Program Overview

Advanced Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice, Research and Education Fellowship

The Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences offers a post-professional fellowship program designed for the licensed physical therapist seeking advanced training in orthopaedic physical therapy. One of the overarching goals of the program is improved management of the complex patient.

Program Details

• Program Type: Hybrid
• Program Format: Full-time
• Program Length: 12 months
• Program Tuition: $9,995/year

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• The applicant must hold a license to practice physical therapy in the state where their clinical mentorship will occur at the time of matriculation into the program.
• The applicant must supply evidence of one year of practice in the area of orthopaedic physical therapy (at least 2000 hours).
• The applicant must have completed additional study in the area of orthopaedic physical therapy as evidenced by: certification as a specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties or completion of an orthopaedic or sports physical therapy residency program.
• The applicant must submit two recommendations for the program from individuals with direct contemporaneous knowledge of the candidate's clinical knowledge and skills.
• The applicant must provide a transcript of their physical therapy education.
• The student may provide GRE scores (optional).
• Each applicant must submit a nonrefundable application processing fee.

Application Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Science members and representatives from clinical sites. The applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Academic education
• Clinical education and mentoring experiences
• Clinical experience in orthopedic physical therapy
• Research experience

The application deadline is March 1, and applicants will be notified of their admission status by April 15.

Credentialing

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Education (ACOMPTE). Upon successful completion of a credentialed fellowship program, students can apply to be recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT).

Program Structure

The 12-month program involves a series of educational classroom experiences and 150 hours of 1:1 mentored clinical practice. A strong emphasis is placed upon clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, practice and theory in physical therapy education, and a research experience. Successful applicants are employed by one of several clinical sites associated with the program.

Current Fellows

The program has a diverse group of current fellows, each with their own unique background and experience in orthopaedic physical therapy. The fellows are:

• Rachel Beilfuss PT, DPT, OCS
• Rachel Bergen PT, DPT
• Joe DeHope, PT, DPT, OCS
• Michael Grant PT, DPT
• Luke Green PT, DPT, OCS
• Marit Mikkelson PT, DPT, OCS
• Ervin Velic PT, DPT

Outcomes

The program has a strong track record of success, with 100% of fellows graduating from the program. The outcomes for each cohort are as follows: | Cohort #1 | Cohort #2 | Cohort #3 | Cohort #4 | Cohort #5 | Cohort #6
| | | | | |

of fellows admitted | 9 | 11 | 7 | 14 | 10 | 7

of fellows who voluntarily withdrew | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |

% graduated | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Education (ACOMPTE). This accreditation ensures that the program meets the highest standards of education and training in orthopaedic physical therapy.