Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program

The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network & Drexel University Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program is 13 months in length and participants must be hired as a Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network employee. Residents will be given a minimum of 150 hours of one-on-one mentor time within their typical clinical residency training schedule.

To learn more, contact Erika Carter, PT, DPT, PCS, program director of the Good Shepherd Drexel University Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program, at [email protected] or 610-807-4239.

You may also contact Brittany Dierwechter, PT, DPT, PCS, program coordinator of the Good Shepherd Drexel University Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program, at [email protected].

Pediatric PT Residency Details

The primary training consists of three components that include didactic/psychomotor modules, clinical mentoring and supervision and directed independent learning activities. Success in the program is measured by both written and practical exams, as well as grading of other activities that are requirements within the program.  Upon completion of the program, it is expected that the resident sits for the ABPTRFE Pediatric Clinical Specialist Board Certification examination within one year.

More information about the programs self-evaluation is available upon request from the GSDUPR Program Director.

The didactic/psychomotor modules are completed through various mediums including onsite and online, through distance learning. Dates and times are determined by the GSDUPR Program Director and faculty. Some content may require that weekend hours are scheduled for specialized training components or to make-up hours in the event of unexpected circumstances; residents will be provided with prior notice whenever possible.

Directed Learning Activities

The resident also participates in “directed learning activities” that consist of organized learning modules, independent study, scholarly projects, clinical rotations through other specialty areas and/or with health-care practitioners other than physical therapists, and professional activities related to practice management and physical therapy education.

Clinical Component

The clinical component consists of two forms of clinical practice experiences. The first is 150 hours of 1:1 clinical mentoring with an experienced clinician. The second component is supervised and independent clinical practice hours in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, early intervention and school-based physical therapy settings. In all clinical settings, the resident communicates with their mentor regarding clinical questions as needed.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Drexel University Partnership

A strength of the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network & Drexel University Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program is the collaboration between a rehabilitation network for clinical aspects of the program and a university for the didactic and research components of the program.

This collaboration provides significant opportunities for the residents that include:

  1. Unique clinical patient experiences not typically seen in one clinical location.
  2. The expertise of qualified experts in the field of pediatric physical therapy to engage in discussion and debate in both a clinical and academic setting.
  3. Increased supervision and/or 1:1 mentorship.

The partnership offers:

  • Patient interactions ranging from birth to 21 years old with varied diagnoses.
  • Evidence-based physical therapy in the areas inpatient, outpatient, early intervention, school-based therapy, and aquatics.
  • Specialty clinics including equipment, bracing/orthoses, and NICU.
  • Mentored research opportunities.
  • Hands on experience in cadaver lab.

Residency Locations and Schedule

Schedule is to be determined. It will change throughout the year as the residency setting changes (e.g., inpatient vs. outpatient).

Essential Results and Competencies

CLINICAL SKILLS

  • Delivers quality care
  • Pursues educational opportunities
  • Shares knowledge with others
  • Uses a wide variety of techniques and technologies to provide patient care
  • Customizes treatment and communications to individual patient needs (i.e., cultural and cognitive)
  • Plans for discharge appropriate to setting and circumstances in a timely manner (i.e., HEP, equipment, family teaching)

DOCUMENTATION

  • Uses objective measurements appropriate to substantiate care
  • Completes documentation on the date of service
  • Interventions selected match treatment delivered and meet regulatory standards (i.e., 3-hour rule, 8-minute rule)
  • Documentation substantiates charges selected
  • Documentation meets clinical policy and procedure guidelines (frequency, timeliness-weekly/monthly notes and discharge instructions)

TEAM EFFORT

  • Adheres to productivity standard
  • Efficiently and effectively schedules patients
  • Demonstrates flexibility to help others (i.e., provide coverage at other sites, adjust work schedule to meet needs, assist others to cover patients)
  • Program development and involvement
  • Staff and student development
  • Embraces change and promotes positive work environment

Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Physical Therapy required.
Qualifications: Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program. Experience as a Physical Therapist is preferred, but not required.  More information on the GSDU Pediatric Physical Therapy Program can be found in the Residency Participant Handbook.
License/Certification Requirements: Current licensure or eligibility for licensure to practice Physical Therapy in the state of Pennsylvania required.  Valid CPR certification at time of hire or within first 90 days of employment required.

To apply to the Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program, contact Erika Carter, PT, DPT, PCS, at [email protected] or 610-807-4239.

You may also contact Brittany Dierwechter, PT, DPT, PCS, at [email protected].

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by State or Federal law. 

Outcomes

Graduation Rate: 100%

Specialty Exam Pass Rate: 100%

Program Financial Fact Sheet