Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program
Mission Statement
To provide physical therapists an opportunity to become a leader in the community, and provide advanced knowledge, skills, and professional behavior that will shape the future of sports physical therapy.
Program Description
The Department of Physical Therapy at Saint Francis University in conjunction with the DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness, the Department of Athletic Training, and the Department of Athletics is proud to announce the implementation of a clinical Residency program for physical therapists interested in pursuing a career in sports physical therapy. The Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program will make application to become an accredited program by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in 2010.
The Residency Program is designed to advance the knowledge and skills of physical therapists who are interested in sports physical therapy. The program attempts to mirror the Description of Specialty Practice in Sports and focuses on the following areas:
- Evidence based practice in examination and interventions related to sports injuries
- Advanced clinical skill in exercise prescription and manual techniques
- Health promotion, fitness, and wellness
- Education and instruction
- Research
Curriculum The professional development component of the Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program includes a comprehensive series of weekly lectures and case reviews, laboratory instruction in the entry-level physical therapy program, surgical and physician office observation, participation in annual conference, participation in a research project, on-field experience with the athletic training staff, time in mentored clinical practice, and non-mentored clinical practice treating a sports patient population.
View the tentative schedule.
Program Goals for the Resident
To provide an opportunity to develop advanced clinical skills for evaluating and treating athletes with a sports-related injury;
To provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge necessary to successfully complete the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Examination in Sports Physical Therapy;
To provide an opportunity to observe other health professionals to effectively manage sports-related injuries;
To participate in a multi-disciplined team approach to effectively manage sports injuries;
To provide an opportunity to participate in research related to sports physical therapy.
Admission Requirements
Preferred applicants are physical therapists who are interested in a career in sports physical therapy. Skills in previous clinical experiences in a sports rehabilitation setting and involvement in instruction of physical therapy students are recommended. Applicants must also possess:
- Current or eligible physical therapy licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
- One of the following by the time of residency: a current ATC designation (certified in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania), a current license as an EMT, or certification as an Emergency Responder;
- Malpractice insurance.
Making Application
Print application (pdf). The completed application, the $50 application fee (non-refundable), a resume, and two (2) professional letters of recommendation should be mailed to:
Ivan Mulligan, PT, DSc, SCS, ATC, CSCS
Director, Sports Physical Therapy Residency
Saint Francis University
Department of Physical Therapy
PO Box 600
Loretto, PA 15940
Residency Dates: August 2, 2010 - August 26, 2011
APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 30, 2010
PRINT APPLICATION (pdf)
PRINT Brochure (pdf)
Questions or Inquiries
Prospective applicants may direct questions related to the Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program to Dr. Mulligan at (814)472-3123 or IMulligan@francis.edu.