Develop expertise across the full spectrum of orthopaedic specialist practice
The Utah Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency program graduates PTs who are expert thinkers and skilled providers of evidence-guided orthopaedic care. Program participants work 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.
This 12-month program includes direct patient care; mentoring with 7 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.
Outcomes
Graduation rate
100%
First time OCS pass rate
92.3%
Basic Information
Duration
12 months
Capacity
4 resident per year
Time & Activities
Patient care (~32 hours/week)
- Includes 4 hours/week 1:1 mentoring with 7 expert clinicians
- Time split between UOC and SLC VAMC
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 (~3 hours/week)
- Tests and Measures (Fall)Doctoral seminar; PT topics (TBD)
- Musculoskeletal Management (Spring)
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 (~$48K for new graduates) 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.
Admission
Application due
February 1
Interviews / offers
March
Orientation
Last full week of July
Program start
First full week of August
Application materials
Minimum applicant requirements
Eligible for UT licensure / hospital credentialing by early July (must take NPTE no later than April)
Mentors

Zane Gertsch, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic PT

Alex Gribbin
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic PT

Scott Hickenlooper, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic PT
Leadership

Zane Gertsch, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic PT
Residents

Logan Couce
Physical Therapist
Phone: 801-587-7005

Caleb Falck
Physical Therapist
Phone: 801-587-7005