Hand & Ortho’s Orthopedic Residency Program

Residency Program Mission

To support the advancement of clinical education by providing opportunities for physical therapists to attain advanced clinical skills and knowledge in orthopedic physical therapy in a private, outpatient setting. Graduates will demonstrate their education through evidence-based treatment, improvement in the quality of life for our patients and community, and preparation for clinical specialist certification in orthopedics.

Program Information

Introduced in 2017, Hand & Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialists’ Orthopedic Residency Program is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE). The program is one of very few ABPTRFE-accredited orthopedic residencies operating in a private-practice setting nationally, and one of only two currently active orthopedic residency programs in Utah.

Program Outcomes

(Updated annually – As of 6/30/2026)

• OCS examination pass rate: 100 percent of graduates who have taken the OCS exam have passed.
• Program completion rate: 93 percent of residents have successfully completed all program requirements and graduated from the residency. 
• Post-graduation employment: All program graduates who have chosen to continue practicing physical therapy are employed as physical therapists.
  (One graduate is not currently practicing by personal choice.)

These outcomes are updated annually and reflect the program’s commitment to advanced orthopedic specialty preparation.

Program Duration

The residency is 13 months long, beginning each August and concluding in September of the following year.

Program Structure at a Glance

Residents and Faculty

Both new graduates and experienced clinicians have successfully completed the program.

The residency is supported by a highly experienced faculty team, including:

• Multiple ABPTS Orthopaedic Certified Specialists (OCS)
• A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) who also holds OCS certification
• Faculty with additional specialty certification (e.g., SCS)
• Therapists with advanced clinical training who contribute to resident education

Setting

Our clinic is located in the Salt Lake Valley along the Wasatch Front, offering rapid access to outdoor recreation, mountain trails, and local ski resorts. This region supports an active population and diverse orthopedic caseload.

Residency Program History

Hand & Orthopedics’ Founder, Margo Jones Brady, PT, DPT, CHT, was among the first Certified Hand Therapists in Utah and trained numerous clinicians in our region. Steve Crandall, PT, DPT, OCS, completed the SOMA Orthopedic Residency in 1994 and later served as faculty for the program. Todd Schwartz, PT, DPT, OCS, completed an informal residency with Dr. Crandall in 2009–2010 and now serves as the Residency Program Director and Coordinator.

Curriculum

The curriculum meets all ABPTRFE accreditation requirements and integrates:

• The APTA Orthopaedic Section (OCS) Residency Curriculum
• Twice-monthly orthopedic didactic sessions (faculty and resident-led)
• A minimum of 150 hours of 1:1 mentored clinical practice
• Four region-specific live patient examinations
• DRP self-assessments (initial, midterm, final)
• APTA Core Competency Assessment Instrument (AI) evaluations (initial, midterm, final)
• A resident-led “Patient Experience” presentation

Clinical Structure

Residents begin on the same schedule as their primary mentor during the first quarter, promoting intensive onboarding, real-time feedback, and shared clinical reasoning. By the second quarter, residents begin transitioning toward independently scheduled treatment blocks while maintaining purposeful shared scheduling. Additional learning experiences include exposure to specialty therapists, case-based discussions, and optional foundational continuing education courses.

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Graduate from an APTA-accredited physical therapy program
• Be licensed (or license-eligible) in Utah by the start of the program
• Maintain active APTA membership and current CPR certification

Application Information

Applications are submitted through RF-PTCAS only.
Applications open 10/1/2026. The deadline for applications is 1/15/2027, with interviews in February and March.
Questions may be directed to: todd.schwartz@mlpt.com

Resources

The program adheres to ABPTRFE Quality Standards. Additional resources, including accreditation information, may be found at www.abptrfe.org.

Ready to apply?

Mission

The mission of the Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners Orthopedic Residency is to provide practicing clinicians advanced orthopedic didactic and clinical instruction to further develop highly skilled clinicians who provide exceptional, evidence-based, patient-centered care and to help position them to be future leaders within the company and the profession.

Our Instructors

Todd Schwartz, PT, DPT, OCS

Physical Therapist, Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist

Dr. Todd Schwartz is a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist with extensive experience treating orthopedic injuries and movement disorders. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, he combines advanced clinical expertise with a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to help individuals recover from injury, improve mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy. Certified in dry needling and the Graston Technique, Todd utilizes a variety of evidence-based treatment methods to create individualized plans of care that address each patient’s unique goals. He believes that every successful rehabilitation program begins with listening, educating, and empowering patients throughout their recovery. By combining hands-on treatment with movement-based rehabilitation, Todd helps patients build confidence while achieving lasting results. Todd enjoys developing meaningful relationships with his patients and takes pride in creating a welcoming environment where individuals feel supported every step of the way. Outside the clinic, he enjoys spending time with family, staying active, and continuing his professional education to remain at the forefront of orthopedic physical therapy.

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Steve Crandall, PT, DPT, OCS

Physical Therapist, Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinic Specialist

Dr. Steve Crandall discovered his passion for physical therapy while taking a university career education course. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Utah and completed an orthopedic residency in Austin, Texas. As a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, Steve has spent his career helping patients overcome orthopedic injuries and return to the activities they love. One of the most influential experiences in Steve’s career came in 1995 when he experienced a Grade III herniated disc. Although he had extensive education and experience treating similar conditions, his own recovery gave him a deeper appreciation for the healing process and the importance of combining expert clinical care with empathy, resilience, and patient education. His personal journey continues to shape the compassionate, individualized care he provides today. Steve believes healing is built on courage, action, and grace. His goal is to empower every patient through education, evidence-based treatment, and a collaborative approach that restores confidence and movement. Outside the clinic, Steve enjoys running (including nine marathons), playing tennis, golfing, mountain biking, skiing, water skiing, and spending time with his wife. He remains committed to lifelong learning and helping patients achieve their highest level of function.

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Ryan Fuhriman, PT, DPT, SCS

Clinic Director, Physical Therapist, Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist

Dr. Ryan Fuhriman is a board-certified Sports Clinical Specialist who is passionate about helping patients return to the activities they enjoy most. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Athletic Trainer, Ryan combines advanced clinical knowledge with a personalized approach to care. His additional training in dry needling and ASTYM allows him to treat a wide range of orthopedic and sports-related injuries using evidence-based techniques tailored to each individual’s goals. Ryan believes successful rehabilitation begins by understanding each patient’s unique lifestyle, challenges, and motivations. He enjoys partnering with patients throughout their recovery, helping them build confidence while restoring strength, mobility, and performance. Whether working with competitive athletes, weekend warriors, or individuals recovering from surgery, Ryan is committed to delivering exceptional care that helps patients return to the activities that matter most. Outside the clinic, Ryan enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends. His passion for athletics and healthy living continues to influence both his personal life and his approach to patient care.

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Matt Gubler, PT, DPT, ATC

Clinic Director, Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer

Dr. Matt Gubler developed a passion for physical therapy and sports medicine at an early age after taking a sports medicine course in high school. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Brigham Young University before working with athletes at every level, from youth sports to collegiate competition and the NFL. His desire to further expand his clinical expertise led him to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from A.T. Still University and complete an orthopedic residency under Steve Crandall, PT, DPT, OCS. Matt enjoys helping patients overcome injuries, restore confidence, and return to the activities they love. Whether treating athletes, active adults, or individuals recovering from surgery, he believes every patient deserves a personalized treatment plan built on education, evidence-based care, and meaningful relationships. His certifications in dry needling, ASTYM, and running gait analysis allow him to provide comprehensive care for a wide variety of orthopedic conditions, with a particular interest in sports injuries and spine rehabilitation. Fluent in Spanish, Matt values the opportunity to serve a diverse patient population and enjoys building lasting connections with those he treats. Outside the clinic, he and his wife enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors hiking, fishing, camping, and snowboarding.

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