Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency
The orthopedic physical therapy residency (OPTR) program is a part-time university-based clinical residency program designed for physical therapists who wish to pursue a post-graduate specialization in orthopedics.
This 18-credit certificate program offers an intense and rigorous curriculum, combining clinical courses with online mentoring, and supervised clinical experiences to prepare you for the Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS) exam and for effectively and efficiently treating patients with orthopedic disorders, such as cervical pain, carpal tunnel, tendon repairs, shoulder impingement, joint replacement and sports injury.
Clinical Mentoring
A critical part of our program, residents work one-on-one with a clinical mentor who is an orthopedic specialist and gain experience in hand, TMJ, and spine specialties. A mentor will guide you at your place of employment and online, allowing you to continue working while furthering your education.
Your Personal Professor
Classes are small and convenient. The faculty-to-student ratio allows for near one-on-one learning with course instructors who are top caliber practitioners and expert educators dedicated to the profession and patient care.
Accreditation
We are accredited by APTA’s American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE).
How it Works
Program Length
Our curriculum is designed to be completed in two years, or fast-tracked, in one year.
Program Format
Our curriculum is designed to be completed in two years, or fast-tracked, in one year.
How the PT Residency Program Prepared One Alum For a Dream Job at Cirque de Sole
My job here at Cirque is very unique because we have so many different circus disciplines. There's so many different risk factors and performance demands for the artist that it's challenging. I'm constantly having to think outside the box to implement different strategies to optimize performance, to reduce injuries, and help them perform at their best.
I see myself as an educator, but also, as a coach. My job is to build their confidence, making sure that the artists feel safer performing on stage. Some strategies that I use are corrective exercises to address any dysfunctions or limitations in their range of motion or strength. I also implement hands-on manual therapy techniques to improve range of motion, strength for activation of muscles.
There is an art behind physical therapy, and it's important to take a holistic approach by really just looking at the whole body. When I'm treating a knee injury, I'm not just looking at the knee. I'm looking at the joints above and below, but I'm also looking at the whole person. If we could increase durability, then we could prevent injuries.
Touro has helped to build my career as a physical therapist by providing a strong foundation. The Touro orthopedic residency program gave me the confidence and skills to work at a high level, like Cirque Du Soleil. It's absolutely a dream job. The artists just love to perform, and me being able to help them achieve that, that's really rewarding. So I'm proud of the service that I do as a PT on this job.
