Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinical Residency

Pediatric residency details

Pediatric residency mission

The Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinical Residency program at St. Ambrose University is an intensive one-year endeavor designed to prepare licensed physical therapists with advanced expertise and clinical acumen in pediatric physical therapy.

Throughout the program, residents undertake the management of a full-time patient load within clinical settings. They receive personalized mentoring from seasoned board-certified pediatric physical therapists, dedicating four hours each week to refine their skills and deepen their understanding.

Pediatric residency requirements

Applicants must hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from St. Ambrose University or be affiliated with one of our residency facilities. Interested students should apply during the spring of their second year in the DPT program.

The application process is overseen by the physical therapy department, which provides candidates with the necessary application materials. Applicants must demonstrate good academic standing and undergo an interview with clinical faculty and mentors. Additionally, faculty members from the physical therapy department conduct a comprehensive assessment of each applicant to ensure suitability for the program.

Pediatric residency credentials and leadership

St. Ambrose's Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency is led by residency director Laura McEachern, PT, DPT. Katie Powers, DPT serves as residency coordinator.

The Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency program is in the accreditation phase to become an APTA post-professional clinical residency program. This program began the credentialing process with the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) beginning in April 2023.

Pediatric residency curriculum

The Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinical Residency program comprises a series of eight classes over a 12-month period, integrating both classroom and laboratory training relevant to pediatric physical therapy.

Residency structure

Spring term

Course number	Course name	Credits
DPT 900	Radiology for the Physical Therapist	2 credits
DPT 940	Advanced Pediatric Therapeutics I	4 credits
DPT 981	Clinical Residency Block I	5 credits
DPT 982	Clinical Residency Block II	5 credits

Summer term

Course number	Course name	Credits
DPT 983	Clinical Residency Block III	5 credits
DPT 945	Advanced Pediatric Therapeutics II	4 credits

Fall term

Course number	Course name	Credits
DPT 984	Clinical Residency Block IV	5 credits

Your pediatric residency experience

Throughout the one-year program, residents are actively involved in practical learning experiences. They manage a full-time patient load at clinical sites and receive four hours of mentoring weekly from board-certified pediatric physical therapists. Residents also complete over 100 contact hours of didactic learning at St. Ambrose University, focusing on pediatric physical therapy. The program includes interactive sessions such as lectures, discussions, group exercises, role play, and lab simulations. These activities promote collaborative learning and skill development.

Residency activities include:

On-site experience
Lectures
Discussions
Group exercises
Role play and lab simulation

Pediatric residency competencies

Our Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinical Residency program is designed to advance the expertise of licensed physical therapists in pediatric care. Residencies offer a carefully planned blend of clinical supervision, mentoring, and theoretical education, fostering a comprehensive understanding of pediatric physical therapy.

Residencies are structured in an optimized, sequential format, allowing you to use your existing knowledge and skills. Through a blend of clinical supervision, mentoring, and theoretical education, you'll develop a strong foundation in examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and patient management within the orthopedic specialization.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will demonstrate the following competencies at the level of a clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy:

Advanced pediatric physical therapy patient management skills, prioritizing patient safety and intervention effectiveness.
Highly effective interpersonal patient management skills, encompassing compassion, communication, objectivity, and cultural competency.
Ability to educate in patient care, community, and educational settings.
Sound clinical reasoning skills and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Display of professionalism across patient care, community, and educational settings.
Capability to provide a point of entry into the healthcare system using advanced medical screening techniques.
Implementation of best available evidence in patient care and teaching.
Demonstration of personal and professional development that enriches their own life and the lives of others.
Preparedness to assume leadership roles in the field of pediatric physical therapy.

Residency costs and financing

The St. Ambrose University Residency in Pediatric Physical Therapy has a total tuition cost of $8,600. The total cost of the program is divided into two payments, and the cost will not change over the course of the program.

View the Pediatric Residency and Fellowship Financial Fact Sheet for details.

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