Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program

UW Health Neurologic Residency is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education as a post-professional residency program for physical therapists in neurology. It is a full-time, one-year program that begins in July and continues through June of the following year. The program accepts one resident per year.

Our mission

The mission of the UW Health Neurologic Physical Therapist Residency is to provide evidence-based, post professional education and clinical training to develop specialists and leaders in neurologic physical therapy in the areas of clinical practice, research, education, and community service. The program will foster an environment of continuous improvement and strategic  initiatives to ensure a strong neurologic residency.

About the neurologic physical therapy residency

Residents provide patient care 32 hours per week, including at least three hours per week with a faculty mentor who guides the resident to a higher level of critical thinking and skills for PT care of patients with neurologic diagnoses. In addition, at least six hours per week are dedicated to educational experiences, including didactic instruction, assisting in neurologic labs and lectures at the University of Wisconsin Physical Therapy School and other relevant learning opportunities.

The residency includes work experiences in three different settings:  Neuro acute care including ICU at a Level I trauma center, a CARF accredited inpatient rehab facility, and an outpatient neurologic and vestibular clinic.

Residents are compensated for the hours spent providing patient care. In addition, residents receive a benefit package that includes health insurance. 

Residency and Fellowship Financial Fact Sheet (pdf)

Neurologic physical therapy residency curriculum

The curriculum is based on the Neurologic Physical Therapy Description of Specialty Practice. The didactic component will take place two hours per week and utilize the Neuro Consortium series of webinars and journal club.  In addition, residents will benefit from the wealth of clinical resources available at UW Hospitals and Clinics and will have the opportunity to work closely with an excellent staff of medical practitioners who serve the needs of the neuro patient population.

Eligibility

Candidates for this Neurologic Physical Therapist Residency Program must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a graduate of a CAPTE accredited physical therapy program
  • Be eligible for licensure as a physical therapist in the state of Wisconsin
  • Obtain NPI number prior to starting the residency program
  • Hold a current CPR certification
  • New grads should take the NBPT Exam no later than April in order to be eligible to start the program in July

Application

Applications are accepted from Oct. 1, 2024 to Dec. 1, 2024.

Applications must include:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Responses to the following questions in RF-PTCAS:
    • What does the applicant wish to gain through participation in a neurologic residency?
    • Why did you choose to apply to the UW Health Neurologic PT Residency Program?
    • What aspects of your background and professional experience qualify you for participation in a neurologic physical residency program?
    • What are your future plans regarding neurologic physical therapy and physical therapy in general?
  • Three letters of reference

Contact information

Program directors:

Sarah Jones, Program Director
SJones4@uwhealth.org

Laura M Guse, Program Coordinator
lguse@uwhealth.org

Recruitment Center
UW Health Human Resources
(608) 263-6500
Contact Human Resources