Sports Physical Therapy Residency

Post-professional training for the specialized care of athletes

ABPTRFE logo small

The Parkview Sports Physical Therapy Residency program is a 13-month clinical residency that begins in June of each year. The program allows residents to complete clinical work at state-of-the art physical therapy facilities that focus exclusively on athletes. The Parkview Sports Physical Therapy Residency program is an ABPTRFE accredited residency.

Parkview Sports Physical Therapy exclusively treats athletes, allowing for a uniquely focused residency experience with the intent of providing the best training for sports clinical specialists. This unmatched opportunity includes working alongside physicians, physician assistants, athletic trainers, Sports Clinical Specialists (SCS) and sports performance specialists.

Program goals

The Parkview Sports Physical Therapy Residency program supports the mission of Parkview Health.
The Parkview Sports Physical Therapy Residency program maintains ABPTRFE accreditation.
The program is sustainable while providing high-quality education.
Residents are provided with exceptional didactic and clinical learning experiences.
Residents demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and skill required for specialist sports physical therapy clinical practice.
Residents will successfully become leaders who contribute to the profession of sports physical therapy.

Curriculum

Courses for the program will include:

Intro, Onboarding & Item Writing 1
Foundations of Athletic Training and Sports Residency
Professional Roles & Responsibilities (documentation/billing/coding)
BFR
Foundations of Manual Therapy
Taping, Casting DME
Sport-Specific Biomechanic Analysis Lab
Needling and Modalities
Return to Sport Testing & Pain 1
Injury Risk Assessment/Screening/Prevention
Foundations of Sports Performance & Enhancement
Foundations of Strength & Conditioning
Manual: Upper Peripheral Joints Lab
Item Writing 2
The Female Athlete
Sports Psychology
Radiology in Sports
Case-Based Patient Management & Return to Sports
Manual: Lower Peripheral Joints Lab
Acute Illness, Health Conditions & Disease in Sports
Principles of Research and Clinical Applications
Gender Health & the Athletic Lifespan
Splinting and Orthotics
Pain 2 (1 hour) & Adaptive Sports
Biomechanics
Dermatology in Sports
Manual: Advanced Spine Lab and Manipulations
Pharmacology & Nutrition
Tactical Athlete Rehab
Concussion Testing and Management
Pain 3
Pain 4
Item Writing 3
Item Writing 4
Sport Related Disorders of the Upper Extremity
Sport Related Disorders of the Lower Extremity
Sport Related Disorders of the Axial Spine
Sports Specific Consideration
Leadership Meetings (optional)

Program start and end dates

The Parkview Health Sports Physical Residency program begins in June of each year and ends in July of the following year, running for 13 months.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria prior to the beginning of the residency:

Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program.
Eligible to practice physical therapy based on state of Indiana requirements.
Submit a letter of recommendation.
Complete an essay question.
Meet all eligibility requirements from Parkview Health System.
Be an APTA member (Sports Physical Therapy section) and in good standing.
Possess a current CPR certification.
Have completed or be enrolled in one of the following: certification as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) from the American Red Cross, hold a current Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license, or have a current certification as an athletic trainer (ATC).

Applicants must have earned their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or be in the final year of completing their DPT. Upon completion of the residency, the candidate will then meet the requirements to take the SCS exam.

Through Parkview Athletic Rehabilitation, your experience will span across three state-of-the-art facilities, five universities and 27 high schools in the Fort Wayne area.

Salary and benefits

Accepted residents will receive financial compensation and benefits equivalent to a 0.9 full-time employee.

Application deadline

RFPTCAS applications open Oct. 1 of each year and close on March 1.

Selection process

Applicants are required to complete an online application. Final candidates will be chosen to participate in an interview.

Program staff

Christopher Rakoczy PT, DPT
Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist
Rehab Therapy Manager and Residency Director

Michael Turcovsky PT, DPT, ATC
Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist
Residency Clinical Mentor

Jonathon Dettmer PT, DPT
Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist
Residency Clinical Mentor

Thomas Ruediger PT, DPT, DSc
Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist
Residency Clinical Mentor

Maren Parent PT, MPT, ATC
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Residency Clinical Mentor

Ryan Nelson PT, DPT
Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Residency Clinical Mentor

Program information and outcome data

The Parkview Health Sports Physical Therapy residency program has a 100% first time pass rate on the sports specialty exam and a 100% graduation rate. Updated July 2023.

Apply today

Sports Physical Therapy Residency applications are open Oct. 1 to March 1.

Apply online today

For more information

Complete contact form

Northeast Indiana is less than three hours from Chicago, Cincinnati and Indianapolis, and it has its own unique vibe and easy going lifestyle. Fort Wayne, the region’s hub and Indiana’s second largest city, consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the U.S. and boasts some of the nation’s lowest cost of living.
Learn more about northeast Indiana.