HSS Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program

Join our team as a Physical Therapist with the unique opportunity to participate in a specialized residency program through Hospital for Special Surgery, HSS, at Performance Optimal Health. This full-time position combines clinical practice at our facility with advanced training and mentorship through the residency program, designed to accelerate your professional development in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.

Program Overview:

The Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program through HSS is a full-time, 12-month advanced clinical training opportunity designed for Performance Optimal Health Physical Therapists. This tuition-free, residency enhances clinical expertise in orthopedic physical therapy, fosters leadership in the profession, and prepares residents to sit for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) examination through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

Residents engage in advanced coursework, structured clinical mentoring, teaching opportunities, and community service all with the goal of developing the next generation of specialist-level orthopedic clinicians.

Program Mission:

The mission of the HSS Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program is to provide a consistent, comprehensive training experience that prepares physical therapists for advanced practice in orthopedic physical therapy and supports their professional growth as expert clinicians and educators within their communities.

Program Goals:

·      Ensure residents at all locations receive a uniform and thorough program of clinical and didactic training in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.

·      Develop residents’ expertise and current knowledge in the field, preparing them to successfully achieve the ABPTS Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification.

·      Train residents to critically analyze scientific research, integrate evidence-based practices into patient care, and actively contribute to research efforts.

·      Prepare residents to serve as educators, effectively teaching patients, peers, and other healthcare professionals.

·      Foster the highest level of professionalism in residents’ clinical practice and professional behavior.

·       Current licensed physical therapist employed by Performance Optimal Health

·       Graduate of an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program

·       Strong interest in clinical growth, orthopedic specialization, and professional leadership

Application Process:

• Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
• Possession of current license to practice physical therapy in the state of Connecticut and/or Florida
• No history of professional license suspension, probation, revocation, or ongoing investigation
• CPR certified
• Active membership in the APTA(national, state, and orthopedic section)
• Active membership in the AOPT
• Two reference letters upon request

·       No cost to accepted residents

·       Dedicated 1:1 clinical mentoring

·       Advanced clinical training aligned with OCS standards

·       Continued employment and benefits throughout the residency

·       Opportunities for teaching, research, and community service