Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinical Residency Program

Mission
Aurora Health Care is committed to redefining care. Our devotion to education, research and the people we serve is centered upon one goal: connecting our patients, team members and communities to their health. In support of our purpose, our residency program incorporates evidenced-based practices, critical thinking and clinical reasoning to enhance our residents’ skills for addressing and rehabilitating orthopedic injuries and conditions.

About the Program
A full-time, one-year program, the Orthopedic Physical Therapist Clinical Residency provides a unique learning experience involving advanced specialized training within an outpatient setting. This post-professional opportunity is an expansion of the Carolinas Rehabilitation Orthopedic Residency program that began in 2015.

Beginning in 2026, in addition to residencies in Georgia and North Carolina, the program will also be offered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Program Description
Orthopedic physical therapist residents are employed by Aurora Health Care and receive a program-adjusted salary to include a full benefits package. Residents provide patient care 36 hours per week, including four hours per week of co-treating with a faculty mentor. Weekly lecture and lab sessions as well as directed learning activities fill the resident's remaining time.

The residency combines didactic learning and mentorship experiences with individual study and project completion. The program’s curriculum includes advanced training in examination, clinical decision-making, medical management and manual therapy-based orthopedic treatment skills.

Successful completion of the residency program will prepare the individual for:
  • Advanced orthopedic physical therapy practice
  • Orthopedic manual physical therapy fellowship pursuit
  • APTA’s Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) examination
  • Efficient patient management
  • Evidence-based practice

Admission Requirements
  • Graduate of a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program
  • Wisconsin Physical Therapy license (must provide proof of current licensure as requirement of employment)
  • Active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and its Orthopedic Practice Section
  • Must meet all eligibility requirements to be employed as a practicing physical therapist within Aurora Health Care
  • CPR certification
  • Must demonstrate a commitment to learning

New graduates with a demonstrated interest in orthopedic physical therapy are encouraged to apply. Post-entry level clinical experience in outpatient physical therapy is desirable.


Residency Financial Fact

Our Financial Fact Sheet provides applicants with the true costs for participation in this residency program. For the selected candidate, Aurora Health Care pays a competitive salary and covers program costs, excluding fees associated with conference registration(s) and travel expenses. Upon availability, the 2026 Financial Fact Sheet will be posted.


Application Process
  • To simplify the application process, prospective residents can apply for the program using APTA's Residency and Fellowship Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (RF-PTCAS). Using this service, a candidate can submit a single online application and set of materials to apply to multiple residency and fellowship programs.
  • Completed applications must be submitted between January 1 and August 31 with notification of acceptance to be issued to candidates by mid-September. 
  • Approved applicants will be required to visit an Aurora Health Care location for an on-site interview prior to final selection.

Interviews
Interviews to be scheduled by the residency director on a case-by-case basis. All qualified applicants will be expected to complete either an on-site or video interview by early September.

To assist applicants with travel or work restrictions, an initial video interview option is available. Candidates participating in a video interview must have access to a computer with webcam and internet access during the scheduled interview time. Details of the video interview, including instructions on how to access the system, will be sent to the applicant once the interview has been scheduled.


Contact Information
To learn more about this program and other available residencies or fellowships, please contact:

Gary Of, Residency Program Director

Diversity Statement
Our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is anchored by our purpose to help people live well and fueled by a commitment to transform our workplace and our communities – because we believe a diverse workforce and strong patient and community relationships allows us to deliver equitable care for all to close gaps, foster a thriving inclusive environment and ensure outcomes that are consistent and fair.

We’re committed to diversity, equity and inclusion every single day, and in everything we do. Learn more in our D&I Impact Report.