Neurological Physical Therapy Residency Program

About
Curriculum
Director and Faculty

The UPMC Rehabilitation Institute Neurological Physical Therapy Residency Program is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE).

The Neurological Residency Program provides practicing physical therapists with advanced training in neurologic:

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.

The program is funded by UPMC Rehabilitation Institute and is housed within the inpatient unit at UPMC Mercy.

Clinics for outpatient neuro PT training include:

UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.
UPMC at Oxford Drive, Monroeville.

Also, the program offers an inpatient acute care specialty observation provided by our Level 1 Trauma Hospital, UPMC Presbyterian.

Who should apply to the Neuro PT Residency Program?

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

Receive further training in the subspecialty of Neurologic PT.
Become board-certified clinical specialists in the area of neurological physical therapy.

The Neurological Residency Program runs 12 successive months starting in August.

As part of the "Continuing Education” Plan of Study, you will participate in a planned Neurological Residency Program curriculum. You will also enroll in the Institute for Knowledge Translation.

These courses promote advanced decision-making in the evaluation and treatment of neurologic disorder such as:

Cerebrovascular accident.
Spinal cord injury.
Traumatic brain injuries.
Progressive neuromuscular disorders.
Vestibular disorders.
Concussion.

Along with advanced coursework, you will attend:

PT Grand Rounds.
The APTA Combined Sections Meeting.
Advanced Vestibular Rehab Course sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh.
Other relevant training for advancing skill in neurological physical therapy.

Typical weekly schedule for neuro PT residents

Clinical practice: M-Th 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Mentoring: approximately 4-hour time blocks per week.
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Physical Therapy (DPT) Grand Rounds: F Noon-1:00 p.m.
Didactic residency modules: Neuroconsortium modules on Wednesday evenings.
Teaching assistance (Pitt DPT neuromuscular program): Tuesday or Thursday mornings when appropriate.
Specialty practice observations: scheduled when appropriate.