Sports Physical Therapy Residency

Academic Coursework

Coursework is provided in a self-directed, continuing education format with courses delivered predominantly online using Canvas. The resident will complete a total of 5 courses focusing on content based on the Description of Specialty Practice (DSP) in sports.  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.

• Fundamentals of Sports Specialty Practice
• Contemporary Management of Sports
• ConditionsEvidence-Based Practice
• Professional Roles in Expert Practice
• Independent Study: Research Project

Clinical Practice

Residents will be employed 32 hours per week at the NSU PT clinic and are expected to carry a full patient caseload consisting of patients with sports and orthopedic conditions. Clinical mentorship is provided by residency program faculty for 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

• Minimum of 200 hours of sports venue event coverage. The resident will be involved in all aspects of college sports from strength and conditioning to post op rehab, from pre to post season.

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 sports residency program include:

• Residents will consistently meet or exceed standards required for employment at NSU PT Clinic during the residency program.
• Residents must complete a minimum of 1,500 hours in direct patient care with patients with sports and orthopedic conditions
• Residents must complete a minimum of 200 hours of sports venue event coverage
• 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 NSU PT Clinic
• Submit a complete RFPTCAS application by the published deadline
• Participate in an interview with the admissions committee (for selected candidates)
• Must have access to a computer that will support the required components of Canvas

*Prospective residents who will be new graduates at the start of the residency program may apply for acceptance to the sports 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 prior to starting the residency.

**New graduates (defined as a physical therapists practicing in the clinic for less than 1 year) applying to the sports 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 sports 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 in the APTA and the American Academy of Sports PT