Support
During the summer of 2025, I had the privilege of interning at South Jefferson Physical Therapy, where I was able to immerse myself in the environment of a rural outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic. Over the course of several weeks, I observed evaluations, treatment sessions, and patient discharge appointments while also taking on meaningful responsibilities that supported both the staff and patients. This experience provided me with my first hands-on introduction to the profession, allowing me to better understand the daily rhythm of a physical therapy clinic and the crucial role PTs play in helping patients of all ages recover from injuries, prevent future conditions, and improve their overall quality of life.
My responsibilities included setting up gym equipment to the proper weights for patients based on their charts, preparing hot and cold packs, cleaning treatment areas, and guiding patients through stretching and strengthening routines. I was also able to perform more advanced tasks under supervision, such as performing a therapeutic ultrasound and entering patient information into the clinic’s electronic medical record system. These tasks not only supported the productivity of the clinic but also allowed me to develop practical skills, confidence in patient interactions, and a better sense of what day-to-day work in the field looks like.
Beyond clinical responsibilities, this internship helped me grow personally by building relationships with both patients and staff. I enjoyed hearing the stories of patients, tracking their progress, and seeing firsthand how the therapists’ consistency and encouragement impacted recovery. I also shadowed multiple PTs and PTAs, including a specialist in hand therapy, which gave me insight into different treatment styles, specialties, and approaches to patient care. Each professional emphasized the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and empathy in creating an effective and welcoming environment for patients.
This experience affirmed my passion for pursuing a career in physical therapy and gave me a deeper understanding of the patient-centered nature of the profession. At the same time, it broadened my perspective by showing me that while I value the strong connections fostered in a rural clinic, I would also like to explore other settings, such as sports medicine or urban clinics. I am grateful to the staff at South Jefferson Physical Therapy for their support and mentorship throughout this experience. I left the internship with strengthened clinical skills, greater confidence in professional communication, and a renewed excitement to continue my journey toward becoming a physical therapist.