Applying to PT school can be an overwhelming and daunting process. With the move to doctorate programs, the competitive landscape can lead many to apply to a bunch of schools in hopes of getting into at least one.

The pressure mounts as prospective students try to figure out what program best fits their needs, demands and personality…and pocket book too (often the most important).

Many look at the US News and World Reports to see if their top school is in the top 10. Congrats to my colleagues at the U. of Delaware for taking the trophy this year! My alma mater, Boston University, keeps its post in the top 15!

Time after time I need to listen to the students gripe and worry but it always comes down to 1 major point that I always tell students…

Make sure the school is willing to take on new clinical rotations and make the effort to secure a rotation that YOU want

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The Actual Process

Listen, I’ve been the CCCE (or whatever the title is) for a few years now and the steps are very simple.

1. Student or school reaches out to clinic in question
2. Clinic says we have an opening, let’s get the student in
3. School sends stock contract to CCCE
4. CCCE signs it and returns it
5. ACCE and school sign it

There may be some behind the scenes things that have to happen at each school but overall, the process should take a fews days to a week at the most.

Generally, this is a non-issue and most schools are great with this. But every once in awhile I’ll come across a student who wants to do a rotation with us but the school doesn’t want to fulfill the contract, for some reason. And I never understood why that was!

The process seems simple enough. If the student really wants that clinical site and it would help them with their educational goals, then why would any school deny that?

That’s why I ALWAYS tell students that are shadowing our facility, to get their required hours, and to definitely ask the schools about their policy on obtaining contracts with new clinical facilities.

The didactic information during lectures and labs is so important but the first hand experience and relationships that you create at a clinical site will equally help you for your long term goals.

Yes, PT school rankings are important but I also think the clinical sites you choose will help YOU take your knowledge to the next level.

Final Lesson

So, future DPT students, if you’re reading this, make sure the school you’re applying to will reach out to me for my contractual signature. If not, I’d highly consider moving on and finding a school willing to take on new sites!

If I’m missing something, please comment below. But it seems pretty straight forward to me, despite what I hear from prospective students!