Physical Therapy Observation

An observership is an educational experience that allows you to shadow a member of the physical therapy staff and learn more about the field.

This experience may give you a better understanding of what a typical day is like for a physical therapist. Observerships are for educational purposes only.

Who can apply to be an observer:

• An individual who wants an in-person educational experience that is best acquired by closely observing or “shadowing” a physical therapist.
• Observers must be 18 or older.
• May include high school and college students, and those who are not currently enrolled in school but are interested in physical therapy.

Program Guidelines

• An observership with Kennedy Krieger Institute Department of Physical Therapy
• Typically approved for up to two consecutive weeks
• Does not constitute medical training or academic credit.
• May be available at any of our participating entities:
  • Outpatient
  • Inpatient Rehabilitation
  • Patuxent satellite location

Prior to Beginning an Observership

The observer must complete required paperwork as well as obtain student liability insurance. 

Observers are required to:

• complete and submit the required documentation.
• submit required vaccination records.
• Confirm dates and location of the observership.
• Obtain professional liability insurance

The physical therapy department observership supervisor will review all forms and forward to the Kennedy Krieger Institute Training Administration Department for processing. The Training Administration Department will ensure completion of all required observer documentation.  All paperwork must be completed at least seven days before the start of the observership.

Once an Observership Begins

• Must be under the direct supervision of a physical therapist at all times while in a work area.
• Proper attire while in the health care facility.
• The observer should not wear a lab coat or scrubs.
• The physical therapist ensures that the student observer DOES NOT have physical contact with patients and does not have access to the electronic medical record system.
• Patients have the right to refuse to have an observer present during examinations and discussions. If a patient refuses to allow an observer to be present during examinations and discussions, the request must be honored.