UD Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship

“STATUS:  Open to UD Clinical Faculty Only”

The Delaware Physical Therapy Clinic Fellowship Program is a part time program for individuals who have complete an accredited residency program or have a board certified clinical specialist certification that would like to further their education in the area of Manual Physical Therapy.  Upon completion of the program, the fellow will be eligible for application to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists through AAOMPT.   This program is a combination of didactic classes and hands on clinical education over 2 years. We are committed to the development of highly specialized physical therapists that will be prepared to become leaders in their area of practice.  Fellows will be required to participate in 1:1 clinical mentoring at the Delaware Sports and Orthopedic clinic, complete mentored scholarly activity such as a professional presentation or publication and participate in didactic classroom activities that will include both lecture and laboratory components.

Contact Information:                                                                                                                                                                                   Director: Jeff Miller, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, FAAOMPT                                                                                                                                  Email: jmiller@udel.edu

Fellowship Coordinator: Greg Seymour, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT                                                                                                        Email: gseymour@udel.edu

• Application
• Fellowship Outcomes
• ABPTRFE Program Financial Fact Sheet

Orthopedic Manual Fellowship Learning Modules (Not in this particular order)

1. Introduction to the Facility/Base Competency Assessment  ( ~ 1 month)
2. Cervical and Thoracic Spine
3. Lumbar Spine and Pelvis
4. Upper Extremity
5. Lower Extremity
6. Screening
7. Pharmacology
8. Concussion
9. Education & Menthorship

Annual Activity – Not “Unit” Related

1. General Orthopedic Physical Therapy at UD PT Clinic – Variable with Access to FAAOMPT Faculty as needed
2. Scholarly Activity – Varies
   1. Peer Reviewed Publications
   2. National Presentations
   3. Physical Therapy Practice Guideline Development
3. Case Rounds: 1-2 hrs/month
4. Manual Skills Practice Sessions: 2 hr/week – Independent

The sequence of the content areas is meant to prepare the orthopedic fellow to successfully practice accordance to the DASP, prepare fellows for becoming leaders in the field of orthopedic manual physical therapy, meet the APTA requirements for credentialing and allow the fellow to obtain FAAOMPT status through AAOMPT.  The curriculum is also set up to progressively build on information gained from previous experiences and ensure that the goals, objectives, and performance outcomes for the fellowship program are met.  Adjustments are often made to the schedule according to the time of year, availability of faculty, and other unpredicted circumstances. It is expected that the fellow remains flexible to curricular changes and will be alerted ASAP to ensure smooth transition through the program.

See sample weekly schedule:  Sample Weekly Schedule In House Fellowship

More Information:

Acceptance is based upon ability, interest, drive and aptitude for learning and a career as an Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist. Applicants should demonstrate the following:Strong academic education and background

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills
• Strong work ethic and dedication to the advancement of the profession
• Organizational fortiude
• Excellent fundamentals in clinical reasoning/problem solving and application of examination and treatment procedures related to orthopedics and manual therapy
• Strong recommendations from previous clinical experiences, clinic directors and/or academic instructors.

Fellow FAQs

Who is the fellowship program for?

The UD PT Fellowship Program is for clinicians wishing to further their knowledge in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy who have obtained a board certified specialty and/or completed an accredited residency program.

How many hours does the resident treat in the University of Delaware PT Clinic?

Fellows should expect to treat in the clinic anywhere from 2-5 hours per week depending on the fellow’s schedule for that week.  Also non-mentored clinical hours will be completed at their primary clinic facility.

How often does the fellow receive direct mentoring from senior therapists?

Senior therapists continuously mentor fellows throughout the year. Fellows and their mentors have weekly meetings, chart review sessions, and work together for hands on teaching in the clinic at least 2 hours per week.

Does the UD PT Department offer a transitional DPT program?

The UD PT Department greatly encourages PTs to further their education, however, we do not offer a transitional DPT.

Does the UD PT Fellowship Program offer weekend and evening options for working PTs?

The University of Delaware Physical Therapy Department appreciates the efforts of many working physical therapists to advance the quality and knowledge of their careers for both patient and professional benefits.  This is a core reason why the fellowship program has been created as a part time program so that working PT’s do NOT need to leave their current positions. However, mentoring will need to be completed during the Monday through Friday clinic hours.  Weekend hours are not available for mentoring, however will be utilized for classroom education.

Who is eligible to apply to the UD PT Fellowship Program?

Applicants must have finished their degree in Physical Therapy from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program, is licensed in the US and has an interest in orthopedic manual physical therapy. By the time their course of study begins, applicants must have already graduated from an accredited physical therapy residency program and have planned a time frame for board specialty certification. You must be eligible for Delaware licensure. If an applicant is already licensed in Delaware, a copy of his or her Delaware Physical Therapy License must be included in the application materials.

Applicants receiving their education outside the U.S. must have their education credentials reviewed and approved by the State of Delaware licensure board. The requirement applies even if the applicant has received a Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from a U.S. physical therapy program. Please refer to Official State of Delaware website for procedural information. Potential applicants may apply once declared eligible for full DE licensure and has met the requirement of residency completion or board certification.

The State of Delaware can be contacted by phone at (302)739-4522. They can also be contacted via e-mail at: customerservice.dpr@state.de.us

Does the UD PT Fellowship Program require any specific continuing education course work (i.e. mobilizations, McKenzie, etc.) or specific clinical and/or didactic learning experiences to apply to the program?

All fellows are required to have malpractice insurance and APTA membership.   Sports residents are required to have First Emergency Responder certification. The UD PT Fellowship Program does not require specific continuing education coursework or learning experiences. Our only educational requirement is that the applicant has a degree in Physical Therapy from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program, has completed a residency program or has a board specialist certification.

Which transcripts from my previous education will I need to include in my application materials?

Transcripts from one’s post-graduate Physical Therapy degree should be included in the application materials if available.

How many letters of recommendation do the UD PT Fellowship Programs require?

The UDPT Fellowship Program require that the applicant submit three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty members, physical therapists, current clinic directors and/or physicians with whom the applicant has worked closely.

How much does the fellowship position pay?

The fellow position does not provide pay or benefits.

What does the UD PT Fellowship Program cost?

The current cost for entry into the fellowship program is $12,500.

Are fees such as continuing education courses, certifications, and national conferences covered by the UD PT Program?

The fellow is not provided coverage for fees incurred attending continuing education courses, obtaining certification, or attending national conferences.

Am I able to work part-time?

The fellow will need to continue to work at their own clinical site in order to obtain all the hours required for graduation, however mentored hours will be completed at the UD Sports and Orthopedic Clinic.