Clinical Education
Physiotherapy
Policy regarding Absences during a Clinical Placement
The clinical placement is a key component of the requirements for completion of the physiotherapy program therefore:
- 100% attendance is expected from all students
- It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the Clinical supervisor is notified as early as possible if they are unable to come in for their regularly scheduled day of a clinical placement.
- Students are not obliged to compensate for time missed due to illness if it does not exceed two days in a five week placement. A valid reason for being absent is required.
- If a student should be absent for more than two consecutive days, a medical certificate justifying the absence must be presented to the clinical supervisor and this certificate should be attached and returned with the student’s final evaluation to the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (A.C.C.E.) at the university.
- Students are permitted to take a leave for religious reasons if the A.C.C.E. and clinical supervisor are given two weeks advance notice.
- Finally, no matter what the reason, students are obligated to advise the A.C.C.E. if more than two days of a five week clinical placement are missed. The A.C.C.E., Centre Coordinator of Clinical Education (C.C.C.E.) and the clinical instructor will then determine how much time will be required to be made up and the appropriate manner to do so (ie. extended hours, weekend shift, etc.). If the student disputes the decision, the situation will be brought forward to the Program Committee to be resolved.
- If a student is unable to account for absences during a clinical placement, a note to that effect will be placed in his/her personal file and a failure will be given for the placement as this action is considered a lack of professionalism.
- Requests for a leave of absence during a placement for compassionate reasons should be made to the A.C.C.E. at the University.
