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).

Program Mission:

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.

Program Objectives:

1. Deliver a Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Curriculum
• Curriculum updated annually to reflect current research
• Broad exposure to orthopedic conditions and interventions
• High-quality clinical mentorship throughout the residency
2. Promote Excellence in Orthopedic Clinical Practice
• Faculty maintain OCS certification and active APTA engagement
• Mentors model clinical reasoning and advanced orthopedic skills
3. Prepare Residents for OCS Certification
• Emphasis on developing expert clinical reasoning
• Specialist-level patient care experiences and assessments
• Structured exam preparation and support
4. Ensure Continuous Program Improvement
• Annual review of curriculum and mentoring effectiveness
• Oversight of clinical experiences to ensure diversity and quality
• Faculty and resident feedback-driven refinement
5. Encourage Leadership and Service
• Active participation in community events and outreach
• Engagement in professional meetings and continuing education

Resident Goals & Responsibilities:

1. Achieve Specialist-Level Clinical Competency
• Excel in didactic learning and hands-on clinical skills
• Deliver high-quality patient care
• Apply for and prepare to take the OCS exam
2. Serve as a Clinical Educator and Peer Mentor
• Act as Clinical Instructor for DPT students
• Lead journal clubs and discussions
• Develop an online educational course on the LearnWorlds platform
3. Demonstrate Mastery of APTA’s Core Competencies
• Clinical reasoning, communication, patient education, and systems-based practice
• Effective and individualized patient management
4. Engage in Professional Development and Advocacy
• Maintain APTA and Orthopedic Section membership
• Attend APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting
• Support growth of the orthopedic physical therapy profession
5. Commit to Lifelong Learning and Scholarship
• Complete a capstone clinical case project
• Present findings internally and submit for external conference consideration

Requirements

• 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

Application Process:

• 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

Benefits

• 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