Residency Program

Curriculum
Drayer Physical Therapy Institute® (DPTI) is proud to offer an APTA Credentialed orthopedic residency program designed to provide therapists with advanced knowledge and skill training in a clinical environment. The curriculum of the residency program is designed to provide physical therapists with advanced training in examination, clinical decision making and treatment skills. The program utilizes a broad-based and eclectic curriculum. The lab training and lecture sessions allow faculty to focus on the individual needs of the resident. This curriculum is also designed to prepare therapists for the American Physical Therapy Board of Specialists Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialty Certification Examination.

Program Outline
The residency program begins January and will run for 50 consecutive weeks. Each resident provides patient care at one of DPTI’s leading outpatient facilities. Five hours weekly of patient care are spent in 1:1 mentoring with an OCS therapist. Lecture and manual skills training occurs at the DPTI continuing education facility. Residents participate in research activities at a university, including data collection, journal clubs, research seminars and the development of a case study series or research study. In addition, residents attend a selection of DPTI continuing education seminars and have the opportunity to participate in physician office visits with an orthopedic surgeon. The resident receives a salary for the time he/she is employed as well as an employee benefit package, which includes heath, dental and disability insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Breakdown of Training

• 1600 Hours of Clinical Practice
• 200 Hours of Mentoring
• 200 Hours of Clinical Lab Skills/Lecture
• 160 Hours of Continuing Education
• 96 Hours of Research

Why Participate?

• Mentored growth vs. trial and error learning.
• Advancement within defined practice area.
• Contribution to research and evidenced-based practice.
• Graduation from an APTA Accredited Residency meets eligibility requirements to sit for APTA Board Certified Specialty Examination.
• No Tuition costs.
• Base salary at 80% of new graduate salary.
• Upon successful completion, a full-time position will be offered within DPTI.

Goals of the Residency Program
DPTI’s residency program participants will be part of an integral team of healthcare clinicians responsible for patient care with an assurance that there is integrated care for specific caseload. DPTI is committed to providing participants with a cultural and scientific-based clinical and didactic experience that accelerates professional growth.

Goal I – Provide an environment which fosters the facilitation and acceleration of the therapist to attain the knowledge of advanced clinical skills in order to provide the highest level of care.
Goal II – Assist in the cultural and scientific based development of young therapists for future leadership positions within DPTI.
Goal III – Serve as educators, mentors, and resources for others in the physical therapy field.
Goal IV – Competent consumers and/or contributors to scientific literature.

Application Criteria and Processes
To apply for residency, send a cover letter and curriculum vitae to jheath@drayerpt.com or to Drayer Physical Therapy Institute c/o Jessica Heath, 8205 Presidents Drive Hummelstown, PA 17036 by September 1st. Upon review of all applications, eligible candidates will be contacted for an onsite interview, which will occur no later than September 15th. Candidate selection will occur by October 15th. Candidates must confirm acceptance prior to November 1st. Acceptance into the program is provisional provided the candidate meets all employment eligibility requirements of DPTI. Below are guidelines outlining details of the application document.

All eligible candidates must:

Required Documents

• Cover Letter, which provides responses to the following inquiries:
  • What do you wish to gain through participation in this clinical residency?
  • What are your future plans in the area of orthopedic physical therapy?
  • How do you feel DPTI fits with your future plans and meets your needs as a physical therapist?
• Curriculum Vitae, which provides the following information:
  • Personal Data (e.g., name, email address, mailing address, phone number)
  • Academic education (e.g., undergraduate, professional, and post professional education)
  • Clinical education (e.g., extended internship, clinical supervision, continuing professional education)
  • Description of clinical experiences. Please include the following information, if pertinent, for each organization in which you have performed direct patient care: Name, address, and phone number of the facility, name of your clinical supervisor, type of facility, job description, date employed (or dates of internship)
  • Other relevant information such as research, teaching and/or community service experiences
• Two Letters of Recommendation
  • If you are a recent graduate, include a letter of recommendation from one of your clinical instructor