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Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program


The Geriatric Residency Program provides practicing physical therapists with advanced training in geriatrics:

  • Exams
  • Decision-making
  • Intervention techniques

The program also places an emphasis on using research and the literature to maintain practice within the scope of evidence-based physical therapy.

UPMC Rehabilitation Institute funds the program, housed within the following:

  • UPMC Home Healthcare Services.
  • UPMC St. Margaret.
  • UPMC Mercy.
  • UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
  • UPMC South Side Outpatient Center.
  • UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital Transitional Care Unit.

Who should apply to the Geriatric PT Residency Program?

Licensed physical therapists that have already completed an entry-level program who want to:

  • Receive further training in the subspecialty of geriatric physical therapy.
  • Become board-certified clinical specialists in geriatric physical therapy.

The Geriatric Residency Program runs 16 successive months starting in August.

As part of the "Continuing Education” Plan of Study, you will participate in a planned Geriatric Residency Program curriculum.

Along with advanced coursework, you will attend:

  • UPMC Rehabilitation Institute Multi-Program Grand Rounds.
  • The APTA Combined Sections Meeting.
  • APTA Pennsylvania Move PA Conference.
  • UPMC St. Margaret Geriatric Medicine Core Curriculum.
  • Other relevant training for advancing skill in geriatric physical therapy.

Typical weekly schedule for geriatric PT residents

  • Clinical practice: M-Th 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Mentoring: approximately 4-hour time blocks per week.
  • Didactic residency modules: Throughout the program on Fridays.
  • Teaching assistance (Pitt DPT geriatric program): schedule is variable.
  • Specialty practice observations: scheduled when appropriate.


Amanda McKenna, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA
Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
Certified Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult
Geriatric Residency Program Director, UPMC St. Margaret Hospital

412-784-4050
mckennaal2@upmc.edu

Core Faculty:

  • Lisa Braughler, PT, DPT
  • Michelle (Missy) Criss, PT, DPT, PhD, GCS
  • Sierra Downum-Meyers, PT, DPT, GCS
  • Keelan Enseki, PT, MS, SCS, OCS, ATC
  • Geraldine M. Grzybek, PT, GCS
  • Chelsey Wojcik Larko, PT, DPT, NCS
  • Nanami Mano, PT, DPT, GCS
  • Jennifer McMahon, PT, DPT, GCS
  • Erin Reddinger, PT, DPT, GCS
  • Jennifer Ritter, PT
  • Chris Venus, PT, MPT, NCS
  • Mary Ann Wharton, PT, MS
  • Chad Zoll, PT, MPT

Geriatric Residency Program Outcomes

  • Number of Graduates (% Graduation Rate): 11 (100%)
  • GCS examination first time pass rate: 100%
  • GCS examination ultimate pass rate: 100%

Salary, Tuition, and Benefits

  • Tuition: $6,800
  • Salary: $49,545.60 /year
  • Tuition is deducted in equal amounts from biweekly paychecks throughout the 16-month program.
  • Benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, continuing education allotment, Medbridge subscription

Download the Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency financial fact sheet (PDF).

Application Process, Dates, and Contacts

  • Deadline to apply: December 31
  • Interviews for qualified applicants: February
  • Start date: Early August

To learn more, contact Amanda McKenna, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA — Geriatric Residency Program Director:

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