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Program Overview

The Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program is a post-graduate specialization program designed for physical therapists. The program consists of four courses: Musculoskeletal Management I (DPT 8581), Musculoskeletal Management II (DPT 8582), Mentorship I (DPT 9085), and Mentorship II (DPT 9086).

Program Details

• The total combined clinical and didactic hours for the Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency is a minimum of 1500 hours.
• The program is targeted to physical therapists pursuing post-graduate specialization in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.
• The courses are designed to allow physical therapists to continue full-time employment during the Orthopaedic Residency by utilizing distance-based learning.
• The Mentorship Courses primarily consist of clinical mentorship by physical therapists certified as orthopedic clinical specialists (OCS).
• Additional requirements of the Mentorship Courses include:
  • Completion of independent learning modules
  • Submission of monthly outcome tracking reports
  • Submission of monthly clinical hours tracking reports
  • Submission of an abstract and completion of at least a poster presentation to a professional physical therapy conference
  • Experience presenting and teaching
  • Engaging in collaborative consultations with physicians or other healthcare providers
  • Participation in online patient rounds

Learner Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Perform skilled, comprehensive management of patients with musculoskeletal disorders, within a framework of Evidence-Based Practice, as described by the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) Orthopedic Physical Therapy Description of Specialty Practice (DSP).
2. Screen patients for conditions and diagnoses that would require referral to and/or consultation with another healthcare provider.
3. Correctly perform physical examination tests and measures with an emphasis on reliable and accurate tests according to the most recent literature.
4. Efficiently synthesize examination information to form an intervention plan across the continuum of care, utilizing best evidence, patient values, and clinical expertise to resolve the current chief complaint as well as to prevent future recurrences.
5. Competently perform manual therapy interventions utilizing advanced clinical reasoning and the current, best evidence for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
6. Integrate patient-related instruction, therapeutic exercise, and functional training in self-care, and use of adjunctive devices and equipment into the plan of care based on the current, best evidence.
7. Understand and apply classification schemes to assist with matching the plan of care to the patients' specific impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.
8. Measure impairment, function, disability, and health-related quality of life outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal disorders utilizing standardized outcome measures and applying concepts of regional interdependence.
9. Develop and deliver a professional presentation related to physical therapy management for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
10. Participate in peer and self-reflective assessment to establish a pattern of life-long learning, professional development, and continuous improvement.
11. Participate in activities that educate consumers and other medical professionals on the evidence that supports physical therapy interventions and promote the profession as the first line of care for musculoskeletal disorders.

Prerequisites

• Access to an approved physical therapist mentor who is an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS)
• Current full-time practice as a physical therapist treating patients with musculoskeletal disorders
• Active License to Practice as a Physical Therapist
• A Doctoral degree (DPT)
• Concurrent enrollment or past completion of the Musculoskeletal Management Courses 8581/8582

Course Details

• Course Title: Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency: Clinical Mentorship II
• Course Code: PT0003
• Delivery Options: Online with In-Person Meetings
• Duration: July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026
• Course Fee: $2,800.00