If you’re a physical therapist (or soon-to-be graduate) thinking about taking your career to the next level, you’ve probably come across the term orthopedic physical therapy residency. But what exactly is it, and is it worth your time?
This guide breaks down the who, what, where, when, why, and how of orthopedic residencies, so you’ll know if it’s the right move for your professional journey. And as an example, we’ll highlight what our Orthopedic Residency looks like.
What Is an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency?
An orthopedic residency is a post-professional training program designed for licensed physical therapists who want to specialize in orthopedics. Think of it as the bridge between being a new PT and becoming a recognized expert in treating musculoskeletal conditions.
Residencies combine:
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Clinical practice with real patients
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Didactic learning (lectures, seminars, and case studies)
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One-on-one mentorship with experienced clinicians
The ultimate goal? To prepare you for Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification and to sharpen your skills so you can provide top-notch, evidence-based care.
Who Should Apply?
Orthopedic residencies aren’t for everyone, they’re built for PTs who want to dive deep into advanced orthopedic care. If you’re passionate about helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic pain, or return to peak performance, this is for you.
To apply, you’ll need:
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A current physical therapy license (or pending licensure)
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Membership in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Orthopedic Academy
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A personal statement explaining your professional goals
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References and transcripts
In short: if you’re motivated to grow, eager to learn, and excited about being mentored, you’re a strong candidate.
Where Do Orthopedic Residencies Take Place?
Residencies are typically offered through clinics, hospitals, or universities. At our company the residency blends clinical rotations with mentorship in real outpatient orthopedic clinics.
What sets us apart is its community-driven approach: residents not only learn advanced skills, but they also participate in outreach projects like adaptive ski days or injury-prevention education for athletes.
It’s about becoming a resource for patients and the community alike.
When Does the Program Happen?
Most orthopedic residencies last 12 months. At MLPT, the program kicks off every August and wraps up the following July.
Key dates to keep in mind for the 2026–2027 cycle:
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Applications open: October 1
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Application deadline: January 16
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Interviews: February 27
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Residency begins: August 3
This timeline gives you a clear path to plan ahead and prepare your application.
Why Pursue an Orthopedic Residency?
Here’s where things get exciting. Choosing to pursue a residency can completely change the trajectory of your career. Here are a few benefits:
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OCS Prep: Residencies are one of the best ways to prepare for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist exam.
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Skill Growth: You’ll get advanced training in manual therapy, diagnostic ultrasound, and surgical observation.
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Professional Network: Mentorship, peer collaboration, and conference opportunities expand your circle.
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Leadership Development: From community outreach projects to leadership-focused book studies, you’ll grow beyond just clinical skills
In short, it’s an investment in yourself that pays off for your patients, your career, and the profession.
How Does the Program Work?
Here’s what life as a resident looks like at MLPT:
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Clinical Hours: About 32 hours per week treating patients under expert mentorship.
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Didactic Learning: Weekly residency conferences with faculty and peers (covering everything from pain science to differential diagnosis).
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Mentorship: At least 150 hours of one-on-one mentoring throughout the year.
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Projects: Leadership projects, case studies, and community outreach experiences that tie clinical learning into real-world impact.
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Exam Readiness: By the end of the year, you’ll be fully prepared to sit for the OCS exam
It’s demanding, but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to accelerate your growth.
Final Thoughts
So, what is an orthopedic residency? It’s a one-year, immersive journey that transforms good physical therapists into great ones. Whether your goal is to pass the OCS exam, develop advanced clinical skills, or step into leadership, a residency can be the launchpad.
At Mountain Land Physical Therapy, our orthopedic residency is built on a simple mission: to create leaders who deliver evidence-based, patient-centered care. If that sounds like you, now might be the perfect time to take the next step.
👉 Interested? Check out the Residency Application Info to get started.
