Program Overview

---

Introduction to the University of Utah Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency

The University of Utah Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency prepares physical therapists to excel and contribute in diverse pediatric settings. Pediatric care is a complex and rewarding area of practice combining neurologic, orthopedic, and developmental knowledge with compassion and family-centered care.

Program Overview

This 12-month program includes direct patient care in early intervention, inpatient acute care, outpatient, and schools; expert clinical mentorship in each setting; interprofessional leadership training through Utah Regional Leadership in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (URLEND); targeted didactics; teaching experience in the University of Utah entry-level DPT program; clinical research experience and mentorship; and a variety of other professional development opportunities.

Sponsoring Agencies

• The Department of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training (PTAT)
• University of Utah Health

Outcomes

• Cumulative Completion Rate: 100%
• Cumulative First-Time PCS Pass Rate: 100% The Pediatric PT Residency is accredited by ABPTRFE (since 2023).

Mission

The mission of the University of Utah Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency is to accelerate the knowledge and skills of pediatric physical therapists from novice to advanced practitioner in diverse pediatric practice settings. Residents will prepare to impact society and enhance the health and lives of children and families through leadership, professionalism, evidence-based practice, and excellence in pediatric physical therapy.

Basic Information

Duration

12 months

Capacity

1 resident per year

Approx. Time Breakdown

Patient Care (~ 32 hours per week)

• Includes average of 3 hours per week of clinical mentored time
• Rotations in Outpatient, Schools, Early Intervention, and Inpatient Acute Care.

Didactics

Residents will complete the Utah Regional Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (URLEND). This will entail 100 hours of didactic, 100 hours of leadership, and 40 hours of interprofessional clinical observations over the academic year. Other didactics specific to the APTA Pediatrics Consortium are utilized to provide pediatric specialist-specific didactics. Independent study is expected throughout the year. Level 1 CCIP (CI credentialing) course included

Teaching

Teaching Assistant in the entry-level DPT pediatrics class spring semester (approx. 3 hours per week).

Professional development

• URLEND
• Research
• Community Service
• In-service and journal club presentations
• Observations in Specialty Pediatric Settings

Specialty areas of practice, including

• Early Intervention
• Inpatient Acute Care
• Outpatient
• Schools

Financial Considerations

Salary

Standard PT salary for 30-32 hours per week clinic time (~$54,000) plus benefits (.75 FTE)

Fringe benefits

• CI credentialing course
• APTA Pediatrics Consortium access

Fees

Program Fee: $6,500 Note: URLEND stipend covers the cost of the program fee and is paid directly to the program. Residents will be responsible for a 50% deposit at the beginning of the program to be reimbursed upon completion of URLEND. Upon failure to complete URLEND requirements, the resident will be responsible for the program fee

Other costs

• Personal liability policy (approximately $80)
• APTA, APTA Utah, and APTA Pediatrics dues (up to $455, less with APTA early career discount eligibility)

Admissions

Application due

January 15

Interviews

Mid-February

Offers

Early March (Pediatric Match Program)

Orientation

Late July

Program start

August 1st

Minimum applicant requirements

• Eligible for Utah Licensure – must take and pass NPTE no later than April
• Must complete at least one full-time pediatric clinical experience or have at least 6 months pediatric PT work experience prior to enrollment

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Utah Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency, University of Utah, and University of Utah Health are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The Residency Program and associated institutions all comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations related to privacy and confidentiality.

Core Faculty & Program Leadership

Program Director

• Kirsten Aalberg PT, DPT, PCS

Mentors

• Kathlene Qualls, PT, DSc, PCS (Early Intervention Mentor)
• Logan Rodriguez, PT, DPT, PCS (Inpatient Mentor)
• Stefanie Elias, PT, DPT, PCS (Outpatient Mentor)
• Danielle Zoglam-Garcia, PT, DPT, PCS (Outpatient Mentor)
• Megan Crawford, PT, DPT, PCS (Schools Mentor)
• Amy Shuckra, PT, DPT, PCS (Research Mentor)