Fellowship Program
Description
The School of Physical Therapy offers a Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (FOMPT). This program is predominantly online, except for intensive weekend sessions and structured mentoring time. The Fellowship is designed for licensed physical therapists who are board-certified orthopedic clinical specialists (OCS), board-certified specialists in specialty areas which are related to orthopaedic practice, or graduates of ABPTRFE accredited residencies based upon the review of the program. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (e.g., DPT, PhD, DSc) or an equivalent entry-level physical therapy degree. Candidates who do not hold a doctoral degree will undergo further admissions review by the program director. Upon successful completion of the Fellowship, graduates receive an Academic Certificate, and the petition of the program for recognition of the graduate as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT).
The curriculum is focused on integrating the current best evidence with clinical decision-making necessary for comprehensive patient management as an Orthopaedic Manual Therapy focused Physical Therapist. During the course of the program admitted fellows-in-training will meet the ABPTRFE/IFOMPT (International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists) requirements for accredited fellowship education. See specifics for the fellowship on the School of Physical Therapy website. Emphasis is placed on advanced clinical decision-making, advanced hands-on patient care/management, outcomes evaluation, dissemination of scholarly work, and autonomous patient clinical decision making/management.
Admission
Admission to the Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy program is granted on a competitive basis with selections made biannually, and also on a rolling basis for select admissions. The following requirements apply:
- Evidence of current and valid physical therapist license to practice in the United States.
- Evidence of current APTA membership is required for admitted students (can be completed within thirty (30) days after acceptance).
- Evidence of current AAOMPT membership is required for admitted students (can be completed within thirty (30) days after acceptance).
- Board certification in an ABPTS recognized specialty with a preference to OCS but GCS, SCS and NCS also considered by the program; or completion of an ABPTRFE accredited residency with a program preference to orthopaedics, neurology, sports or geriatrics.
- Currently engaged in orthopedic clinical practice or related physical therapist practice.
- Evidence of commitment to advanced musculoskeletal practice, clinical research, and mentoring of physical therapy students.
- As of 2020, admission into Fellowship programs accredited by ABPTRFE no longer includes an option for the program to admit candidates with demonstrable skills within a specific specialty area of practice.
Application Process (PTCAS)
Applicants must submit all required admission information as instructed on the RF-PTCAS application. This, in part, includes the following:
- RF-PTCAS web-based application
- RF-PTCAS application fee
- Official transcripts from every U.S. college or university attended for entry-level PT degree sent directly to RF-PTCAS. Official transcripts should not be sent directly to Regis University. Transcripts are not required for non-PT degrees for Regis University's Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Physical Therapy Fellowship program. RF-PTCAS does not accept student-issued transcripts or faxed copies.
- Three electronic letters of recommendation sent directly to RF-PTCAS on standard form provided in the application. Two references at a minimum must be professional references. One reference may be a personal reference.
- Address the three essay questions that are part of the RF-PTCAS application. Regis University does not require additional essays beyond those specified in the RF-PTCAS application.
- Failure to submit all required materials as instructed may jeopardize eligibility for admission consideration.
Ranking
Admission to the Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy is granted on a competitive basis.
Regis University reserves the right to deny admission, continued enrollment, or re-enrollment to any applicant or student who would pose an unreasonable risk of harm to self or others, or any unreasonable risk of disruption to the academic or clinical processes of the School of Physical Therapy, the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, or the University. Also, adherence to the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist, and Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy as described by the American Physical Therapy Association is required for all students in the program.
Computer Literacy
Due to the online format of the courses in the Fellowship, students need to be proficient in several computer applications. In addition to the applications found in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), students are expected to be comfortable navigating web pages using common Internet browsers, attaching documents to e-mails, and participating in online discussion groups and other social media. Similarly, it is expected that students will have a home computer that has Internet access, preferably high-speed (broadband) Internet access. Potential students should consult with a department administrative assistant for more specific details. All students enrolled in the Fellowship must have ready access to a computer system compliant with RHCHP systems requirements and configuration for the online learning management system.
Advising
The Program Director serves as the academic advisor to each Fellow-in-Training. The Program Director counsels students on meeting requirements for the program and provides guidance and support for progression through the program. Conflicts with the Program Director must be presented in writing to the Assistant Dean or Dean of the School of Physical Therapy.
Academic Information
The Fellowship programs consist of online and weekend-based courses in an accelerated eight-week model and ongoing online mentoring that is continuous with the program. Fellowship students are held to the same academic progression and standing requirements as the professional entry Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
For additional policies related to Academic Progression, Academic Withdrawal, and Academic Standing and Penalty, students should refer to the professional entry Doctor of Physical Therapy section of this Catalog and Appendix S of the School of Physical Therapy Handbook.
Course Overload
Because students in the Fellowship program are expected to be practicing as a physical therapist while in the program, students will typically not take more than two courses per eight-week session.
| Code | Title | SHs |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship Requirements | ||
| DPT 900 | Virtual Rounds I | 1.00 |
| DPT 901 | Virtual Rounds II | 1.00 |
| DPT 902 | Virtual Rounds III | 1.00 |
| DPT 903 | Management of Lower Extremity Disorders | 3.00 |
| DPT 904 | Management of Upper Extremity Disorders | 3.00 |
| DPT 905 | Management of Lumbopelvic Disorders | 3.00 |
| DPT 906 | Management of Cervicothoracic Disorders | 3.00 |
| DPT 910 | Clinical Practicum | 3.00 |
| DPT 911 | FOMPT Fulfillment 1 | 0.00 |
| Total SHs | 18 | |
- 1
DPT 911 is a zero-credit course provided for Fellows-in-Training on an as-needed basis to allow them to be on campus for in person activities when not currently enrolled in a course (such as make-up of on-campus activities from weekend intensives).