Orthopedic Residency
The orthopedic physical therapy residency program at Creighton University is a fast-paced, high-energy, clinical immersion experience designed to kick start your professional career and fast-track you to clinical specialization.
Our residency year is designed to bring you along from a new practitioner to a more confident clinician who is ready to take on a challenging clinical environment.
You will receive quality clinical mentorship and advanced didactic instruction from experienced faculty to help you begin to develop expertise in the practice of orthopedic physical therapy.
Orthopedic Residency Program Details
- Resident year is August 1–July 31.
- Resident is a Creighton University employee and receives benefits per Creighton University programs.
- Residents complete 28–30 hours per week of clinical practice and 12–14 hours of experiences that include teaching, labs, didactic training and a common curriculum with other residency (PT and OT) programs.
- Professional licensure in the state of Nebraska is required.
Clinical Partners
Orthopedic PT residency students gain advanced clinical practice through weekly hours with our partners in Omaha:
CHI Health
Creighton Therapy and Wellness
First-time pass rate on ABPTS specialty exam in Orthopaedics
| Year | Non-residents | Residency grads | Creighton Residency Grads |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 86% | 93% | 100% |
| 2022 | 71% | 85% | 100% |
| 2021* | 78% | 91% | N/A |
| 2020 | 67% | 86% | 100% |
| 2019 | 79% | 87% | 100% |
| 2018 | 79% | 90% | 100% |
| 2017 | 74% | 87% | 100% |
| 2016 | 72% | 84% | 100% |
| 2015 | 71% | 86% | 100% |
* 2020-2021 residents deferred due to COVID-19 pandemic
Residency Completion Rate
- 2023 - 100%
- 2022 - 100%
- 2021 - N/A*
- 2020 - 100%
- 2019 - 100%
- 2018 - 100%
- 2017 - 100%
- 2016 - 100%
* 2020-2021 residents deferred due to COVID-19 pandemic
Orthopedic Program Outcomes
- Identify and discuss foundational, behavioral, and clinical sciences and critical inquiry principles related to advanced clinical practice.
- Demonstrate accurate performance of all elements of the patient management model (examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcomes) in a variety of practice settings related to advanced orthopedic practice.
- Demonstrate “proficient” clinical reasoning skills necessary for advanced clinical practice.
- Successfully complete two live patient practical examinations, one written examination, and one technique exam during the residency.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully complete the Orthopedic Specialty Exam.
- Provide effective teaching/communication to patients, peers, and students.
- Demonstrate professional behaviors and leadership related to service to the community and profession at a local and national level, including but not limited to advocacy opportunities.
Mission and Goals
The program is committed to developing specialization in advanced orthopedic clinical practice, teaching, and advocacy by providing focused, ongoing mentorship in preparation of residents who will become leaders in orthopedic physical therapy practice.
- Exemplify excellence in clinical practice through development of clinical expertise and attainment of specialist recognition.
- Be recognized for advocacy, leadership, and service in the community.
- All clinical practice sites utilized for education of residents will provide outstanding access to patients with orthopedic diagnoses and mentors with expertise in orthopedic physical therapy.
- Provide an innovative curriculum emphasizing clinical reasoning and excellence in teaching.
Learning Experiences as an Orthopedic PT Resident
- Advanced didactic instruction in orthopedic physical therapy, including specific OCS exam prep
- 30 hours of clinical practice per week with one of our clinical partners, including regular mentoring from clinical faculty
- Weekly “Common Curriculum” seminars with other specialties and professions at Creighton, including neurologic PT, pediatric PT, geriatric PT, women’s health PT, and OT fellows
- Teaching experiences with DPT students in musculoskeletal PT classes and laboratories
- Quarterly written narratives, with feedback from peers and faculty
- Case presentations, with feedback from peers and faculty
- Scholarship project, with guidance from an academic or clinical faculty member
Sample Weekly Schedule
Hear from an Orthopedic PT Resident
Matt Franco, BS'14, PT, DPT'17
Hear from an Orthopedic PT Resident
Jessica Stoner, BS'14, PT, DPT'17
Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Inspired by the Catholic and Jesuit tradition, our community believes that each human being is a profound gift from God, deserving of both dignity and opportunity. We thus seek to acknowledge and celebrate diversity at Creighton—building the spaces and relationships required for every person to thrive. All physical therapist residents are treated with the utmost respect and dignity.
Contact Information
Nick Weber, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Residency Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Creighton University
402.280.3555
ABPTRFE Accredited Program
The Creighton University Orthopedic Residency Program is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education as a post-professional residency program for physical therapists in orthopedics.
