Advancing Clinical Excellence in Physical Therapy
Through the Summit Orthopedics Physical Therapist Residency, we’re committed to developing the next generation of clinical leaders in physical therapy. Our Sports and Orthopedic Residency Programs offer a 13-month, post-professional experience that blends advanced clinical practice, personalized mentorship, and structured didactic learning, thereby preparing residents to deliver exceptional, evidence-based care.
Through a collaborative partnership with Motion, residents benefit from a dynamic hybrid learning model that integrates online coursework, immersive weekend intensives, and hands-on clinical experience. Motion, a PT-owned private practice recognized for its commitment to continuous professional growth and innovative clinical education, complements Summit’s hallmark strength: individualized mentorship in a high-volume, multidisciplinary orthopedic setting.
Our residencies are designed for physical therapists who want to elevate their clinical expertise, grow as leaders, and pursue board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).
Residency Curriculum and Learning Experience
Each program combines didactic instruction, clinical practice, and mentored patient care designed around the most current evidence and clinical guidelines.
Residents participate in structured coursework and weekend intensives developed in collaboration with Motion, focusing on clinical reasoning, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and differential diagnosis.
Residents work alongside experienced clinicians and mentors in Summit’s orthopedic and sports medicine settings. Mentoring is tailored to each resident’s developmental needs and professional goals.
Residents engage in ongoing scholarly discussion, journal clubs, and presentations, cultivating critical thinking skills and leadership within the profession.
Program Highlights
- Tracks Offered: Sports Residency and Orthopedic Residency
- Program Length: 13 months
- Start Date: August 2026
- Positions Available: Up to two
- Location: Summit Orthopedics clinics across the Twin Cities metro area
- Mentorship: Minimum of 150 hours, including at least 100 hours of one-on-one mentoring
- Collaboration: In partnership with Motion
Key Focus Areas of the Residency
Sports
Program Overview
The Sports Residency provides advanced clinical training for physical therapists pursuing specialization in sports medicine. This program emphasizes the management of athletic injuries, emergency response, performance optimization, and return-to-play progression.
Residents gain valuable experience in sports coverage, from high school to professional levels, and develop expertise in evidence-based interventions that enhance athletic performance and recovery.
Distinctive Features
- Preparation for the Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) exam through ABPTS.
- On-field injury management and emergency care experience.
- Exposure to sports performance, load management, and athlete wellness programs.
- Mentorship by clinicians with professional sports experience.
- Potential observation opportunities through established professional sports networks (MLB, NBA, WNBA).
For details on eligibility, application materials, and deadlines, please see the Application Process section on the main Residency Programs page.
Orthopedics
Program Overview
The Orthopedic Residency provides in-depth clinical training in musculoskeletal care, emphasizing differential diagnosis, manual therapy, and evidence-based management of complex orthopedic conditions.
Residents rotate through Summit’s orthopedic centers, collaborating with surgeons, physician assistants, and advanced clinicians to refine skills in post-operative rehabilitation and non-surgical management.
Distinctive Features
- Preparation for the Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) exam through ABPTS.
- Comprehensive experience in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy.
- Development of advanced manual therapy and examination skills.
- Exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration within Summit’s physician-led model.
- Opportunities for scholarly activity and teaching involvement.
For details on eligibility, application materials, and deadlines, please see the Application Process section on the main Residency Programs page.
How to Apply:
Applicants to the Sports Residency must also provide proof of one of the following: Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) credential, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification.
This position is not yet posted. Please use the form below to get an email from the team when the position is available.
About Summit Orthopedics
Summit Orthopedics is recognized as a leader in musculoskeletal and sports medicine care, offering a collaborative environment where physical therapists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals work closely to achieve the best patient outcomes.
Residents gain exposure to a wide range of orthopedic and sports injuries, advanced post-operative rehabilitation techniques, and on-field or sideline sports coverage opportunities, all within a physician-led practice model.
Our Plymouth location, a Shoulder Center for Excellence, serves as a cornerstone clinical site, reflecting Summit’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in specialty orthopedic care. (Additional credentialing details to be confirmed and added.)
