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Sports Physical Therapy Residency

Post-professional training for the specialized care of athletes

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.

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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.
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.

Click here for our financial fact sheet.

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
Parkview Therapy Services Residency & Fellowship Director

Lisa Piropato PT, DPT, ATC
Board-Certified Sports Physical Therapy Specialist
Certified Advanced Practitioner in Pregnancy and Postpartum PT
Sports Physical Therapy Residency Coordinator

Program information and outcome data

For 2023–2024, the Parkview Sports Physical Therapy residency program had a 100% graduation rate. The first-time pass rate on the sports specialty exam is 100%. Updated September 2024.

Apply today

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

Apply online today

For more information

Contact us for more information about our Sports Physical Therapy Residency.

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