Performance Optimal Health
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program
Performance Optimal Health, Norwalk, Connecticut, us, 06860
Overview
The Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program at Performance Optimal Health is a 12-month, post-professional program designed to advance the clinical expertise and leadership skills of Physical Therapists in the specialty area of orthopedic physical therapy. This internal program is open to licensed Performance Optimal Health clinicians and combines evidence-based didactic education, structured clinical mentoring, teaching, and community engagement to prepare residents for board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).
Program Mission To develop specialist orthopedic Physical Therapists by delivering an advanced, evidence-based curriculum and fostering a commitment to improving patient outcomes through clinical excellence, research integration, and community service. The program supports a culture of innovation, lifelong learning, and continuous quality improvement among residents, mentors, and faculty.
Program Objectives
Deliver a Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Curriculum
Curriculum updated annually to reflect current research
Broad exposure to orthopedic conditions and interventions
High-quality clinical mentorship throughout the residency
Promote Excellence in Orthopedic Clinical Practice
Faculty maintain OCS certification and active APTA engagement
Mentors model clinical reasoning and advanced orthopedic skills
Prepare Residents for OCS Certification
Emphasis on developing expert clinical reasoning
Specialist-level patient care experiences and assessments
Structured exam preparation and support
Ensure Continuous Program Improvement
Annual review of curriculum and mentoring effectiveness
Oversight of clinical experiences to ensure diversity and quality
Faculty and resident feedback-driven refinement
Encourage Leadership and Service
Active participation in community events and outreach
Engagement in professional meetings and continuing education
Resident Goals & Responsibilities
Achieve Specialist-Level Clinical Competency
Excel in didactic learning and hands-on clinical skills
Deliver high-quality patient care
Apply for and prepare to take the OCS exam
Serve as a Clinical Educator and Peer Mentor
Act as Clinical Instructor for DPT students
Lead journal clubs and discussions
Develop an online educational course on the LearnWorlds platform
Demonstrate Mastery of APTA\'s Core Competencies
Clinical reasoning, communication, patient education, and systems-based practice
Effective and individualized patient management
Engage in Professional Development and Advocacy
Maintain APTA and Orthopedic Section membership
Attend APTA\'s Combined Sections Meeting
Support growth of the orthopedic physical therapy profession
Commit to Lifelong Learning and Scholarship
Complete a capstone clinical case project
Present findings internally and submit for external conference consideration
Requirements
Licensed Physical Therapist employed by Performance Optimal Health
Graduate of an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program
Demonstrated commitment to orthopedic specialization and clinical growth
Strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership potential
Application Process
Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Possession of current license to practice physical therapy in the state of Connecticut and/or Florida
No history of professional license suspension, probation, revocation, or ongoing investigation
CPR certified
Active membership in the APTA (national, state, and orthopedic section)
Active membership in the AOPT
Two reference letters upon request
Note: Tuition is required. Detailed tuition information and payment options will be provided during the application process.
Benefits
Mentorship by board-certified clinical specialists (OCS)
Structured learning aligned with ABPTS standards
Continued employment and benefits with Performance Optimal Health
Opportunities for teaching, research, and community outreach
Support for professional growth and board exam preparation
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Program Mission To develop specialist orthopedic Physical Therapists by delivering an advanced, evidence-based curriculum and fostering a commitment to improving patient outcomes through clinical excellence, research integration, and community service. The program supports a culture of innovation, lifelong learning, and continuous quality improvement among residents, mentors, and faculty.
Program Objectives
Deliver a Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Curriculum
Curriculum updated annually to reflect current research
Broad exposure to orthopedic conditions and interventions
High-quality clinical mentorship throughout the residency
Promote Excellence in Orthopedic Clinical Practice
Faculty maintain OCS certification and active APTA engagement
Mentors model clinical reasoning and advanced orthopedic skills
Prepare Residents for OCS Certification
Emphasis on developing expert clinical reasoning
Specialist-level patient care experiences and assessments
Structured exam preparation and support
Ensure Continuous Program Improvement
Annual review of curriculum and mentoring effectiveness
Oversight of clinical experiences to ensure diversity and quality
Faculty and resident feedback-driven refinement
Encourage Leadership and Service
Active participation in community events and outreach
Engagement in professional meetings and continuing education
Resident Goals & Responsibilities
Achieve Specialist-Level Clinical Competency
Excel in didactic learning and hands-on clinical skills
Deliver high-quality patient care
Apply for and prepare to take the OCS exam
Serve as a Clinical Educator and Peer Mentor
Act as Clinical Instructor for DPT students
Lead journal clubs and discussions
Develop an online educational course on the LearnWorlds platform
Demonstrate Mastery of APTA\'s Core Competencies
Clinical reasoning, communication, patient education, and systems-based practice
Effective and individualized patient management
Engage in Professional Development and Advocacy
Maintain APTA and Orthopedic Section membership
Attend APTA\'s Combined Sections Meeting
Support growth of the orthopedic physical therapy profession
Commit to Lifelong Learning and Scholarship
Complete a capstone clinical case project
Present findings internally and submit for external conference consideration
Requirements
Licensed Physical Therapist employed by Performance Optimal Health
Graduate of an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program
Demonstrated commitment to orthopedic specialization and clinical growth
Strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership potential
Application Process
Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Possession of current license to practice physical therapy in the state of Connecticut and/or Florida
No history of professional license suspension, probation, revocation, or ongoing investigation
CPR certified
Active membership in the APTA (national, state, and orthopedic section)
Active membership in the AOPT
Two reference letters upon request
Note: Tuition is required. Detailed tuition information and payment options will be provided during the application process.
Benefits
Mentorship by board-certified clinical specialists (OCS)
Structured learning aligned with ABPTS standards
Continued employment and benefits with Performance Optimal Health
Opportunities for teaching, research, and community outreach
Support for professional growth and board exam preparation
#J-18808-Ljbffr