Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program

The Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program at Performance Optimal Health is a 12‑month, post‑professional program designed to advance the clinical expertise and leadership skills of Physical Therapists in the specialty area of orthopedic physical therapy. This internal program is open to licensed Performance Optimal Health clinicians and combines evidence‑based didactic education, structured clinical mentoring, teaching, and community engagement to prepare residents for board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

To develop specialist orthopedic Physical Therapists by delivering an advanced, evidence‑based curriculum and fostering a commitment to improving patient outcomes through clinical excellence, research integration, and community service. The program supports a culture of innovation, lifelong learning, and continuous quality improvement among residents, mentors, and faculty.

• Deliver a comprehensive, evidence‑based curriculum updated annually to reflect current research
• Provide broad exposure to orthopedic conditions and interventions
• Offer high‑quality clinical mentorship throughout the residency
• Promote excellence in orthopedic clinical practice
• Ensure faculty maintain OCS certification and active APTA engagement
• Encourage responsibility for clinical reasoning and advanced orthopedic skills
• Prepare residents for OCS certification with structured exam preparation and support
• Facilitate continuous program improvement through annual review and feedback
• Promote leadership and service through community events, outreach, and professional meetings

• Achieve specialist‑level clinical competency and excel in didactic learning
• Deliver high‑quality patient care and prepare for the OCS exam
• Serve as a clinical educator, peer mentor, and instructor for DPT students
• Lead journal clubs, discussions, and develop an online educational course on Learn Worlds
• Demonstrate mastery of APTA core competencies and individualized patient management
• Engage in professional development, advocacy, and lifelong learning
• Maintain APTA and orthopedic section memberships, attend combined sections meetings
• Complete a capstone clinical case project and present findings internally and at external conferences

• Licensed Physical Therapist employed by Performance Optimal Health
• Graduate of an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program
• Demonstrated commitment to orthopedic specialization and clinical growth
• Strong communication, critical‑thinking, and leadership potential

• Graduate from a CAPTE‑accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program
• Possession of current license to practice physical therapy in the state of Connecticut and/or Florida
• No history of professional license suspension, probation, revocation, or ongoing investigation
• CPR certified
• Active membership in the APTA (national, state, and orthopedic section)
• Active membership in the AOPT
• Two reference letters upon request

Note:

Tuition is required. Detailed tuition information and payment options will be provided during the application process.

• Mentorship by board‑certified clinical specialists (OCS)
• Structured learning aligned with ABPTS standards
• Continued employment and benefits with Performance Optimal Health
• Opportunities for teaching, research, and community outreach
• Support for professional growth and board exam preparation