Orthopedic PT Residency
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for 2025-2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 31, 2024
The West Virginia University Orthopedic 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.
Mission Statement
In support of the mission of West Virginia University and the Division of Physical Therapy, the mission of West Virginia University Orthopedic 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 orthopedic 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 Residency Program in Orthopedic Physical Therapy is a 12-month long, post-professional clinical and didactic educational experience that prepares the resident to improve their confidence, orthopedic knowledge, and clinical skill. The residency program combines clinical mentoring, didactic course work, and immersion into interdisciplinary opportunities. The residents in the program will be full-time and complete 28 - 30 hours of clinical practice and 10 - 12 hours of experiential learning per week that includes 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 Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) examination by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).
Admission 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 orthopedic 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.
Program Outcomes
2021-2022 Cohort
- Program completion rate: 100%
- Program retention rate: 100%
- ABPTS Exam Pass Rate: 100% first attempt
2022-2023 Cohort
- Position not filled
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: 01/29/2024]