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Stanford Health Care

Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinical Residency Program: FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline for the class of 2024-2025 is March 9th, 2024

The application deadline for the class of 2025-2026 is March 9th, 2025

What is the duration of residency program?

The program duration is 13 months, commencing in September and ending in October of the following year.

How many residents will be accepted into the Orthopedic Residency Program?

A minimum of two students and maximum of four students are accepted to the program each year.

Does the program prepare me to take the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) exam after I graduate?

Yes, our curriculum is structured around the Description of Specialty Practice in Orthopaedics by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. As of January 2022, we have a 100% pass rate for the OCS exam.

What level of experience should I have before applying to the Orthopedic Residency Program?

There is no minimum experience requirement to apply to the program. We will address the needs of each resident individually, but do encourage a strong background in basic Orthopaedic Physical Therapy.  See the application and eligibility requirements.

I understand that two letters of recommendation are needed. From whom do you require them to be from?

We do not have a requirement with whom the letters come from. Your letter should be from people who can best attest to you as a person, and make an excellent case for why you are the best applicant for this position.

Do you utilize RF-PTCAS and is there and application fee?

Yes, all program must utilize RF-PTCAS.  The application fee is a general fee to apply to any residency program.  We do not charge and extra fee in addition to RF-PTCAS.

At the moment we do not charge any application fees. *Note that RF-PTCAS charges $140 for the first program you apply to and $40 to each additional program.

Do I need to be currently licensed in the state of California?

Yes. All residents must have evidence of passed Licensure Exam and CA State Law Exam. The resident will work as a PT licensed Applicant if the Board of CA has not approved their official license before the start date. so long as they qualify for PTLA status.

I am a Foreign Educated (Non-CAPTE Accredited) Applicant. Can I still apply?

You may still apply if you perform the following process and meet the criteria set forth:

  • RF-PTCAS (application system which is a requirement for all residencies) will require transcripts from your university.  Those transcripts will need to be reviewed prior submitting to The American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTFRE) application by the FCCPT (Foreign credentialing commission of physical therapy). FCCPT uses a tool to determine substantial equivalency to the US Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapist Education (CAPTE) criteria.  This would be the only way to gain consideration for applying through RF-PTCAS.
When will I be notified of my acceptance into the Stanford Orthopedic Residency Program?

For the 2024-2025, graduating class notification will be sent by email on or before April 17, 2024.

For the 2025-2026, graduating class notification will be sent by email on or before April 17th 2025.

What is the cost of the Orthopaedic Clinical Residency Program?

Residents must plan for living expenses and transportation to clinical and educational sites. 

What is the Salary or Program Compensation?
Is an interview required as part of the application process?

Yes, once we have reviewed all the candidates and you have been selected, you will be contacted to schedule a time for an interview either in person or via Zoom?Web-ex.

Can I interview at Combined Sections Meeting?

Our interview process is very extensive. We have multiple staff who will be part of the interview process as well as facility and clinic tour. As such we cannot adequately provide interviews at this time during national conferences.

Can I tour the facility?

It is our policy not to allow potential residents to have a preview other than previous patient experiences, clinical rotations, and/or other clinical or academic related reasons prior to the interview. This would be unfair to potential applicants who reside outside of this geographic region. We do perform a full tour of the facility and leave ample time for questions during the interview process.

How big is Stanford's facility?

Our outpatient Ortho Sports clinic is housed in a 12,000 Square foot facility. 

Do I have to apply through Stanford's website, as well as through RF-PTCAS?

You need to apply to RF-PTCAS, and after the interview, program offer and acceptance apply on the Stanford Career Website.

How is the mentor/resident relationship set up?

We have a very dynamic residency mentor relationship schedule. Our program utilizes multiple mentors over the course of the year. You rotate every three months with content specific mentors 1 to 1 (Specialty area of clinical practice) and every 6 months with your primary mentor 1 to 1. The content mentor treats with you one on one in the clinic for 4-5 hours per week. You also meet with your primary mentor for 1 hour per week to discuss program related issues, clinical questions or any related agenda items as decided by you and your primary mentor. It really is a comprehensive model.

What is the difference between a primary mentor and a content mentor?

i. The content mentor treats with you 1-to-1 in the clinic for 4-5 hours per week in 2-3 month blocks throughout the program. You also meet with your primary mentor for 1 hour per week to discuss program-related issues, clinical questions, techniques, or any related agenda items, as decided by you and your primary mentor. It really is a comprehensive model of mentoring.

Are there multiple clinical sites?

You will be providing treatment at the Redwood City outpatient campus only. There is some travel for anatomy lab, sports medicine experiences, grand rounds and physician rounding, which may be located off campus. However, the vast majority of those activities also occur in-house at the Redwood City campus.

What is the latest date I can take the National Exam (NPTE) to ensure licensure by my start date?

Most of our candidates opt for the July Board Exam. This is the final acceptable date to sit for the exam while remaining eligible to obtain a California License in a timely manner.

What is the typical timeframe for acquiring a California license?

The process in California can vary significantly, often resulting in a rush if the application is delayed. To facilitate a smoother process, we advise you to submit your California license application immediately upon receiving your Board Exam results. Additionally, promptly schedule your law exam and complete your Livescan fingerprinting, as these steps can be potential bottlenecks in your application process.