Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program | Tampa General Hospital

Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program

Program Mission

The mission of the Tampa General Hospital Neurologic Residency Program is to provide practicing physical therapists an advanced level of clinical training that will enable them to take a leadership role in the treatment of individuals with functional limitations associated with neurological deficits.  The program will promote evidence-based practice and advanced clinical reasoning in the treatment of clients with neurological disorders. The care we provide will reflect a patient-centered approach. Our residents will apply advanced skills in the field of neurological PT across the continuum of care and lifespan of patients with neurologic disorders. 

Tampa General Hospital Rehabilitation Services Neurologic Residency is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education as a post-professional (residency/fellowship) program for physical therapists in Neurologic Physical Therapy.

Program Overview

The Residency Program is a 13-month program and involves the following rotations:

  • Neurologic acute hospital care, including the neuro intensive care unit (TGH is a Level 1 Trauma Center)
  • Inpatient rehabilitation facility
  • Outpatient neurologic rehabilitation
  • The resident will also be in pediatrics for 2 weeks in various settings, including Neonatal ICU, acute hospital care, acute inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient. Additional learning opportunities will be in the Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Clinic.

Apply to the Program through the RF-PTCAS

Download the Residency Financial Fact Sheet

Program Goals
  1. Prepare the resident for successful completion of the ABPTS neurologic specialty examination
  2. Promote best practice through the application of scientific principles, evidence-based practice and patient-focused treatment for people with neurologic disorders
  3. Support the mission of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) by creating practitioners of choice in a specific area of practice with advanced specialty certification
  4. Uphold the mission of TGH by providing an increased number of clinicians with an advanced level of clinical training and education in neurologic physical therapy
  5. Promote teaching to various audiences to serve the education needs of clients with neurologic diagnosis
  6. The program will be sustainable.
Curriculum

We continually strive to include resources that bring evidence into practice based on the Description of Specialty Practice for Neurologic Physical Therapy. The curriculum is developed from various sources including:

  • The Neurologic Physical Therapy Professional Education Consortium (including 27 webinars held Tuesday evenings and journal club participation).
  • Lectures by our faculty
  • Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT) Education Center
  • Learning opportunities through the TGH Organizational Development Department
  • Rotations through: Acute Care focusing on Neuro ICU, Inpatient Rehab, and Outpatient Neuro Clinic
  • Various rounds including neurology, stroke, pharmacy
  • Observation of interventional radiology procedure related to neurologic diagnosis
  • Volunteer at local support groups
  • Participate in Wheelchair Seating and Positioning Clinic
  • Volunteer in local health and wellness community initiatives

The above list is not inclusive of all opportunities. The program continually evaluates educational resources that align with the mission of the Neurologic PT Residency Program.

Clinical training will include managing a caseload of patients with neurologic involvement and mentoring with highly skilled and experienced faculty. The resident will have at least 150 hours of mentoring (roughly 3 hours a week) throughout the residency and have the opportunity to treat patients throughout the continuum of care from the Neuro ICU, to inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient neurologic rehabilitation clinics. Our faculty has many certifications including five board-certified specialist in neurologic physical therapy, one board-certified specialist in pediatric physical therapy, two assistive technology professionals and seating and mobility specialist, one NDT-certified PT, two Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS), one Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist, one LSVT BIG Certified Clinician, and seven APTA CI credentialed therapists.

Residency Admission Requirements

The following are required for admission to the TGH neurologic residency:

  • Graduate of a CAPTE accredited physical therapy program. (at start date of residency)
  • Hold in good standing a current license to practice PT in the state of Florida (at start date of residency)
  • Meet all eligibility requirements to be employed as a practicing PT within TGH.
  • Submit current resume or CV.
  • Active APTA membership including the Neurology Section.
  • 3 references from PTs one from academia and one who has directly worked with applicant in clinical setting (such as CI or PT supervisor).
  • Most up to date transcript from all universities attended.
  • Statement of interest regarding Tampa General Hospital Rehabilitation Services Neurologic Residency Program and professional goals.
  • Notification of special accommodations upon application submission

Program Outcomes

Program Outcomes

Cohort Year

Graduation Rate

Passing Rate for Neurologic Clinical Specialist Exam

2018-2019

100%

100%

2019-2020

100%

100%

2020-2021

100%

100%

2021-2022

50%

100%

2022-2023

100%

Eligible for testing in 2024

*Due to organizational changes in response to COVID, one resident resigned after orientation.

Employment Information

The resident will be employed by Tampa General Hospital and will qualify for the benefits package provided by TGH. As a TGH team member, all TGH policies and procedures will apply to the resident. The resident will be involved in patient care activities approximately 35 hours a week. During the inpatient rehabilitation and acute care rotation the resident will be expected to work weekends in alignment with department requirements. The additional hours will be dedicated to educational opportunities and scholarly activity.

At TGH, equal employment opportunities are ingrained in our treatment of individuals, ensuring that everyone, irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristics, has an equal opportunity in employment-related decisions and activities. This commitment extends to hiring, promotion, training, and all aspects of the employment relationship, reflecting our dedication to fostering a diverse workplace that offers an equitable environment for all.

TGH is proud to be recognized as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, Best Employer for New Grads, and Best Employer for Women. View our full list of employer awards and rankings to learn what makes TGH a top workplace in the U.S.

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Contact Information

For additional information, please contact:

Jamie Dietrich, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Program Director PT Residency Programs
Tampa General Hospital
jamiedietrich@tgh.org
Phone: (813) 844-4903
Fax: (813) 844-7719

Amanda Schindler, PT DPT, CBIS
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Physical Therapist, Tampa General Rehabilitation Hospital
TGH PT Neurologic Residency Program Coordinator
afeldstein@tgh.org
Phone: (813) 893-6187