Cardiovascular and Pulmonary PT Residency

Program in Candidacy

The West Virginia University-WVU Medicine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Residency Program has been granted candidacy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education as a post-professional residency program for physical therapists.

Admissions

Applications are continually accepted, priority is given to those received on or before May 31, 2025 for the cohort beginning in late fall 2025 to 2026.

• Apply to WVU Medicine Residency Position here.
• Apply to WVU PT here.
• The link to form for references is available here.

Admissions Criteria

• All applicants must be eligible for a license to practice physical therapy in West Virginia. The license must not be under suspension, revocation, probationary status, or subject to disciplinary proceedings or inquiry. 
• All applicants must be a graduate of an accredited physical therapy education program.
• All applicants must be active members of the APTA in good standing.
• All applicants must submit two reference letters, one of which must be from a clinical instructor, physical therapist colleague, or a professor in a physical therapy program.  
• All applicants must submit a current resume or CV.
• All applicants must submit a personal statement of 1500 words or less, briefly explaining why they desire to complete a cardiovascular and pulmonary residency.
• All applicants must submit a completed application in a timely manner to be considered for the program.   
• All residents will be employed by WVU Medicine during their 15-month residency program. 

FINANCIAL FACT SHEET

Mission Statement

The mission of West Virginia University Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Residency program is to develop physical therapy professionals who provide excellent health/wellness, prevention, and rehabilitation services for persons of all ages with, or at risk for, cardiovascular or pulmonary impairments. Congruent with the missions of the West Virginia University Division of Physical Therapy and WVU Medicine, graduates will seek to eliminate health disparities related to accessing high-quality cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy as part of uniquely qualified healthcare teams throughout West Virginia and beyond.

Residency Overview

This residency program is a collaborative partnership between WVU Medicine J. W. Ruby memorial hospital and WVU to develop advanced specialist physical therapists who can lead the outreach efforts to improve cardiovascular and pulmonary health and quality of life in all areas of the state and beyond.  This residency will provide the structure and model for growth in health systems nationally who seek to bring expert care to both rural and urban underserved populations who do not currently have access to specialist care.  We anticipate this residency program to grow quickly and help address this unmet need across the spectrum of physical therapy practice. 

Virtual Open House

The Division of Physical Therapy will host a virtual open house for their Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Post-Professional Residency program on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST.

The session is intended for licensed physical therapists or physical therapy students who are interested in pursuing  cardiovascular and pulmonary residency training and plan to apply for the 2025-2026 admission cycle.

During the session, attendees will have the opportunity to meet faculty and current residents and learn about the admission requirements and process.

Please pre-register for the open house. A confirmation email with Zoom login information will be sent to you.

RSVP

Contact

For questions and additional information, please contact: 

Renee Riffle McGinnis, PT, DPT, COMT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Director of Residency Education - Division of Physical Therapy
Phone: 304.293.0642
Email: rriffle@hsc.wvu.edu