Assessing the impact of a short-term service-learning clinical experience on the development of professional behaviors of student physical therapists: A pilot study

Abstract

As with most health care provider education programs, physical therapy programs seek ways to develop professional behaviors of students. This study describes the integration of a one-week service-learning experience into an existing clinical internship. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed between groups of students who participated in the experience, expressed a desire to participate but were unable to, and those who did not wish to participate. Results suggest that engaging in, as well as the desire to engage in, a service-learning project for under-served members of our community is associated with professional behavior development from students’ and clinical preceptors’ perspectives.

Keywords

• clinical education
• professional development
• professional socialization
• core values
• physical therapy
• reflection