Heidi Shearin loves the variety of specialty areas in Physical Therapy

Name:  Heidi Shearin, PT, DPT

Title:  Director of Clinical Education (DCE) and Assistant Professor

Physical Therapy Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of our specialty areas and the many benefits of our services.

What is your role at Campbell?

• In addition to my teaching and advising responsibilities, I manage the clinical education portion of the curriculum. We have a large network of physical therapists both locally and nationally who volunteer to serve as mentors and instructors for our DPT students during their clinical experiences.  My position as DCE allows me the unique opportunity of interacting with our students in the clinics as they progress toward entry level skills as required for graduation.

Why is National Physical Therapy Month important to you?

• Physical therapists work in a variety of practice areas including acute care, geriatrics, women’s health, pediatrics, wounds, and the better known orthopedic/ sports setting. Many people are not aware of our large scope of practice, or the fact that we have direct access in many states allowing us to evaluate and treat without a physician’s referral.  Physical Therapy Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of our specialty areas and the many benefits of our services.

What is your favorite aspect of the physical therapy profession?

• I tell my students that if they get bored as a physical therapist, it is their own fault. We have an opportunity to work in diverse practice areas.  It is practical to change from one specialty area to another through continuing education as their practice interests change.  Once they find their focus area of practice, our profession has advanced certifications and specialties to continue developing their skills post-professionally.