and effective

Future projects will involve investigations using isokinetic equipment and metabolic equipment carts. Members of the Physical Therapy faculty are constantly performing research and engaging students to participate with them.

Research and service learning—getting involved.

As a USP physical therapy student, you’ll have the opportunity to become involved in research projects initiated by faculty and to spearhead meaningful community projects on your own. Research involvement will give you a dynamic view of how new techniques and philosophies emerge. Community learning projects will help you develop experience in presenting wellness topics, develop solutions to address a specific health issue and work hands-on with clients through the process.

Examples of recent service projects include:

• A series of wellness presentations, fliers and brochures provided on campus to faculty, staff and students of USP
• Development of an interactive exercise and educational website for people with traumatic brain injuries, cerebral vascular accidents, spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis
• An online exercise program for people with cancer located on OncoLink, a well-known comprehensive cancer website  (http://www.oncolink.org)
• Participation in the locomotor training program at Magee Rehabilitation, a member of the NeuroRecovery Network
• A health fair at a neighborhood retirement community