Clinical placement opportunities in Hangzhou, China
International learning opportunities are encouraged and supported by all Canadian Physical Therapy training programs. Collaborating with several clinical facilities in Hangzhou, China, we provide Canadian physiotherapy students with unique training opportunities in rehabilitation in this beautiful city. Usually, one international placement spans from seven to eight weeks. Clinical supervision will be offered by Canadian University-graduated physical therapists who have clinical experience both in Canada and China. Our goal is to try to ensure an educational experience that is enriching and safe for students as well as beneficial for the host communities.
The advantages of participating in an international placement in China include:
- Developing a better understanding of international health;
- Learning about the health-care system in China;
- Becoming involved in a cultural exchange;
- Using the knowledge gained about Chinese culture to develop a better understanding of Canada’s multicultural population;
- Developing clinical skills;
- Encouraging contemplation of a career in International Health.
The experience
Our International clinical experiences respect the criteria for clinical practicums that are part of the physiotherapy curricula recognized in Canada. They offer clinical training where the physiotherapy student will be able to assess, re-evaluate and treat patients with musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological disorders and complex health conditions across the lifespan in various practice settings. The Clinical Education Guidelines for Canadian University Programs[1] are used to guide the establishment of our clinical placements so that they meet the Canadian requirements for entry to practice.
Normally the international placement will be either the third of fourth placement for a physiotherapy student. In that context, they must meet the educational goals for those placements.
The skills and knowledge acquired
During the third and fourth clinical placements, the student must achieve the following essential competencies that will be evaluated as part of the international placement:
Domain 1: Physiotherapy Expertise (Employ a client-centered approach; Ensure physical and emotional safety of client; Conduct a client assessment; Establish a diagnosis and prognosis
Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate an intervention plan; Complete or transition care.)
Domain 2: Communication (Use oral and non-verbal communication effectively; Use written communication effectively; Adapt communication approach to context; Use communication tools and technology effectively)
Domain 3: Collaboration (Promote an integrated approach to client services; Facilitate collaborative relationships; Contribute to effective teamwork; Contribute to conflict resolution)
Domain 4: Management (Support organizational excellence; Utilize resources efficiently and effectively; Ensure a safe practice environment; Supervise others; Manage practice information safely and effectively)
Domain 5: Leadership (Champion the health needs of clients; Promote innovation in healthcare Contribute to leadership in the profession)
Domain 6: Scholarship (Use an evidence-informed approach in practice; Integrate self-reflection and external feedback to improve personal practice; Maintain currency with developments relevant to area of practice; Contribute to the learning of others)
Domain 7: Professionalism (Comply with legal and regulatory requirements; Behave ethically
Embrace social responsibility as a health professional; Act with professional integrity; Maintain personal wellness consistent with the needs of practice.)
Expressions of interest
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact us and express your interest in writing as well as provide an indication of the dates when you might be available to travel to Hangzhou China.