KrannerT School of Physical Therapy (KPST) Student Activities

UIndy Krannert School of Physical Therapy faculty and students work under UIndy’s “Education for Service” motto and engage in many co-curricular activities throughout the year. Scroll below to learn more about some of the opportunities our students take advantage of.

Service Learning Project

students outside the Society of St. Vicent de Paul building

The service learning project is part of a one-credit course in the DPT curriculum (PT 635). The course begins with a history of service learning in the program and profession and an afternoon providing service in the community for first-year DPT students. After 30 hours of service with a community partner spanning the second year of the DPT program, the course culminates with students presenting their project at a Service Learning Fair. The aim of this project is to encourage and inspire lifelong engagement in service that benefits the profession and/or communities in which our students and graduates live and work. 

The PTA program participates in community service throughout the curriculum. A final volunteer project is designed during Clinical Leadership III (PTA 243) and implemented during the final winter semester. The aim is for students to participate in community-based service activities developing a deep appreciation for the value of service through community engagement.

Examples of our community partners include:

  • Wheeler Mission
  • Joseph Maley Foundation
  • Gleaners Foodbank 
  • Community Rehab North 
  • St. Vincent de Paul 
  • Dementia Friends Indiana
  • Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation
  • Joy’s House
  • Special Olympics

Student Outreach Clinic (SOC)

Since 2012, UIndy DPT students and faculty have partnered with the Indiana University School of Medicine to provide valuable services at the Student Outreach Clinic (SOC). The UIndy PTA students and faculty began working in the SOC in 2021. The SOC is a free, interprofessional, student-run clinic that provides health, social and legal services to underserved individuals in Indianapolis. Students working in the clinic are mentored by upperclassmen and UIndy faculty.

The SOC is open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Neighborhood Fellowship Church on a first come, first serve basis. All services are available during this time with the exception of dental services. The Neighborhood Fellowship Church is located at 3102 E. 10th St. Indianapolis, IN 46201.

Scholar’s Showcase at UIndy

students standing next to a presentation

Scholar’s Showcase is an annual opportunity for the UIndy campus and greater Indianapolis community to celebrate the scholarly and artistic accomplishments of our students and faculty. UIndy DPT faculty and students present their work as posters and/or oral presentations. Third year DPT students and faculty mentors present their culminating research and professional development projects. Groups of first year DPT students present their PT 625 classroom projects, Critically Appraised Topics (CATs), that provide evidence-based information regarding a selected physical therapy intervention.

Professional Engagement and Advocacy

KSPT students are encouraged from the first day in the program to challenge the status quo and help advance the profession of physical therapy. Over the years, our students and faculty have visited the Indiana Statehouse to advocate for legislation that would benefit and advance the profession of physical therapy in Indiana.

UIndy PTA students at the Indiana Statehouse

In 2018 and 2019, KSPT students were able to take part in promoting two key legislative efforts that have had a positive impact on the practice of PT in Indiana, including “Choose PT,” an educational effort to reduce the use of opioids in Indiana, and updating the Indiana Physical Therapy Practice Act. Students are able to make connections with legislators as well discover more about how they can get involved with state advocacy for physical therapy. Additionally, in 2022 UIndy PTA students participated in a day at the Indiana Statehouse to advocate for telehealth services for physical therapist assistants.

Our students are also actively involved in state and national physical therapy professional organizations, including the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and APTA-Indiana.
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