Pediatric Residency Program in Physical Therapy

Therapy Residency and Fellowship Programs

The Michigan Medicine Pediatric Residency Program in Physical Therapy is designed to provide physical therapists with advanced, specialized training in pediatrics.  Residents will rotate through multiple sites within Michigan Medicine pediatric inpatient and outpatient settings, in order to participate in mentored and guided patient care practice with experienced staff.  The program utilizes evidence-based, multi-paradigm pediatric approaches with didactic, mentored, and clinical learning experiences scheduled into the 12-month long program.  The program aims to prepare the resident to test for the ABPTS Board Certification Specialist Examination in Pediatrics.  

The Michigan Medicine Pediatric Residency Program is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE), and our graduates meet the ABPTS requirements for testing eligibility via residency training.  The program is 12 months in length with residents devoting at least 40 hours per week completing residency specific training, including direct patient care.  At this time, one resident is selected per annual cohort.  A monthly stipend and health benefits are included.  No tuition fee is required, but residents must be members of APTA and the APTA-Academy of Pediatric physical therapy for the full duration of the residency.  Reference texts are available at clinical sites, but residents are strongly encouraged to purchase texts for personal use.

Mission Statement

To provide physical therapists with advanced pediatric physical therapy knowledge and skills through didactic and experiential learning and mentoring opportunities to achieve the highest functional outcome for every pediatric client and to be leaders in pediatric physical therapy.   

Curriculum Outline (will meet or exceed the following):

  • 300 hours of didactic instruction

  • 150 hours of 1:1 mentored clinical patient care

Program Outcomes as of January 2024

  • Annual cohort size: 1

  • Fill rate for 2023-2024: 100%

  • Number of Program Graduates in 2023: 0 (2022-23 cohort paused due to budget measures)

  • Percentage of Program Graduates who pass PCS exam: 50% (Limited by Cohort size - 2 graduates)

  • Percentage of Program Graduates working in Pediatrics after graduation: 100%

To apply for admission to the residency program:

 All applications can be accessed through the ABPTRFE RF-PTCAS website.

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 Pediatric Physical Therapy

  4. Personal Vision and Development Plan

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

  • Licensed Physical Therapist in Michigan, or be able to attain a license prior to the initiation of residency.

  • Membership in the American Physical Therapy Association and APTA-Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy is required for the duration of the program.

  • Comply with the Michigan Medicine employment Requirements

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

Kate Tales, PT, DPT, PCS

Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Director
C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
1540 E Hospital Drive, room 12-654
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105

Accreditation Status

The Michigan Medicine Pediatric 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.

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.