Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program

Develop advanced clinical skills, leadership qualities, competent teaching strategies, and the highest standards of professionalism in the Mozaic Senior Life (MSL) Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency program in partnership with Sacred Heart University. 

Why Apply to the Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program at Mozaic Senior Life in partnership with Sacred Heart?

The MSL Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program is a unique program that offers:

• Advanced coursework in geriatric physical therapy
• Clinical practice with weekly mentorship
• The opportunity to teach geriatric content within the SHU DPT program
• Participation in research with APTA recognized academic faculty
• Program development across multiple settings

This program provides an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge and sharpen their skills in geriatric physical therapy, as well as establish a background and potential pathway for a future in physical therapy education and scholarship. In addition to developing advanced clinical skills and reasoning, this program will also develop fundamental teaching skills and provide opportunities for collaborative research. The MSL Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program in partnership with SHU is recognized as an accredited program by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education and obtained its initial accreditation in 2009.

In the Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program, you will also:

• Participate in a 12-month curriculum that addresses all areas of geriatric physical therapy practice through coursework and clinical experience
• Prepare for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) exam to obtain certification as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist
• Have the opportunity to participate in conference programming from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), APTA Geriatrics, and APTA Connecticut Annual Conference
• Become professionally active at the state and national levels
• Contribute to the profession of physical therapy via high-quality clinical practice, classroom and clinical instruction, clinical research, professional leadership and professional service
• Become an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor and host a student PT towards the end of the residency experience
• Be prepared to pursue excellence, clinical expertise, and life-long learning

Participant Costs

As a result of this residency, you will:

• Gain knowledge and advanced skills in evidence-informed, patient-centered geriatric physical therapy practice
• Exemplify self-directedness, reflectiveness, and demonstrate a drive for life-long learning
• Demonstrate a commitment to excellence in geriatric clinical practice
• Utilize effective teaching strategies in the classroom and in clinical settings 

Curriculum

The expected duration of the program is 12 months, beginning in August. Flexibility may be provided in start time for applicants who require adaptation. Residents participate in various residency activities totaling greater than 2,100 hours over the duration of the program.

Example residency activities include:

• Clinical Practice
• Mentorship
• Coursework
• Specialty Practice Observation
• Journal Club
• Teaching in the DPT curriculum
• Research
• Administrative Project 

Student Outcomes

• 100% completion rate for the residency program
• 100% Pass Rate on the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties GCS Exam

Accreditation

This program is a post-professional didactic and mentored clinical educational experience accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education.

Additional Lectures

• Vestibular Rehabilitation
• Parkinson’s Evaluation and Intervention
• Acute Care Management of Older Adults
• Ethics and Moral Issues in Geriatric Health
• Medicare Benefits and Rehabilitation for Older Adults