Pre-graduation internship in the education of rehabilitation students: satisfaction levels and key challenges

Information for nursing staff, 2025, 57(4), 38-42.

Ts. Krasteva, P. Kazakov, M. Bozhkova

Medical College, Medical University – Plovdiv

Abstract: The pre-graduation internship is an integral and essential component of the education of students in the “Rehabilitator” specialty, serving as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and its practical application in a real clinical environment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of student satisfaction, the challenges encountered, and the opportunities for professional development among third-year students at the Medical College of the Medical University – Plovdiv, during their pre-graduation internship. Additionally, the study seeks to assess their professional growth and formulate recommendations for optimizing the internship program. Materials and Methods: The comprehensive research is based on an anonymous survey conducted among 33 out of 34 enrolled students. The results reveal a high level of satisfaction (97%), with key positive factors including access to modern equipment, effective clinical mentors support, productive interactions with faculty, and exposure to a wide range of clinical cases. Most students felt well-prepared for practical work (36% – fully prepared, 64% – sufficiently prepared). The findings confirm that successful integration between academic and clinical settings, professional support from mentors and lecturers, and adequate material resources are crucial for the development of independent clinical thinking and essential competencies in future rehabilitators. Conclusion: The pre-graduation internship plays a pivotal role in developing students’ practical skills, professional reasoning, and self-confidence. Systematic improvements in clinical education – through structured mentorship, clear feedback mechanisms, and defined clinical competencies – will contribute to the sustainable advancement of high-quality education and the successful professional realization of future rehabilitation specialists.

Key words: pre-graduation internship, rehabilitation education, kinesitherapy, student satisfaction, therapeutic massage

Address for correspondence: Tsveta Krasteva, e-mail: Tsveta.Krasteva@mu-plovdiv.bg, Petar Kazakov, e-mail: Petar.Kazakov@mu-plovdiv.bg, Mariya Bozhkova, e-mail: Mariya.Bozhkova@mu-plovdiv.bg