If you’re a physical therapist looking to elevate your skills, sharpen your clinical reasoning, and immerse yourself in an evidence based, mentorship driven environment, Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners has exciting news: applications for our 2026-2027 Orthopedic Residency in Cottonwood Heights, UT are officially open.
This fully funded, year long program is designed for motivated physical therapists ready to take the next step in their professional journey. With no tuition, no program fees, and a robust training experience supported by seasoned clinicians, you’ll find everything you need to grow into a confident and highly skilled orthopedic specialist.
Why Pursue an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency?
Orthopedic residencies offer a unique opportunity to accelerate your development as a clinician. Through structured learning, extensive mentorship, and focused time on advanced orthopedic concepts, residents complete the program with refined clinical judgment, stronger manual therapy skills, and an enhanced ability to deliver high quality patient care.
For PTs looking to distinguish themselves in a competitive field, or those aiming for leadership or specialization, an orthopedic residency is one of the most effective ways to get there. This program also sets you up for success with targeted OCS exam preparation, giving you a clear path toward board certification.
What Makes the Mountain Land Residency Stand Out?
A Fully Funded Program With No Out-of-Pocket Tuition
One of the most appealing aspects of the Mountain Land Orthopedic Residency is that it’s completely funded by Mountain Land. That means:
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No tuition
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No program fees
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No financial barriers to pursuing advanced post-graduate training
This allows residents to focus on learning, growth, and patient care, not on cost.
Competitive Compensation and Full-Time Benefits
Residents earn 80 percent FTE pay, which averages $61,600–$64,000, and receive full-time benefits. Additionally, the program includes:
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CEU support
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OCS exam reimbursement
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Experience with Diagnostic Ultrasound
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Access to Mountain Land’s internal leadership and professional development opportunities
It’s a residency experience that’s both financially supportive and career-building.
1:1 Mentorship and Advanced Clinical Training
Residents receive regular one on one mentorship with experienced orthopedic clinicians who are dedicated to helping you grow. You’ll work through patient cases, refine treatment plans, explore advanced manual therapy techniques, and develop strong decision making skills.
Learning That Extends Beyond the Clinic
From observing surgeries to collaborating with orthopedic physicians, working with ultrasound and EMG, and engaging in leadership or research projects, your learning environment is rich, varied, and practical.
If you’ve been looking for training that challenges you, in all the right ways, this residency delivers.
What to Expect From the Curriculum
The Mountain Land Orthopedic Residency curriculum is built to support comprehensive growth in all areas of orthopedic practice. Residents can expect:
Focused Clinical Mentorship
Weekly dedicated mentorship sessions allow you to dive deeper into patient care, ask questions, and gain clarity on real-world challenges.
Didactic Coursework and Case Discussions
Engage in structured learning that blends evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and advanced concepts in orthopedics.
Preparation for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, OCS, Exam
By the end of the program, residents are thoroughly prepared to sit for, and succeed on, the OCS exam.
Hands-On Training With Diagnostic Tools
Gain proficiency with diagnostic ultrasound, imaging interpretation, and EMG to expand your clinical toolbox and better serve your patients.
Leadership, Research, and Teaching Opportunities
Residents can participate in research projects, contribute to educational content, or assist in leadership initiatives, experiences that stand out in future roles.
Career Outcomes: Where This Residency Can Take You
Graduates of the Mountain Land Orthopedic Residency move into a variety of exciting roles within the organization and beyond, including:
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Orthopedic specialist positions
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Clinic leadership
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Program development
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Teaching and mentorship roles
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Research participation
With a foundation of advanced clinical knowledge, strong professional relationships, and hands on experience, residents are uniquely equipped for long-term career growth at Mountain Land, and in the broader physical therapy profession.
Important Dates and How to Apply
If you’re considering applying, here’s the timeline you need to know:
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Applications Open: October 1, 2025
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Application Deadline: January 16, 2026
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Interviews Begin: February 27, 2026
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Notification of Acceptance: March 13, 2026
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Residency Start Date: August 3, 2026
Applications can be submitted through the link at the bottom of this page.
To apply, simply gather your materials, complete the online application, and submit before the deadline. We recommend applying early to ensure plenty of time to prepare your documents.
Why Train in Cottonwood Heights, Utah?
Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Cottonwood Heights offers a beautiful blend of outdoor adventure, community feel, and clinical diversity. You’ll have access to:
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World-class skiing and snowboarding
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Scenic hiking and biking
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Vibrant local food and culture
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Quick access to Salt Lake City
It’s an energizing place to train, learn, and live, all while benefiting from Mountain Land’s supportive and collaborative environment.
Take the Next Step in Your Physical Therapy Career
If you’re a passionate, curious, and driven clinician who wants to grow in a high caliber orthopedic setting, the Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners Orthopedic Residency may be the perfect fit.
This is your chance to build lasting confidence, expand your skillset, and step into new professional possibilities.
Ready to elevate your career? Apply now using the link below.
