Neurological Physical Therapy Residency

Academic Coursework

Coursework is provided in a self-directed, continuing education format with courses delivered predominately online using Blackboard. The resident will complete a total of 7 courses focusing on content based on the Description of Specialty Practice (DSP) in neurology.  Courses are between 12 and 21 weeks long and the resident will take 2-3 courses per trimester. Residents can expect to spend an average of at least 5 hours per week on didactic coursework for a total of at least 300 hours during the 12 month residency. See below for an outline of the didactic curriculum. Additional didactic experiences will be assigned on an individual basis as needed.

• PTCE 0050   Fundamentals of Neurologic Specialty Practice
• PTCE 0051   Evidence-Based Practice and Outcome Measurement in Expert Practice
• PTCE 0061   Contemporary Management of Degenerative/Demyelinating Diseases
• PTCE 0062   Professional Roles in Expert Practice
• PTCE 0063   Contemporary Management of Central Nervous System Injury
• PTCE 0071   Special Topics in Neurorehabilitation
• PTCE 0072   Independent Study: Research Project

Clinical Practice

Residents will be employed 32 hours per week at Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital or Memorial Health System and are expected to carry a full patient caseload consisting of neurologically impaired patients. Clinical mentorship is provided by residency program faculty, at least 3 hours per week. Clinical mentoring may include collaborative patient care and discussion of patient cases between mentor and resident.  

• Minimum of 1500 hours over 12 months of which 150 are mentored hours
• 32 hours per week independent clinical practice of which 3 are mentored hours

Teaching/Scholarship

Residents are expected to participate in teaching/instruction of basic neurologic skills for entry-level physical therapy students at NSU as part of their academic coursework. Residents are also responsible for providing physical therapy related education to peers and staff at the hospital. Residents will complete a scholarly project such as a pilot research study, clinical case report or faculty driven research project in the area of neurologic physical therapy which may be presented and/or published in a peer reviewed format.

• Total of 100 hours of teaching responsibilities over 12 months

Evaluation of Learning

Resident learning will be evaluated using a variety of methods including:

• Multiple choice tests/quizzes
• Completion of case studies
• Research article critique/analysis
• Practical examinations to evaluate clinical skills
• Completion of a research project/case report  
• Feedback from clinical mentors

Requirements for successful completion of the neurological residency program include:

• Residents will consistently meet or exceed standards required for employment at Pinecrest
• Rehabilitation Hospital during the residency program.
• Residents must complete a minimum of 1,500 hours in direct patient care with patients with neurological diagnoses
• Residents must successfully complete all courses with an 80% or better, including written and live patient practical examinations
• Residents will complete a comprehensive exam
• Residents must complete a scholarly project with plan for dissemination

Minimum requirements for eligibility:

• Currently hold or be eligible for physical therapy licensure in the state of Florida*
• Graduated from a CAPTE accredited physical therapy program**
• Must be eligible for employment at Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital or Memorial Healthcare System
• Submit a complete RFPTCAS application by published deadline
• Participate in an interview with admissions committee (for selected candidates)
• Must have access to a computer which will support required components of Blackboard (ie. Javascript, cookies, Java Runtime Environment)

*Prospective residents who will be new graduates at the start of the residency program may apply for acceptance to the neurologic residency program pending sitting for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), however, admission to and participation in the residency program will be contingent on obtaining FL licensure.

**New graduates (defined as a physical therapists practicing in the clinic for less than 1 year) applying to the neurological residency program will need to provide transcripts to demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or above in entry-level PT coursework is preferred.  

Preferred attributes include:

• Completion of at least 1 clinical internship in a primarily neurological setting
• Exhibit leadership qualities, effective communication skills and evidence of motivation, accountability and self-directed behavior
• Display strong written and oral communication skills
• Effective use of critical thinking in clinical situations using sound rationale for choices
• Demonstrate experience participating in research (ie. case reports, faculty guided research, data collection, data analysis, etc.)
• Evidence of high academic achievement (for new graduates)
• Membership to the APTA and American Academy of Neurologic PT