Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
Welcome to the Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency Program at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC). Our program is designed to help licensed physical therapists develop clinical expertise in orthopaedic physical therapy and prepare to sit for the Orthopaedic Clinical Specialization (OCS) examination offered by the American Physical Therapy Association’s Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Specifically, our mission is to provide a comprehensive orthopedic specialist training and mentorship experience to licensed physical therapists to work inter-professionally to meet and maximize health, abilities, performance, and participation of all people and communities. As an academic health center, OUHSC comprises two campuses, the Schusterman Center in Tulsa and the OUHSC in Oklahoma City, affording our faculty and students unique inter-professional learning, leadership, and research experiences. On behalf of the faculty and staff in the Department of Rehabiliation Sciences at OUHSC, I would like to thank you for your interest in our program, and invite you to browse through this website for more information.
Carolyn Cheema, PT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT Assistant Professor, Co-Director of Clinical Education (DPT) Director of Physical Therapy Residencies
The Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency is a post-professional program in development and is currently not accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education.
The University of Oklahoma advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person’s unique contributions, background and perspectives. OU Norman, OU Tulsa and the Health Sciences Center recognize that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission and enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff. Our Values include Empathy, Accountability, Civil Dialogue, Collaboration, Equity, Integrity, and Mutual Respect. For additional information, visit the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
This 12-month full-time Residency Program begins August 1 and goes through July 31 the following year. We are currently accepting applications for 2 residents annually (1 in Oklahoma City, 1 in Tulsa). Click here for additional application information. The clinical training in this program is fulfilled in a 30-hour work week (typically Monday-Friday) and the classroom and lab training occurs during approximately 10 hours of the work week (for a total of 40 hours). The residents are employed and provide patient care at OU Health Physical Therapy clinics in either Oklahoma City/Edmond or Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as provide patient care and DPT student mentorship at the OU Bedlam Clinic (pro-bono care for underserved Oklahomans) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Opportunities Provided Throughout the Residency Program: • Educating OUHSC DPT students • Participation in Continuing Education Courses • Preparation for the OCS Examination through flexible online coursework through AOPT • Direct patient care opportunities at OU Health Facilities with routine access to faculty and mentors • Pro-bono care opportunities at the Bedlam Clinic in Tulsa, providing care to underserved Oklahomans • Multidisciplinary observational experiences • 1:1 clinic mentoring one day / week • Collaborative research opportunities with core faculty
The curriculum will be delivered in a blended format, with online resources, directed learning activities and projects, clinical and academic mentoring, and laboratory practical course work. Self-directed coursework will include the Independent Study Courses (Option B) from the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Clinical Practice Guideline publications to ensure depth in clinical reasoning, up-to-date evidence based practice, and includes content from the Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Description of Specialty Practice. Content Areas include:
Students may expect additional costs that include, but are not limited to, a personal computer, textbooks, lab fees, insurance, and supplies. Students are required to assume financial responsibilities for expenses associated with clinical requirements. For financial aid information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (405) 271-2118.
Additional cost information: Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees Student Financial Aid