Oncologic PT Residency

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for 2025-2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 31, 2024

The West Virginia University Oncologic Physical Therapy Residency Program is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education as a post-professional residency program for physical therapists.

Applications for Oncologic Physical Therapy Residency

Physical therapist and patient walking in parallel bars

Mission

In support of the mission of West Virginia University and the Division of Physical Therapy, the mission of West Virginia University Oncologic Physical Therapy Residency program is to develop reflective practitioners who provide access to patient care that embodies advanced clinical training to the state of West Virginia and beyond.  Graduates of the residency will demonstrate oncologic competency in compliance with the Description of Specialty Practice as described by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).  The Residency program is committed to developing practitioners who are capable of advancing physical therapy practice, particularly in rural underserved areas that have limited access to physical therapists with advanced specialty training.  A focus on access to such advanced training defines a commitment to developing practitioners who are capable of elevating the practice of physical therapy through contributions to education, research, and delivery of clinical care.

Residency Overview

The West Virginia University Oncologic Residency Program is a 12-month long, post-professional clinical and didactic educational experience that prepares the resident to improve their confidence, oncologic knowledge, and clinical skill.  The residency program combines clinical mentoring, didactic course work, and immersion into interdisciplinary opportunities. This is a full-time, on-site program where Residents complete on average 30 hours of clinical practice and 10 hours of experiential learning per week that includes courses, teaching, labs, and didactic training.  Residents accepted into the program are full-time employees of West Virginia University School of Medicine. Graduates of the residency program are prepared to take the Oncologic Clinical Specialist examination by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

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 have a current CPR certification. 
  • 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 an oncologic 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 during their 12-month residency program. 

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Program Outcomes

2023-2024 Cohort

  • Program completion rate: 100%
  • Program retention rate: 100%
  • ABPTS Exam: will complete exam spring 2025

Contact

For questions and additional information, please contact: 

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

[Last update: 1/29/2024]