Physical Therapy >> Post-Professional Programs >> Orthopedic Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy Program of Mercer University is proud to offer a post-professional residency in orthopaedic physical therapy. This 12 month post-professional program, credentialed by the APTA,  is based upon the criteria set forth for credentialing by the American Physical Therapy Association and the Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Description of Specialty Practice.  To learn about the principles that guide Mercer’s orthopaedic physical therapy residency program, please review our mission, program goals, and objectives.

The clinical residency program enables the physical therapist to accelerate their expertise in evaluation, examination, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and management of patients with orthopaedic dysfunction. Developed for new professionals and physical therapists with one or more years of practice, who are interested in significantly advancing their preparation as a provider of orthopaedic patient care, this program combines contemporary, evidence-based coursework with highly individualized, advanced clinical mentoring under the supervision of experienced clinicians.
The residency in orthopedic physical therapy provides advanced clinical education training in the areas of management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal disorders of the following regions: spine (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar/sacroiliac) craniomandibular and extremities (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, foot). Required coursework includes: one Foundations of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice course, four Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation and Management courses, one Practice Management / Health Care Policy and Professional Issues course and a Clinical Instructor Credentialing Course.

The resident will also engage in 90 hours of Self-directed learning, 30 hours of Teaching and 30 hours of Service-learning. Residents will also be required to engage in a research project, case study or case series or other scholarly pursuits to add to the body of physical therapy knowledge. The expected outcome of the program is an advanced-practice clinician with knowledge and clinical reasoning skills advantageous for improved care with optimum outcomes for individuals with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions and movement impairments resulting in activity or participation restrictions. The curriculum of this residency is also designed to prepare physical therapists for the Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Specialty Certification Examination.

The residency begins in January of each year and runs for 12 consecutive months. A maximum of twelve residents are accepted to participate in the program each year. Mercer University has formed partnerships with a variety of out-patient orthopaedic clinics in the Atlanta, Georgia region. These partnerships include private practices and hospital organizations where the residents are employed and provide patient care. The minimum benefit package includes liability insurance and health care options.  For more information on admission requirements and deadlines, please visit the orthopaedic residency admissions page.

For more information, contact us at postprofPT@mercer.edu.