Experiential Learning & Co-op

Learning extends beyond the classroom at Northeastern. Providing students with opportunities for experiential education that links coursework with the real world is central to the mission both of the University and the Bouvé College of Health Sciences.

Experiential Learning

Our broad mix of experience-based programs-including co-op, student research, service learning, and global learning-build the connections that enable Bouvé students to transform their lives and gives them valuable opportunities to practice their profession as members of a health care team.

Bouvé students enrich their classroom studies and explore their path by working in professional settings through the University’s signature cooperative education program. Students also have the opportunity to conduct research on their own or in partnership with a faculty member. They connect with the community through service learning and other efforts that engage with Boston’s neighborhoods. And they expand their educational boundaries and acquire greater world perspective through global learning opportunities.

We believe strongly in the value of experiential learning, that we require all undergraduates to complete at least one co-op, research, service learning, or global learning experience. See the NU Core requirements. It’s the Northeastern difference.

• Co-op Student Handbook (Undergraduate)
• Co-op Student Handbook (Graduate)

Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences
Moira Mannix Votel, MA
Director of Cooperative Education
203 Robinson Hall
Boston, MA 02115
Tel: 617.373.3422
Tel: 617.373.3446
[email protected]

Chris Cesario
Associate Clinical Professor and Senior Director of Clinical Education
6J Robinson Hall
Boston, MA 02115
Tel: 617.373.5536
[email protected]

Benefits of Co-operative Experience in Physical Therapy

The Building Block of Professional Experience

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a unique program which allows students to alternate periods of academic study with periods of paid employment. We are very proud that we are the only Physical Therapy program in the country that offers this opportunity. Post bachelorate students complete 1 six month cooperative education experience in a variety of PT settings including outpatient, inpatient and school-based settings. Students are able to work as part of a health care team and acquire hands on experience that contribute to knowledge that translates into strong communication and clinical skills.

Co-op positions support success in the classroom and develop awareness of the profession of physical therapy.

The Differences between Co-op and Clinical Education

Although clinical education and co op education may seem similar, your role as a co-op student during a co op term is different from your role as a student on clinical education. As a student in school and in clinical education, you are a consumer of a service. As a co-op student during a co op term, you are providing a service to the employer. Therefore, your primary responsibility while you are on co-op is to fulfill the duties outlined in the job description. [Adapted from Kramer, M. & Schmalenberg, C. (1977). Path to biculturalism. Rockville, MD: Aspen.]

The Building Block of Professional Experience

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a unique program which allows students to alternate periods of academic study with periods of paid employment. We are very proud that we are the only Physical Therapy program in the country that offers this opportunity. Post baccalaureate students complete 1 six month cooperative education experience in a variety of PT settings including outpatient, inpatient and school-based settings. Students are able to work as part of a health care team and acquire hands on experience that contribute to knowledge that translates into strong communication and clinical skills.

Co-op positions support success in the classroom and develop awareness of the profession of physical therapy.

Service-Learning

An integral component of the DPT curriculum is service-learning. Through this experience, students engage in hands-on service roles to learn about and apply course concepts while intentionally addressing the needs of community partners. With the support of the University’s Center for Community-Engaged Teaching and Research, the DPT program collaborates with approximately 15 community agencies, organizations and non-profits for this experience. These partners serve the diverse and under-represented communities surrounding the University including Roxbury, Chinatown and the South End among others. Students conduct programs designed to promote physical activity and fitness for people of all ages and abilities. Students are guided to reflect upon their learning through service and classroom connections (the hyphen in “service-learning”). Consistently, these reflections reveal profound personal and professional growth in areas such as effective communication, leadership and core values of the PT profession including cultural humility, social responsibility, integrity and excellence.

Students’ Reflections on the Co-op Experience