Which of the following is true regarding the difference between a PT student and a PT intern?

The distinction between a physical therapy (PT) student and a PT intern primarily revolves around their educational status and progress within their training programs. A PT student is one who is still active in academic coursework at a college or university and may not have completed all the required classes yet. On the other hand, a PT intern typically refers to an individual who has finished the majority of their academic requirements but is now engaged in clinical practice, usually referred to as an internship or affiliation.

This choice correctly highlights that while the PT student is still in the process of completing their academic training, the PT intern has already completed a significant portion of the coursework and has moved on to practical application through an internship. The terms reflect the stage of training and readiness for independent practice, where an intern is gaining hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

In the context of the other options, while it may be true that many PT students have completed some coursework before reaching the intern stage, the accuracy of the statement regarding their current status in relation to practical application is crucial for understanding their roles. Therefore, emphasizing that the PT student has yet to complete all required coursework, while the PT intern has indeed concluded a significant amount leads to a better understanding of their professional pathways.