“Validation on validation”: How Northern Arizona University DPT student Harrison Hodge used real-time data to feel truly practice-ready
- michael267450
- Nov 25
- 3 min read
As Harrison Hodge, SPT, CSCS, approaches graduation from Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) accelerated DPT program, he carries a growing confidence that wasn’t always there.
His training has taken him from Physical Rehabilitation Network (PRN) outpatient clinics in Washington to Duke Health, and most recently through a rotation at the Durham VA. Across every clinical site, one constant shaped his development: having real-time performance data through the Whitecoat Learning Platform.
“Seeing hard numbers instead of trying to interpret vague conversations took away so much of the angst students usually feel.”
Building DPT Student Practice Readiness with Real-Time Feedback
Harrison wants clarity, not guesswork. The traditional model—midterm and final check-ins, long stretches without structured feedback—left too much room for uncertainty. Whitecoat closed that gap. With EPA-aligned assessments that his clinical instructors (CIs) could complete in minutes, he saw exactly where he stood each week.
When his CI flagged consistent opportunities, such as refining goniometry skills, he caught the pattern early and addressed it long before midterm. The platform’s comment feature became an efficient way to share quick coaching during busy clinic days when sitting down wasn’t always possible.
“It wasn’t just feedback. It was guidance I could act on immediately.”
That consistency across rotations built something deeper. Harrison’s EPA scores moved steadily from early-stage levels to consistent level-four performance. Multiple instructors. Multiple settings. Multiple data points.
“It was validation on validation. I wasn’t just told I was ready—I could see it.”
Shared Experiences from Clinical Instructors Across NAU’s Network
Harrison’s experience mirrors the feedback shared by clinical instructors across the outpatient physical therapy network that hosts NAU students. CIs who regularly supervise DPT learners at partner clinics describe Whitecoat in the same way Harrison does—simple, efficient, and a meaningful improvement over outdated tools.
One CI shared:
“I really like the Whitecoat Learning Platform. Definitely better than when I had to do the CPI as a student. Pretty easy to use and navigate.”
Another echoed the same sentiment, noting a seamless process:
“Let me know if there’s any other of your students needing a CI for the future. I’ve enjoyed the simplicity of the Whitecoat Learning Platform process.”
Looking Ahead: The Type of Provider Harrison Hopes to Become
Now, as Harrison prepares to enter the workforce, he’s focused on sports physical therapy and helping athletes return to peak performance. He wants to work in an outpatient setting surrounded by mentors who challenge him and give him room to grow.
He’s already pursuing continuing education and sees the next year as an intensive stretch of sharpening his skills.
But it’s not just about technical development. Harrison wants to become the kind of provider who pairs honesty with accountability—someone who earns trust through transparency and pushes patients toward what they’re capable of.
“I want to be the therapist who has honest conversations and pushes patients to their limits.”
Why This Matters for Programs Adopting Competency-Based Education
The real-time validation he received through Whitecoat is shaping that mindset. Instead of entering practice with uncertainty, he’s stepping into it with ownership over his strengths, clarity on where to grow, and confidence grounded in data.
Harrison believes more programs should lean into competency-based tools like Whitecoat.
“It elevates everyone. Students who need more support see it early, and high performers have the data to keep pushing.”
When asked how he’d sum up his experience:
“Two thumbs up. Whitecoat made me more confident, more prepared, and more ready for practice.”
Share Your Experience or Request a Demo
If your program has an experience to share—or if you’d like to see how Whitecoat can support your students and clinical partners—complete the online form.
About Whitecoat
Whitecoat is an all-in-one clinical education platform that helps programs manage rotations, assessments, and competency tracking in one place. It provides students with real-time feedback, gives educators a simple way to document performance, and uses AI to surface insights into readiness and progression. The result is more transparent communication, stronger decision-making, and a more confident transition into practice.