Physical Therapy Residency Programs

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) approves a number of physical therapy residency programs designed to give graduates from physical therapy programs additional education. The hospitals, rehabilitation centers and universities that offer these residencies provide therapists the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting. Therapists who wish to specialize in an area like pediatrics or orthopedics may wish to consider one of the many APTA-approved residencies offered throughout the U.S.

Duke University Health System

Duke University offers three residency programs: pediatrics, women's physical therapy and cardiopulmonary therapy. The latter course of study is designed for therapists who wish to specialize in the treatment of conditions that affect the heart or lungs. Residencies are typically one year in length and require therapists to work 30 hours per week in the University Health System's clinics in the Durham, North Carolina area.

Duke University Health System Physical Therapy Residency
Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
P.O. Box 3965
Durham, NC 27710
[phone]
ptot.duhs.duke.edu

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware offers three physical therapy residency programs: sports medicine, orthopedics and geriatrics. The sports medicine teaches therapists how to care for patients with sports or exercise-related injuries, while the orthopedics program gives therapists experience treating patients who suffer from conditions that affect the bones. The geriatrics course of study provides clinical training in therapeutic techniques for the elderly. All of the programs at the University of Delaware last for 13.5 months.

University of Delaware Physical Therapy Residency
053 McKinly Lab
East Delaware Ave.
Newark, DE 19716
[phone]
udel.edu/PT

Kaiser Permanente

The neurologic physical therapy residency at Kaiser Permanente in Redwood City, California, is one of only six programs of its kind approved by the APTA. The residency provides clinical experience in providing therapy for patients affected by nervous system disorders. The program lasts for 12 months and features experience in the treatment of both adults and children.

Kaiser Permanente Physical Therapy Residency
1125 Marshall St.
Redwood City, CA 94063
[phone]
xnet.kp.org

Saint Ambrose University

The Saint Ambrose University Physical Therapy Residency Program in Davenport, Iowa, provides therapists with the opportunity to learn advanced skills in orthopedics. The 12-month residency allows therapists to receive mentoring from university staff and clinical experience working at Rock Valley Physical Therapy, which is also in Davenport.

Saint Ambrose University Physical Therapy Residency Program
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
[phone]
web.sau.edu/pt/ortho.residence

Oregon Health & Science University

The physical therapy residency program at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon, features clinical experience in pediatric physical therapy. Therapists work with children being treated as a part of a specialized program for neurological disabilities at the university-run Child Development and Rehabilitation Center. Residents also participate in early intervention therapies for toddlers and preschool-aged children in a variety of locations like day cares, schools and homes. The program lasts one year.

Oregon Health & Science University Physical Therapy Residency Program
707 Southwest Gaines St.
Portland, OR 97207
[phone]
ohsu.edu/oidd/LEND/fellowships/ptresidency.cfm

References

• Duke University Health System: Physical Therapy Residency Overview
• University of Delaware: Residency Programs
• Kaiser Permanente: Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency

Resources

• St. Ambrose University: Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency
• Oregon Health & Sciences University: Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency
• American Physical Therapy Association: Residencies? Fellowships? What's the Difference?