Each of the first five hybrid semesters will include integrated intensive immersion laboratory experiences (on-campus) developed to allow practice and mastery of the psychomotor and clinical decision-making skills necessary for examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and assessment of outcomes. Immersions (two per semester, lasting six to nine days) will be structured to provide the laboratory experiences and competency assessments associated with the courses that students are currently taking. Terms 6 and 7 are full-time terminal clinical educational experiences and will not require laboratory immersions.
Students will receive vital preparatory content and practice via prior synchronous and asynchronous activity that will allow for a more efficient start to each immersion session. In addition to skills acquisition and assimilation, the immersions will also be used for assessment (formative and summative) which includes the completion of skills checklists and practical and comprehensive laboratory examinations.
Immersions will be led by faculty, guest instructors, and adjunct faculty who are experts in their field of practice, providing an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows for an optimal and engaging learning experience. Immersion sessions will also allow for open laboratory time where students can freely practice skills outside formal instruction, while still having access to faculty for questions.
| Immersion | Term* | Estimated Date* | Length of Immersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1A | 1 - Fall | October | 9 days |
| 1B | 1 - Fall | November/December | 9 days |
| 2A | 2 - Spring | February | 7 days |
| 2B | 2 - Spring | March | 8 days |
| 3A | 3 - Summer | June | 8 days |
| 3B | 3 - Summer | July | 8 days |
| 4A | 4 - Fall | October | 6 days |
| 4B | 4 - Fall | November/December | 6 days |
| 5A | 5 - Spring | February | 6 days |
| 5B | 5 - Spring | April | 6 days |
*Terms 6 and 7 are full-time terminal clinical educational experiences and will not require laboratory immersions. Specific immersion dates and Pittsburgh locations will be shared with each new cohort of hybrid students.