Orthopedic Residency Program
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Mission
The mission of the TPS Orthopedic Residency Program is to develop physical therapists into confident, reflective, and highly skilled orthopedic clinicians through rigorous education, mentorship, and evidence-based practice. The program empowers residents to deliver personalized, expert care that helps patients exceed their recovery goals, while preparing graduates to contribute to high-quality, sustainable, and forward-thinking therapy programs. Through this process, residents grow as clinicians, collaborators, and leaders within their organizations and the profession.

Overview
- This one-year, full-time, clinically based program designed to advance the expertise of physical therapists in orthopedic practice. Residents participate in a structured blend of didactic education and mentored clinical experiences to develop advanced clinical reasoning, manual skills, and evidence-based practice.
- Expert clinicians serve as faculty mentors, guiding residents through the development of specialty-level competencies and preparation for the ABPTS Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS) examination. Residents are required to complete all assigned coursework, one-on-one mentorship hours, weekend intensives, and program-related projects and assessments throughout the year.

Outline
This residency will offer a comprehensive, blended learning model, allowing clinicians to continue working full time and participate in the following:
- 300+ didactic hours and 150 hours of 1:1 mentorship.
- Asynchronous and live online learning.
- Virtual journal clubs, case reviews, and meetings.
- Live in-person weekend courses:
- Dry needling certification.
- Spinal manipulation and lumbopelvic treatment.
- Upper extremity intensive.
- Lower extremity intensive.
- Structured independent study.
Cost of Program Participation
| Out of Pocket Cost | Post Graduation Work Commitment | |
| Option 1 | $0 | 2 Year |
| Option 2 | $5,000 | 1 Year |
| Option 3 | $13,000 | None |
Apply
The application period officially runs from August 1st-31st.
The Application Requirements:
- Licensed (or pending license) in their primary state of practice.
- Hired as a Physical Therapist for a TPS affiliated clinic.
- Full-time employment status at the time of program start.
- APTA Membership and Ortho Section membership prior to program start.
Discuss the Orthopedic Residency Program
If you’d like to learn more about this program, including details regarding the application process, please click below to schedule time to speak with our Residency Program Director.
Orthopedic Residency Program FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
Graduates of a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program who hold a current state PT license (temporary allowed where applicable). Applicants must become employed by a TPS-affiliated clinic before starting the program.
How long is the residency?
The program lasts 12 months. Current cohort is running March through February ‘27, and subsequent cohorts will work towards January-December program length.
Do you accept recent graduates?
Yes—new graduates are eligible to apply as long as they meet licensure and employment requirements.
Do I need to already work at TPS?
Applicants may come from outside TPS but must secure employment with a TPS partner clinic prior to program start. TPS can assist with the hiring process during your residency application.
Is a PT license required at application?
You must be eligible for licensure by the program start date. Temporary licenses are accepted if allowed by the state, but full licensure must be obtained before matriculation.
Can I complete the residency at any TPS clinic?
Yes—placements are available at most TPS locations, but each site must be approved based on regional demand, local support, and mentor availability.
Is there an interview?
Yes—candidates undergo a video interview with program leadership. Selection considers references, clinical background, interview performance, and overall fit.
Am I paid during residency?
Residents are hired as full-time TPS employees and receive a competitive salary and benefits throughout the program.
What are the program costs?
Total tuition is approximately $13,000, shared between the resident and TPS.
Is the program accredited?
No, but we will be beginning the application process for accreditation in 2026.
How many residents are accepted?
Cohort size varies annually based on applications, target cohorts aim between 5-15 participants.
Is part-time participation an option?
No—this is a full-time, 12-month immersive residency.
Will this prepare me for the OCS exam?
Yes—the curriculum is designed to develop advanced clinical reasoning and orthopaedic management skills aligned with the OCS exam content.
What does the curriculum include?
150 hours of one-on-one mentoring with an orthopaedic specialist, approximately 1,650 hours of clinical practice in approved TPS settings, blended didactic learning (online modules, live case discussions, weekend labs), and a scholarly capstone project.
How is mentoring structured?
You’ll receive 150 hours of dedicated mentoring, coordinated with expert clinicians (s). Sessions generally include 4 hours per week of hands-on patient care and clinical reasoning feedback.
Where does mentoring happen?
Mentoring frequently occurs within the resident’s clinic, but also can be included at your mentor’s clinic for various learning experiences. Virtual mentoring may also be included, in line with ABPTRFE guidelines.
What is blended learning?
A mix of online coursework, interactive virtual sessions, weekend lab intensives, and live mentoring designed to offer comprehensive, experiential learning.
What are the benefits?
Sharpen clinical reasoning and advanced treatment skills for faster patient recovery, strategic preparation for the OCS certification exam, networking with orthopaedic peers and specialists nationwide, contribute to orthopaedic PT knowledge through research or presentations, and distinguish yourself as a clinical leader.
When is the application process?
Application period officially runs from August 1st-31st.





























