Physical Therapy Predoctoral Training:

The Kennedy Krieger Institute Department of Physical Therapy offers clinical training placement for students currently pursuing a graduate level degree in physical therapy. These placements provide clinical experience and typically occur in the student’s final year. The length of the affiliation is determined by the student’s university, but typically lasts between 10-16 weeks.

Training can occur at any of the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s physical sites and programs-- wherever appropriate supervision is available. These can include inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, intensive day outpatient rehab and the Kennedy Krieger Schools. Physical therapists at Kennedy Krieger Institute evaluate and treat children and adults with disorders of the brain, spinal cord and musculoskeletal system. The student physical therapist will share a caseload with their supervising therapist. All physical therapists within Kennedy Krieger Institute are licensed by the state of Maryland.

Training Opportunities:

There are a variety of weekly training opportunities available, depending on where the student is placed for training. These include daily patient and family contact, staff meetings, in-service training, clinical rounds, and interdisciplinary training. Physical therapy students are also able to gain exposure to other programs such as Child and Family Support, Parent and Children Together, Community Rehab, and Aquatic Therapy, as well as Kennedy Krieger’s medical clinics.  

Application Guidelines:

A contract must be in place between Kennedy Krieger Institute and the student’s university prior to beginning a graduate level training placement in physical therapy.

Graduate students interested in considering a placement in the physical therapy department should have the Clinical Education Coordinator for their university contact Patricia Turlington at Turlington@KennedyKrieger.org for more information.