DPT Clinical Education
Our Clinical Education Mission
Clinical practice is a critical component of DPT education. It serves as a transformative phase for DPT students, as it provides them with immersive experiences in various physical therapy practice settings. In addition, the clinical education curriculum supports the our goals to develop future Doctors of Physical Therapy who demonstrate:
- Thoughtful, reflective practice and professional behaviors to positively impact the human experience
- A commitment to critical inquiry and excellence in both academic and clinical preparation consistent with the professional scope of physical therapy practice
- A continued spirit of discovery through evidence-based practice and professional development
Students
Check out timelines and requirements
Clinical Instructors
Resources for clinical faculty interested in clinical teaching for Tufts DPT students.
A Curriculum Designed for Real-World Practice
Integrated Learning
Didactic courses taken concurrently during clinical education experiences promote critical inquiry and excellence in patient management through direct application of the concepts during professional interactions in the clinic and with peers during case-based discussions and learning activities. The integration of courses during each clinical education experience also enables students to stay in contact with each other and with the faculty, which provides additional opportunities for support and mentoring.
Interprofessional Education
Integrated clinical education courses allow our students to build and refine their interprofessional and collaborative practice competencies.
Career-Focused
Students gain sufficient and comprehensive exposure to patients of all ages and across different physical therapy practice environments so that they are better prepared to meet the diverse needs of their future patients and confidently navigate the various settings in which they may practice as Doctors of Physical Therapy.
Trusted Collaborators in Education
High-Quality Clinical Partners
Tufts and its clinical partners work collaboratively to ensure excellence in physical therapy education. Through established partnerships with leading healthcare organizations, our students are guaranteed high-quality clinical placements. These hands-on experiences are thoughtfully scheduled and customized to align with each student’s stage of professional development, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern physical therapy practice.
Experienced Clinical Faculty
Clinical faculty are an integral part of our clinical education experiences for students. So, we invest in those faculty by offering them access to various resources and the opportunity to structure your hands-on clinical experiences to complement your online curriculum. Many of your clinical faculty are specialists in their field, have completed residency or fellowship training, and are chosen for their expertise and eagerness to work with students.
Meet the Team Behind the Match
Behind every successful clinical experience is a dedicated team committed to student success. At Tufts, the Directors of Clinical Education (DCEs) and support teams across our DPT programs in Boston, Phoenix, and Seattle take a proactive, student-centered approach to clinical placements.
But the clinical education teams do more than coordinate logistics. They cultivate strong, meaningful partnerships with clinical sites, guide students through challenges, and collaborate closely with clinical instructors to support professional growth.
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“The Tufts Boston DCE team is a leader in clinical education, distinguished by their approach and mindset. They help students secure meaningful clinical experiences while fostering independence and personal accountability—preparing them for long-term professional success.”
“The clinical education teams at Tufts are exceptional. Their communication and collaborative approach make them stand out. They are always accessible, responsive, and proactive—ensuring that both student needs and clinical education standards remain top priorities.”
“ATI Physical Therapy extends our deepest appreciation to the Directors of Clinical Education at Tufts University. Their dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence elevate the standards of our profession and ensure the continued advancement of patient care.”