The student-run on-site teaching clinic is a unique feature of the UPS program. This is a pro-bono clinic where students provide physical therapy services under the supervision of expert clinicians from the community who are hired entirely to teach, rather than to carry a patient load of their own. The pace of the clinic is customized to student learning needs, and communication between students and clinical instructors is constant. Students participate in the onsite clinic for three consecutive semesters with increasing responsibility each term commensurate with their academic preparation. This learning environment will give you an unparalleled transitional experience that will help you benefit more fully from clinical experiences in the community. The effectiveness of the onsite clinic is evident in the reports from clinical instructors, who consistently state that UPS students adapt to the clinic environment more quickly and more effectively than other students they have encountered. Students in the on-site clinic, have the opportunity to provide physical therapy services to individuals who have movement dysfunction as a result of neurological, orthopedic, or general medical conditions. A pediatric clinic and exercise/wellness group are offered in the fall semester only. Patients come from the University and the surrounding community for evaluation, treatment planning, and treatment implementation. Physical Therapy students, under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, provide these services to patients with diagnoses consisting of, but not limited to, strokes, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and other developmental delay, injuries to muscle, bone or joints, renal disease, and functional problems related to cancer or its treatment.

Adult On-Site Clinic (Fall: Tue/Thu ONLY | Spring: Wed ONLY)

The adult on-site clinic provides care for individuals with neurological diagnoses such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, as well as orthopedic injuries to muscles, bones, and joints. The clinic also provides care for individuals whose physical function has been impacted as a consequence of systemic illnesses such as diabetes or cancer. In addition, the onsite clinic also offers an exercise/wellness program during the fall semester for individuals with minor musculoskeletal or neurological diagnoses who wish to improve or maintain their current levels of fitness.

Pediatric On-Site Clinic (Fall: Tue/Thu ONLY)

The pediatric on-site clinic provides services for children with motor delays during the Fall semester only. Third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students will provide evaluation and intervention for your child, under the direct supervision and guidance of an experienced, practicing pediatric physical therapist.

Children may be referred by their parents, physician, community therapist or teacher. A medical referral is needed for children under active medical care.

Parents must provide transportation for their child to and from the UPS clinic (North end of Tacoma). All children will be seen for weekly 50-minute sessions on Tuesday and/or Thursday. Three different appointment times are available (2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m.).


Referral Forms

The clinic operates via direct access and can accept either self-referrals or referrals from a health care provider.

ADULT CLINIC

ADULT REFERRAL FORM
 

EXERCISE/WELLNESS GROUP: FALL ONLY

EXERCISE/WELLNESS GROUP REFERRAL FORM
 

PEDIATRIC CLINIC: FALL ONLY

Pediatric Referral Form
 

Return documents to our Physical Therapy Lead Program Coordinator, Jenn Albert, via fax, mail or in person.

  • Fax: 253.879.3540
  • Mail: 1500 N. Warner St. #1030, Tacoma, WA 98416-1030, ATTN: On-site Clinic
  • Drop Off: Weyerhaeuser Hall, Room 229, (N. 11th Street - Across from Memorial Fieldhouse, behind Baker Stadium)

Referral forms can also be requested by email or phone:

Hours of Operation

The clinic operates on the academic calendar both fall and spring semesters as follows:

  • Fall Semester – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
  • Spring Semester – Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Fees

There is no charge for the physical therapy services received in the on-site clinic. There is a $50 administrative support fee each semester for participation in the clinic (Adult and Pediatric Clinic). Participants can pay any time during their visits, it is not required up front.