Headshot of Katy Bales

Katy Bales

Physical Therapy Clinical Education Specialist

Department: Physical Therapy Education

Office and address: Gerald L. Francis Center, Office 100K 2085 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244

Phone number: (336) 278-6353

Professional Expertise

Clinical Education and Orthopedics

Education

I obtained a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Creative Writing in 2008 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

I obtained my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from East Carolina University in 2013.

Employment History

After a brief stint in print journalism following my undergraduate education, I made a career change to pursue physical therapy. 

Since 2013, I have worked in the inpatient acute and outpatient orthopedic settings. In 2021, I became a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist.

Since coming to Elon just as the pandemic was getting into full swing, I have become fully-invested in Clinical Education in our Department of Physical Therapy Education and look forward to every day here that I get to contribute to the lives of our students and the Elon community.

Research

My current research focus is related to physical therapy clinical education, primarily with regard to the experiences of students and their Directors of Clinical Education in North Carolina. However, I have been involved in orthopedic and neurological studies in recent years as well.

Personal Information

Other important roles in my life include that of wife and mother, and, in my free time, I am an avid reader, occasional creative writer, amateur stained glass artist/painter, volleyball player and second-hand clothing connoisseur.

Skills

  • Board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
  • Clinical Education
  • Contract Management
  • Student Onboarding Compliance
  • Proficient in Exxat, MyClinicalExchange, Rotation Manager
  • Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Pro
  • Writing/Editing