Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency

Optimum Performance Therapy, a department of The Orthopedic Hospital of the Lutheran Health Network, is offering a 13 month advanced orthopedic learning experience for physical therapists. The orthopedic physical therapy residency is currently accepting one applicant annually. 

Mission:

The Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency will prepare leaders in orthopedic rehabilitation who possess an altruistic and preeminent approach to skillful holistic patient care. Residents who complete our program will be dedicated to providing compassionate evidence based care to make a positive impact on our patients, the physical therapy profession, and our local community.

Program Goals: 

1. The orthopedic residency program supports the mission of The Orthopedic Hospital and Optimum Performance Therapy Orthopedic Physical Therapy Program
2. The orthopedic residency program will maintain ABPTRFE accreditation. 
3. The orthopedic residency program will be financially and operationally sustainable. 
4. The orthopedic residency program will provide the resident with a quality educational and clinical learning experience. 
5. The resident will demonstrate the proficiency and skills required of a specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. 
6. The resident will become a leader and role model in the field of rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Program Outcomes:

1. The resident will demonstrate evidence based knowledge and “good” clinical reasoning skills required of advanced orthopedic clinicians. 
2. The resident will demonstrate core values, leadership, and service that is reflective of an advanced orthopedic clinician and the physical therapy profession. 
3. The resident will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the OCS examination.
4. The resident will contribute to the advancement of Physical Therapy residencies and orthopedic field of practice. 
5. The resident will be exposed to multiple orthopedic practice settings and learning environments. 
6. The resident will provide effective teaching, communication, and satisfaction to patients, peers, and students.

Admissions Criteria:  

Applicants to the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency must: 

• Be eligible or hold a physical therapy license for the state of Indiana and obtain it prior to the start of the program
• Submit 2 letters of recommendation 
• Provide an unofficial copy of your DPT academic transcript
• Complete an essay question 
• Complete an online application and meet all pre-employment requirements for The Orthopedic Hospital 
• Be an APTA and Orthopedic Section Member, maintain throughout the residency program
• Possess a CPR certification (or obtain one within 30 days after starting, provided by The Orthopedic Hospital)

Cost and Salary:

There are no costs associated with tuition. The resident is required to purchase an APTA and APTA Orthopedic Section membership prior to the start of the residency and maintain this throughout the 13 month program. The resident is required to purchase the Current Concepts of Orthopedic Physical Therapy book from APTA Orthopedics.  The resident will be compensated for 32 hours (0.8 FTE) per week of clinical work.

2026-27 Financial Fact Sheet

Learning Experiences and Schedule

A structured curriculum will be provided that is designed to prepare individuals to pass the ABPTS Orthopedic Certified Specialist examination. Residents will be given weekly mentoring hours from experienced orthopedic clinicians. Additional learning opportunities will be provided with journal clubs, webinars, Medbridge ® courses, observing orthopedic surgeries, observing physicians during office hours, presenting to interdisciplinary peers, participating and contributing to research projects. 

The resident will complete 32 hours per week of clinical work. The majority of these hours will be completed on site at Optimum Performance Therapy Southwest. The resident will complete clinical work at Purdue University Fort Wayne. The amount of hours completed at Purdue University Fort Wayne will vary. There is a brief inpatient orthopedic rotation at The Orthopedic Hospital main campus consisting of inpatient orthopedic clinical work. One day per week will be allocated for course work, studying, and participation in additional learning experiences. The goal of the program is to provide a broad experience with Orthopedics covering various sites and locations.

Application Process and Applying

Applications open October 1st and close on March 1st. Interviews will be conducted throughout January, February, and March. Applicants will be notified of their admission by Mid-April. 

Program Outcomes:

• 2025 cohort size: 1
• Number of program graduates: N/A
• Percentage of program graduates who pass the OCS exam on the first attempt: N/A

*2025 is our program’s inaugural year. 

Additional Information:

OPT Website