Physical Therapy Residency Program

The DOC Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency prepares clinicians to practice at an advanced level within an orthopedic system. Residents train alongside orthopedic surgeons, APPs, and pain physicians while managing a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. The DOC Orthopedic PT Residency integrates structured education, clinical mentorship, and patient care to accelerate the development of advanced orthopedic clinicians.

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female physical therapist works on patient who is lying on floor
smiling female physician in scrubs holding stack of books

Train Alongside the Best and Advance Your Clinical Expertise

The DOC Orthopedic PT Residency integrates structured education, clinical mentorship, and patient care to accelerate the development of advanced orthopedic clinicians.

About DOC
20+
Expert Physicians
Ready to Train & Mentor
100%
Post Graduation
Job Placement Rate
1:1
Mentorship with
Orthopedic PT Faculty

Our Program at a Glance

The DOC Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency prepares clinicians to practice at an advanced level within an orthopedic system. Residents train alongside orthopedic surgeons, APPs, and pain physicians while managing a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

Program Duration

12 Months (Full-Time)

Program Focus

Orthopedic specialty training with emphasis on advanced evaluation and evidence-based treatment.

Clinical Experience Includes

  • Musculoskeletal patient care
  • Direct patient management
  • Real-time clinical reasoning
  • Ongoing mentorship

Learning Components

  • Structured orthopedic curriculum
  • Weekly live intensive sessions
  • Interdisciplinary learning
  • Evidence based clinical practice

Applicant Requirements

  • Graduate of an APTA-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program
  • Current Physical Therapy License in good standing
  • First Aid and CPR certification
  • Two professional letters of recommendation
man points to diagram of skeletal system

What a Typical Week Looks Like In Our PT Program

Residents are fully immersed in clinical practice while participating in structured educational and mentorship components throughout the program.

  • Clinical patient care in an orthopedic setting
  • Dedicated mentorship time with PT faculty
  • Scheduled didactic sessions (hybrid: online + live intensives)
  • Case reviews and interdisciplinary collaboration

What You’ll Master

The residency develops advanced orthopedic clinicians through structured education, clinical mentorship, and patient care. Training emphasizes orthopedic examination, differential diagnosis, biomechanics, imaging integration, evidence-based rehabilitation, and real-world clinical application.

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Advanced Orthopedic Evaluation

  • Comprehensive orthopedic examinations
  • Differential diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries
  • Movement analysis and biomechanics
  • Integration of imaging into treatment planning

Orthopedic Rehabilitation

  • Evidence-based orthopedic therapy
  • Manual therapy techniques
  • Return-to-sport rehabilitation
  • Postoperative rehabilitation

Clinical Development

  • One-on-one mentorship with experienced orthopedic PT faculty
  • Case discussions and real-time feedback
  • Integration of evidence-based practice into daily patient management
  • Development of confidence and efficiency as an advanced orthopedic clinician

Clinical Reasoning & Decision-Making

  • Differential diagnosis across complex musculoskeletal conditions
  • Integration of imaging into treatment planning
  • Real-time clinical decision-making
  • Case-based learning with interdisciplinary teams

Frequently Asked Questions

This residency is built for clinicians seeking a structured, intentional path into orthopedic and pain practice—whether you’re a new graduate looking for guided, hands-on training or an experienced provider transitioning from another specialty. Ideal applicants have a strong interest in musculoskeletal medicine, value mentorship and accountability, and are ready to grow in a fast-paced, high-expectation clinical environment.

The program uses a dynamic hybrid learning model that blends online coursework with live intensive sessions. Residents also participate in one-on-one mentorship and interdisciplinary learning with orthopedic physical therapy faculty, surgical teams, and pain management teams.

Applicants must be graduates of an APTA-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program, hold a current Physical Therapy License in good standing, have First Aid and CPR certification, and submit two professional letters of recommendation.

Yes. Residents train alongside orthopedic surgeons, APPs, and pain physicians, gaining direct exposure to interdisciplinary orthopedic care and real-time clinical decision-making.

Residents manage a caseload of musculoskeletal conditions, including acute injuries, postoperative cases, and return-to-sport rehabilitation.

Graduates are prepared to practice at an advanced level in orthopedic rehabilitation, with a 100% post-graduation job placement rate.
smiling doctor against blue gradient background

More Questions?

Conner Davis, PT, DPT

Director of Physical Therapy

CDavis@directorthocare.com
exterior of direct orthopedic care office

Step Into Advanced Orthopedic Practice

Train within an orthopedic system, work alongside experienced clinicians, and build the skills to confidently manage a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. The DOC Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency is designed to accelerate your growth—clinically, professionally, and collaboratively.

Apply Now