All applicants must show proof of completion of clinical observations at least two (2) completed clinical observation forms demonstrating a minimum of 30 hours of observation/work experience in two different clinical settings e.g., outpatient, hospital, inpatient, home health, rehab center, or long term care under the supervision of a licensenced physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

Scheduling Observations:  Chooosing a Site

Students are strongly encouraged to start the search for a suitable observation site as early as possible as some facilities may not be able to immediately accomodate observation requests.  The UAA Physical Therapy Program does not have a list of 'approved' facilities and students are strongly encouraged to engage with community in identifying a suitable observation sites by calling or visiting local facilities.  

How to Prepare for your Observation

During observations, students are expected to wear clean and professional dress (as if you were attending an interview). Also, please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or scented lotions, especially in the hospital environment. Observations are an opportunity for prospective students to further explore the field. The opportunity to spend time in a physical therapy department or office is a privilege and students are expected to act professionally and respect patient privacy.

Providence Alaska Medical Center 

Due to the demand for clinical observations and shadowing at Providence Alaska Medical Center, the facility is limiting observations at their facility to 15 hours of observations.  In order to arrange observations at either Providence Imaging Center or Providence Medical Center, students must first complete six forms located on the Provide Community Partnership website: http://alaska.providence.org/choose/mission/Pages/community.aspx. Please note that the immunization document needs to be verified and signed by your health care provider. Providence can also accept official immunization/vaccination records in lieu of having the Immunization form completed, as long as the records contain all required elements. Completed forms may be submitted for review to the Community Partnership Coordinator, Laarni Competente Power by fax (907-212-4962), by e-mail (if scanned) to laarni.power@providence.org, or in person to our community services office located in the basement of the D tower at Providence Alaska Medical Center. Once paperwork is complete and submitted to Providence, the Community Partnership will email prospective observers about their observation request.