Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency

Helping PT's Specialize in Pediatric Care

The University of Utah Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency prepares physical therapists to excel and contribute in pediatric settings. Pediatric care is a complex and rewarding area of practice combining neurologic, orthopedic, and developmental knowledge with compassion and family centered care. Pediatric therapists are uniquely qualified to impact families in meaningful ways that can have lifelong implications.  Our residents will acquire mentored clinical experience in a variety of settings that will contribute to a holistic understanding of children with special health care needs and their families.

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 though 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.

PTAT Pediatric Residency patient with child on stairs

OUR 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 a variety of 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.

 

Sponsoring Agencies

Outcomes

Through 2026

Cumulative Completion Rate
100%

Cumulative First-Time PCS Pass Rate
100%

Outcomes

The Pediatric PT Residency is accredited by ABPTRFE (since 2023). 

ABPTRFE Accredited Program Logo

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 is 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 (~$56,000) plus benefits (.75 FTE)

FRINGE BENEFITS

  • CI credentialing course
  • APTA Pediatrics Consortium access
  • $750 Continuing Education Stipend

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 $465, less with APTA early career discount eligibility)

Admissions

APPLICATION DUE

  • January 15

INTERVIEWS

  • Mid to late February

OFFERS

  • Early March (Pediatric Match Program)

ORIENTATION

  • Late July

PROGRAM START

  • August 1

MINIMUM APPLICATION 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 month pediatric PT work experience prior to enrollment 

APPLICATION

  • Submit applications online through RF-PTCAS.
Apply Here

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.

Program Introduction Video

Residents

Headshot of Taryn Banfield

Taryn Banfield, PT, DPT

taryn.banfield@utah.edu

Core Faculty & Program Leadership

Headshot of Kirsten Aalberg

Kirsten Aalberg PT, DPT, PCS

Residency Director

kirsten.aalberg@utah.edu

Email Kirsten
Zoe Brandon's headshot

Zoe Brandon, PT, DPT, NCS

Inpatient Mentor

placeholder

Kristi Brelsford, PT, DPT, PCS

Inpatient Mentor

Headshot of Stefanie

Stefanie Elias, PT, DPT, PCS

Outpatient Mentor

placeholder

Mitch Gibson, PT, DPT

Schools Mentor

placeholder

Zoe Herwitz, PT, DPT

Inpatient Mentor

Headshot of Kathlene

Kathlene Qualls, PT, DSc, PCS

Early Intervention Mentor

Decorative

Amy Shuckra, PT, DPT, PCS

Research Mentor

headshot of Danielle

Danielle Zoglam-Garcia, PT, DPT, PCS

Outpatient Mentor

Clinical Partners

Primary Children's Hospital

Helping people live the healthiest lives possible

Intermountain Children's Health Logo