Orthopedic Residency Program in Physical Therapy

Therapy Residency and Fellowship Programs

Michigan Medicine offers an orthopedic clinical residency program designed to provide physical therapists with advanced training in orthopedics.  Residents rotate through multiple sites within Michigan Medicine which allows specialized training in orthopedics in a variety of settings and age ranges. This program utilizes a rigorous multi-paradigm orthopedic approach, based on the most current scientific evidence available, with didactic, laboratory, and clinical training sessions. The curriculum also aims to prepare the resident for the APTA Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Certification Examination.

Michigan Medicine’s Orthopedic Residency Program is credentialed by ABPTRFE as a post professional residency program for physical therapists in Orthopedics. This residency is 12 months in length, and residents are expected to spend 40 hours each week completing residency specific training, including direct patient care. Up to 3 residents are accepted to participate in the program each year. Once accepted, Allied Health Residents are paid a monthly stipend and are eligible for health benefits. 

Mission Statement:

The Michigan Medicine Orthopedic Residency Program commits to cultivate specialized physical therapists who advance health to serve Michigan and the world. We are dedicated to providing a progressive evidence-based curriculum, fostering clinical expertise, addressing health inequity, and advancing the quality care in orthopedic physical therapy.

Curriculum Outline (will meet or exceed the following):

  • 300 hours of classroom/lab instruction 
  • 150 hours of 1:1 mentored clinical patient care

Program Outcomes as of December 2023

  • 2023 cohort size: 1
  • 2023-24 cohort paused due to budget measures.
  • Fill rate for 2021-2022: 100%
  • Number of Program Graduates in 2022: 1
  • Percentage of Program Graduates who pass OCS Exam: 100%
  • Percentage of Program Graduates working in Orthopedics after graduation: 100%

To apply for admission to the residency program:

 All applications can be accessed through the APTA residency website: https://rfptcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login

Application and Selection Process

The applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  1. Academic Education
  2. Clinical Education and Mentoring Experiences
  3. Clinical Experience in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  4. Personal Vision and Development Plan

Minimal Eligibility Requirements:

  • Licensure in Physical Therapy by the Michigan Board of Physical Therapy and/or be able to attain a license prior to the initiation of residency.
  • Membership in the American Physical Therapy Association and Orthopedic Section are required prior to start date.
  • Comply with the Michigan Medicine employment requirements.

Additional Information

Ortho Residency and Fellowship Financial Fact Sheet 10.30.2023.docx

Accreditation Status

The Michigan Medicine Orthopedic Residency Program is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) as a post-professional residency program for physical therapists.

American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education logo

Non-Discrimination Policy Notice

The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex*, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Senior Director for Institutional Equity and Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator, Office for Institutional Equity, 2072 Administrative Services Building, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1432, 734-763-0235, TTY 734-647-1388.

*Includes discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.

For further questions about the program, requirements, and application procedure, please contact the director of the Michigan Medicine Orthopedic Residency Program:

Laura Fisher PT, DPT, OCS, PhD
Residency Director
Michigan Medicine Orthopedic Residency

Burlington Specialty Clinic: Spine Team
325 E. Eisenhower Parkway

Suite 200
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
[email protected]