Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency

The University of Missouri Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency aims to create leaders and innovators in the field of neurologic physical therapy.

All stakeholders have come together to establish our program’s why: To inspire passion and innovation so together, we can elevate our impact on patients, the profession, and the healthcare system.

photo of mu health care neurologic physical therapist working with patient

photo of mu health care neurologic physical therapists working with patient — Physical Therapists work with a patient.

What Sets Us Apart:

Live didactic content
Acute care experience at a Level 1 Trauma Center
12 weeks hands on experience in inpatient rehabilitation
Intentional coaching format for mentoring designed to create life-long learners
Integrated learning experiences with PM&R Residents
Mentorship in clinical teaching skills

Meet our faculty

Mission

To improve the lives of patients affected by neurologic disease by developing expert neurologic physical therapists via advanced teaching, research, and clinical experience, and offering a post-professional residency program maintained through ongoing continuous improvement.

How Does Residency Set You Apart?

Intentional focus on treatment of neurological patients over the course of a year allowing for eligibility to sit for board certification.

Clinical experience in variety of settings

Guided learning experiences

Development of metacognitive skills (self-awareness, critical thinking, reflection) for life-long learning

Teaching experience and mentorship in didactic education

Skill development in clinical research

Experience implementing knowledge translation projects

Leadership skills

Training Sites

Neuro Center at Mizzou Therapy Services-Business Loop

University Hospital

Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, a joint venture of Encompass Health and MU Health Care

Multi-Disciplinary Clinical Enrichment Experiences

Multi-disciplinary clinics

Dizzy clinic
ALS clinic
Botox clinic
Muscular dystrophy clinic
Return stroke clinic
EMG Clinic

Teaching Experiences

Shadowing Experiences
Mizzou Therapy Services' Children's Therapy Center
Physician Rounding- Inpatient Rehabilitation
Human Performance Program including Rock Steady Boxing
Vestibular Function Testing with Audiology Department

Curriculum

Week 1: Residency Orientation
Week 2: Preparing for a Successful Residency Experience
Week 3: Who Am I as a Learner?
Week 4: Lab Values/Imaging & Neuro-Exam 101
Week 5: Leadership & Conflict Management
Week 6: Evidenced Based Practice Application & Expectations (Knowledge Translation)
Week 7: Teaching and Learning Part I
Week 8: Teaching and Learning Part II/ Motor Learning for Our Patients
Week 9: Labor Day Independent Study
Week 10: Professional Development Check in with Residency Leadership/ Statistics 101
Week 11: Outcome Measures in Neurological Rehab
Week 12: Clinical Reasoning and Expert Practice
Week 13: Independent Study and Research Training
Week 14: CVA Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentation
Week 15: EBP in CVA (Early Mobilization)
Week 16: Independent Study/ KT Project Planning
Week 17: Secondary Impairments in CVA and Cognitive and Perceptual Deficit Considerations
Week 18: TBI Pathophysiology & Clinical Presentation
Week 19: Independent Study
Week 20: Thanksgiving Independent Study
Week EBP in TBI & Management of the Minimally Conscious Patient
Week 22: Orthotic Decision Making
Week 23: Demystifying Concussion
Week 24: Functional Neurological Disorder
Week 25: Midterm Examination
Week 26: Independent Study
Week 27: BG Disorders Pathophysiology
Week 28: EBP in BG Dysfunction
Week 29: MLK Independent Study
Week 30: Peripheral Nerve Dysfunction (GBS/CIDP)
Week 31: Vestibular Disorders Presentation and Evaluation
Week 32: Independent Study
Week 33 Independent Study
Week 34: Vestibular Disorders EBP
Week 35: SCI Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentation
Week 36: EBP in SCI/ Secondary Impairment Prevention in SCI
Week 37: Assistive/Advancing Technology in Neurological Rehab
Week 38: Independent Study Spring Break
Week 39: Multiple Sclerosis
Week 40: Neurodegenerative Diseases
Week 41: Health Condition Supplementation
Week 42: Geriatric Considerations
Week 43: Pediatrics Considerations Across the Lifespan
Week 44: Neuropsychological Assessments (shadow)
Week 45: Independent Study/ KT Project
Week 46: Ortho Considerations for the Neurological Patient
Week 47: Independent Study
Week 48: Asynchronous Session Sleep Matters
Week 49: Independent Study
Week 50: Independent Study
Week 51: Research Wrap-Up/KT Project Summary
Week 52: Final Exam
Week 53: Independent Study Graduation/Reflection
Week 54: Final Week

Research Experiences

One on one mentoring in clinical research to include access to Mizzou Motion Analysis Center, case study design, and implementation science/knowledge translation projects.

Minimum of 10 hours of research experience

Resident able to select individualized tailored projects of their area of interest

Teaching Experiences

Mentoring in Role as a Co-Clinical Instructor

Educating Clinical Staff through the Clinical Excellence Program at the Neuro Center

Present at PM&R Chairman Rounds

Lead Resident Monthly Journal Club

Program Structure

Twelve-month, two-week duration

Thirty-two (32) direct patient care hours/week

Eight (8) hours per week to work on residency coursework, research and teaching experiences

Students will rotate between outpatient neuro (30 weeks), acute care (12 weeks) and inpatient rehabilitation (12 weeks)

Clinical Mentoring

More than 200 hours of direct 1:1 clinical mentorship

More than 100 hours of direct observation of clinical mentor evaluating and treating or 1:1 education

More than 100 hours of resident leading patient care with clinical mentor

Admission Requirements

All applicants must have successfully completed a CAPTE-accredited professional physical therapy curriculum or have had a state physical therapy board approve the applicant’s first post-professional physical therapy program as “equivalent” to a U.S. CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program.

All applicants must provide a copy of a current and valid license to practice physical therapy in Missouri or a state that is part of the PT Compact. This license must be in good standing.

All residents must have current CPR certification.

Submit official PT school transcripts

Be an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and of the Neurology section

Submit curriculum vitae or resume

Submit three letters of recommendation

Complete short answer questions on why the resident is pursuing a Neurologic Residency.

The resident must intend to sit for the exam to become a Board Certified Neurologic Physical Therapist.

How to Apply

The University of Missouri Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency enrolls two residents per year. If you are interested, you can find application information here:

Apply Here

Application cycle opens October 1 and closes January 31.

The resident position is salaried and benefit eligible. Learn more.

ABPTRFE Program Financial Fact Sheet

Start date: First Monday in July

After acceptance into the resident position, we will assist you in applying for the resident employment position through University of Missouri Health Care.