Can I be considered if I am currently a DPT student and will not be taking the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) until July 2023?
As part of our application, you will be asked whether you are currently licensed or when you plan to take the NPTE. The April 2023 test date is the latest option for an applicant who is completing their DPT degree during the application cycle. If you are not able to test by April and receive a passing score, you will not be eligible to apply in this cycle and will need to wait until the next application cycle to apply to our Residency program.
When will your application become available?
Our application will become available through RF-PTCAS (the centralized web-based application) November 1st 2022. A direct link to the application on RF-PTCAS will be posted on our website when the application cycle becomes available. Please continue to check our website until that time. We also require a supplemental fee in addition to the application and fees through RF-PTCAS.
Will I get paid as a Resident?
Yes, the Resident is hired as a UCHealth employee and will receive salary commiserate to an 80% employee salary with a full benefits package.
How many people typically apply to this program and how many are applicants are accepted?
We are only able to accept two residents per year. The number of applicants varies each year, but in the past several cycles, we have approximately 8-15 qualified applicants.
How much does the residency program cost?
There is NO tuition cost. Residents will be responsible for the costs associated with taking the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (ABPTS) Orthopaedic Board Exam.
What kind of supervision and/or mentorship will I receive in this program?
It is important to understand that in a residency program, you are no longer a student and do not require direct supervision. Instead, as a licensed physical therapist working towards clinical specialization, you will receive at least 150 hours of mentorship from our clinical mentors in order to help prepare you as a highly qualified provider of patient care services in outpatient orthopaedic clinical practice areas. You are expected to independently manage patients in a variety of settings, and the clinical mentors will offer guidance and direction through formal (3-4 hours per week) and informal mentoring opportunities.
How much Orthopaedic experience do I need to be considered for this residency program?
Orthopaedic experience (such as a longer clinical education experience while obtaining your DPT) is recommended. While, orthopaedic experience is not required, you need to have a clear reason and vision for why you want to pursue an orthopaedic specialization at this stage of your professional career. You will be given the opportunity to explain why you want to specialize in orthopedic PT and complete a residency program in your application to our program.
How long does the University of Colorado Orthopaedic PT Residency Program take to complete?
This residency program is 13-months long beginning the first week of August and ending the first week of September the following year.
May I contact a current resident with questions?
Yes, our current residents are open to discussing their experience in the program. The best initial contact is through email:
Emily Spiegelberg: Emily.Spiegelberg@uchealth.org
Morgan Hatch: Morgan.Hatch@uchealth.org