Top 12 Physical Therapy Observation Locations

It can be a bit nerve-wracking when it is time to find a place where you can acquire observation hours. However, it is (most of the time) a necessary component of the application process for many health professions. Choosing the kind of setting is an important part of gaining observation hours; tailoring this to your interests can help make the experience even more enlightening. There are a variety of physical therapy locations that many pre-PTs might not be aware of. In this post, we’ll discuss 12 physical therapy observation locations and specialties that you should consider while gaining your observation hours.

1. Pediatrics

• Patients are children, typically from Infancy to 14 years old.
• Traditionally outpatient (patients come into the clinic and leave after the appointment)

2. Pelvic Floor

• Contrary to popular belief, everyone can benefit from pelvic floor therapy, not just women.
• Patients can be treated for a vast number of diagnoses, anything ranging from incontinence to birth preparation and many more.
• Traditionally outpatient

3. Acute Care

• Traditionally inpatient (patients stay overnight)
• Patients spend nights in the clinic for any amount of time ranging from a few days to a month.
• Goals for patients typically focus on enabling them to thrive at home by themselves or in the care of someone other than a health professional.

4. Sports Clinics

• Patients typically have sport-related diagnoses or wish to return to sports after injury.
• Return to sport treatments usually exceed traditional outpatient expected outcomes.
• Typically outpatient

5. Home Health

• Home health differs from other PT settings as clinicians go to the patient’s home to administer treatment.
• Could be used to treat a variety of diagnoses.

6. Cardiopulmonary

• Patients typically seek out this PT setting to improve breathing and aerobic capacity by improving cardiopulmonary functions.
• Diagnoses range from asthma to emphysema to heart failure.
• Can be both outpatient or inpatient

7. Neurology

• Patients seek out neuro PT to alleviate symptoms and improve body functions associated with neurological disorders.
• Diagnoses can range from strokes, to Multiple Sclerosis, to traumatic brain injuries.
• Can be both outpatient or inpatient

8. Orthopedics

• Ortho is the most common setting to receive physical therapy.
• Orthopedic PT focuses on decreasing pain and improving the function of the muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments (orthopedic systems).
• Diagnoses can range from torn ligaments to strained muscles to surgery recovery.
• Traditionally outpatient

9. Oncology

• Patients typically utilize this when previously diagnosed with cancer. Oncology physical therapy focuses on increasing wellness and the lifespan of those affected by cancer and the chronic illnesses associated with it.
• Traditionally outpatient

10. Inpatient Rehabilitation

• Similar to acute care, patients spend nights in the clinic, however, their stay is typically longer, ranging from a week to several months.
• Goals for patients typically focus on enabling them to thrive at home by themselves or in the care of someone other than a health professional.

11. Vestibular (Balance)

• Vestibular PT involves exercises that help manage balance issues associated with the brain, inner ears, eyes, joints, and muscles.
• Diagnoses typically range from strokes, to vertigo, to fall risks.
• Traditionally outpatient

12. Geriatrics

• Patients are older adults, typically 65+.
• Could be both inpatient and outpatient.
• Inpatient: Nursing homes and hospitals
• Patients typically utilize this when facing symptoms or difficulties associated with or exacerbated by aging. Geriatric PT focuses on increasing wellness and the lifespan of the aging population and the chronic illnesses associated with it.

Those are the top 12 physical therapy observation locations and specialties to seek out as a pre-PT! I hope some of these brought you some insight about where you would be interested in observing. If you have any questions, I would love to hear your thoughts! For those nervous about contacting PTs about observation, please check out the previous post in this series How to Ask to Observe a Physical Therapist.

Best of luck to everyone applying!