Welcome back movement scholars! You've survived an entire year of grueling coursework, endless exams, and marathon lecture hours fueled by caffeine and second-guessing your life choices. Now, it's time for a refreshing change of pace—your initial full-time clinical experience! But you're probably wondering, what’s the process to get there? I remember desperately seeking answers and feeling the weight of the daunting and confusing process that holds much uncertainty. So here I am, ready to guide you through it! Welcome to the exhilarating world of clinical placement.
Imagine this: you finally get the email announcing that clinical Wishlists are open! It’s time to select your top 20 (+) clinics, ranked from most desired to least. It’s an exciting opportunity to explore a world of possibilities, choosing from a diverse selection of physical therapy facilities. This is your chance to dream big and aim high. Each clinic on your list represents a potential site where you'll be spending 40 hours, 5 days a week, for 10 straight weeks. With a lot of research ahead of you, really take the time to thoughtfully formulate your Wishlist and look into each clinic. These ten weeks of your first clinical are crucial, and you don't want to end up somewhere that's not a good fit for you and the learning experience you desire. I'll step off my soapbox now.
But first- something to note: this Wishlist is NOT first come first serve—it doesn’t matter if you're the first to complete and submit, or get it done just before the deadline, so take your time with it; it’s a huge part of your educational journey!
Now, let’s dive into the Wishlist. Ask yourself, why are you choosing these clinics? Consider this your chance to be strategic. You’re given the opportunity to articulate, in a few sentences, why you prefer each clinic; I crafted short statements for my top 10 choices. View it as your moment to sway the placement committee. Emphasize what attracts you to each location—whether it's the innovative research, esteemed faculty, specific specialties that intrigue you, the allure of a new city or area, or even personal connections like being close to friends and family. Whether it's the proximity to loved ones or your desire to stay in the Bay Area, express it. This approach could give you a slightly better chance of being selected for that clinic over someone else who may also have it high on their list.
Here’s where the rollercoaster really starts to twist and turn: waiting to find out where you’ll be placed. This can feel so nerve-wracking. The thought of possibly relocating, moving out of your current place, leaving your friends or family, or even paying double rent. SF housing is enough of a headache to navigate; now you’re dealing with the possibility of having to uproot for 2.5 months—it's enough to make anyone anxious.
There’s also the fear of being placed somewhere you really don’t want to be. What if you end up in a clinic far from your support network in a place you're unfamiliar with? Or what if you’re placed in a high-stress environment that’s not a good fit for you? The uncertainty definitely kept me up at night.
But here’s the silver lining: the clinical professors and placement coordinators genuinely want you to have a good experience. They do their best to ensure everyone is matched to a clinic where they can thrive. Not only that, but your clinical advisor also has your back. While nothing is guaranteed, there’s a concerted effort to make sure you’ll be okay. So, take a deep breath and trust the process. It’s all part of the journey, and soon enough, you’ll be stepping into your first clinical, ready to learn and grow in ways you never imagined.
Once you’re matched and it comes time to dive into your first clinical rotation, it's finally a break from the relentless school schedule. For ten glorious weeks, you’ll be immersed in the real-world practice of your chosen field. No theory, no play pretend or poor acting —just practical, hands-on experience.
But let’s be candid for a moment. While it’s a fantastic learning opportunity, it does begin to feel a lot like working for free. You’re putting in full-time hours, dealing with real patients, and facing real challenges. The upside? No exams to study for and no class time to endure. It’s a taste of the professional life, minus the paycheck. (Cue the nervous laughter.)
I'll stop myself there. Stay tuned for my next blog post where I'll dive into the honest highs and lows of my actual clinical experience. Spoiler alert: it involves an abundance of learning opportunities and challenges. Until then, good luck with your clinical match, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
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