Which statement best describes supervision of PT and PTA students?

• A. PT clinical instructor is responsible for all actions and duties of the student
• B. PT may supervise both PT and PTA students
• C. PTA may supervise PTA students
• D. PT may not supervise any students

Answer: (B)

Supervision in PT education means the licensed clinician directs and monitors what students do in the clinic, ensuring patient safety and adherence to the plan of care. The physical therapist clinical instructor bears the responsibility for guiding learners and for the quality and safety of treatments performed by students. Because the PT is the primary professional responsible for patient management, they may supervise both physical therapy students and physical therapist assistant students during clinical rotations or fieldwork. The idea that a PT would be responsible for every action and duty of the student is overly absolute and doesn't reflect the collaborative nature of supervision, where the instructor directs and corrects as needed rather than acting on every micro-action. The other proposed scenarios—PTA supervising PTA students or the PT not supervising any students—do not align with standard practice, since supervision by the PT is required for student learning and patient safety.