Advance your expertise. Lead with purpose.
In partnership with Duke Health Rehabilitation Services, the Duke DPT program offers a flexible, hybrid residency for licensed physical therapists seeking advanced training in orthopaedic care.
Our innovative model combines clinical excellence, research, and leadership development, empowering compassionate, culturally humble clinicians to become the next generation of leaders.
Open to applicants nationwide.
Join a program rooted in Duke’s legacy of educational excellence and patient-centered care.
A One Year, Hybrid Program
By providing this residency in an innovative distance-based format, we strive to fill a need for expanding specialized training for DPTs nationwide who may otherwise be unable to participate in post-professional training.
The Hybrid Model
- Web-based asynchronous instructional lectures, activities, assignments, and quizzes.
- Web-based synchronous learning activities include journal clubs, topic Q&A sessions, networking events, scholarship development, and leadership development discussions.
- Four onsite lab intensives that last two to three days each for skills development and skills assessment. View curriculum highlights.
Requirements
- Graduate of a CAPTE-accredited DPT program or on track to graduate before starting the residency on Sept. 1, 2024.
- A licensed physical therapist in the resident's state of practice before starting the residency.
- Working in a clinic with a caseload of primarily orthopaedic patients to achieve 1,500 direct practice hours in orthopaedics.
- Access to a Duke-approved and trained mentor willing to provide 100 to 150 hours of 1:1 mentorship for the year.
- Maintain professional liability insurance personally or through your employer throughout the residency.
- Availability to participate in online curriculum.
- Availability to travel to participate in four onsite lab intensives that are two to three days each.
- APTA membership.
How to Apply
The application requires the following:
- Confirmation of minimum qualifications
- Resume/curriculum vitae
- Two professional references that include their letters of recommendation
- A brief essay addresses how this program will align with your professional goals
Key Dates
- Application opens: October 15, 2025
- Application deadline: June 15, 2026
- Program start: September 1, 2026
Financial Fact Sheet
View the Orthopaedic Hybrid Physical Therapy Residency Financial Fact Sheet.
Questions?
Contact Crystal Smith.
The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Orthopaedic Hybrid Physical Therapy Residency Program is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education.
