True or False: A PT student and PTA student must practice under the on-site supervision of a licensed physical therapist?

The statement is true because both physical therapist (PT) students and physical therapist assistant (PTA) students must operate under the on-site supervision of a licensed physical therapist to ensure safety and compliance with legal and ethical standards in practice. This requirement is designed to provide an environment where students can receive immediate guidance, feedback, and support from a qualified professional while learning to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

On-site supervision is essential not only for the protection of the patients receiving care, but it also fosters an effective learning environment for the students, allowing them to engage in hands-on experiences while being monitored. This supervision includes the licensed PT being physically present to oversee the activities of the students, ensuring that all procedures are performed correctly and safely.

Other choices do not accurately capture the breadth of supervision required for PT and PTA students. While some might suggest that supervision is only needed during specific procedures or only in clinical settings, the reality is that comprehensive on-site supervision is a fundamental requirement regardless of the context or the specific procedures being performed.