Orthopaedic Residency

Develop expertise across the full spectrum of orthopaedic specialist practice

The University of Utah Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency program graduates PTs who are expert thinkers and skilled providers of evidence-guided orthopaedic care. Program participants provide patient care in two exceptional health systems, the University of Utah Orthopaedic Center (part of University of Utah Health) and the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center. Residents are employed (0.75 FTE) by University of Utah Health and have a WOC appointment at the VA.

This 12-month program includes direct patient care; mentoring with 7-8 board-certified clinical specialists in orthopaedic PT; targeted didactics; teaching in the University of Utah entry-level DPT program; clinical research opportunities and mentorship; and, a variety of other professional development opportunities. Residents have access to the full breadth of orthopaedic specialty practice areas.

Sponsoring Agency

University of Utah
- University of Utah Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training
Clinical Partners:
- University Orthopaedic Center (University of Utah Health)
- Salt Lake City VA Medical Center

Outcomes

Graduation rate
100%

First time OCS pass rate
94%

Accreditation

The Acute Care Residency has been accredited by ABPRFE (since in 2014).

Basic Information

Duration

12 months

Capacity

4 residents per year

Time & Activities

Patient care (~32 hours/week)

Includes 4 hours/week 1:1 mentoring with 7-8 expert clinicians
Time split between UOC and SLC VAMC (residents assigned to M/W/F at one and T/Th at other)

Didactics (1.5-2 hours/week plus independent study)

In-person didactic modules covering basic science, UE, LE, Lumbopelvic, Cervicothoracic/TMJ, and acute ortho management
Level 1 CCIP (CI credentialing) course

Teaching assistant in entry-level DPT courses (average ~3 hours/week)

Tests and Measures (Fall, 4-6 hours/week)
Musculoskeletal Management (Spring, optional)

Professional development

Research (20 hours)
Clinical or community project (20 hours)
Interprofessional and specialty clinics (~3 hours/week)

Specialty areas of practice, including

Aquatic therapy
Inpatient orthopedics
Joint camp (UOC)
Vestibular and balance
Orthotics/prosthetics
Electrodiagnostic testing
Exercise physiology, testing, performance
Hand therapy
DDS / TMJ expert
Orthopedic surgery
Sports Medicine MD
PM&R MD
Exercise physiology and testing
Video / 3D instrumented gait analysis
Wellness / Prevention
VA interprofessional musculoskeletal clinic

Our Mission

Accelerate the development of physical therapists from novice to advanced in orthopedic clinical reasoning, knowledge, skill, and professionalism

Financial Considerations

Salary

Standard PT salary for 30 hours/week clinic (employer-dependent) plus benefits (0.75FTE)

Fringe benefits

$400 AOPT residency curriculum package
$375 continuing education (CE) stipend + 5 days PTO for approved CE
CI credentialing course
Medbridge subscription
CSM abstract submission fee

Fees

Program fee $4500

Other costs

$80 personal liability policy
APTA, AOPT, Utah chapter dues

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Utah Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency Program, University of Utah, University Orthopaedic Center, and Salt Lake City VA Medical Center 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.