Advancing Clinical Excellence in Physical Therapy
At Summit Orthopedics, 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 & Bellin University, 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).
Program Highlights
- Tracks Offered: Sports Residency and Orthopedic Residency
- Program Length: 13 months
- 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
Why Complete a Residency at Summit Orthopedics?
Summit Orthopedics offers residents the opportunity to grow their clinical skills while learning alongside experienced physical therapists and orthopedic specialists. Through hands-on experience, dedicated mentorship, and collaboration across the care team, residents can build confidence and expand their knowledge in a real-world orthopedic setting.
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 complete structured didactic coursework through Bellin University, including online learning and weekend intensives, alongside hands-on clinical training and mentorship at Summit Orthopedics. Motion collaborates with Summit Orthopedics to support the residency experience.
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 participate in monthly Grand Rounds and Journal Club, engage in scholarly work, and learn alongside Summit physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Sports Residency
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.
Sports residents gain experience in an athletic training room and provide sideline coverage, including approximately four hours per week in the athletic training room at Concordia University and coverage of Concordia athletic events.
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.
Orthopedic Residency
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.
Admissions and Application Process
Applications will be accepted beginning in the Fall. Applicants must be licensed (or license-eligible) physical therapists in the state of Minnesota prior to the program start date. All experienced and recent graduated physical therapists are welcome to apply.
How to Apply:
Submit a cover letter, CV, and three letters of recommendation.
Provide documentation of current CPR/AED certification.
Indicate your preferred track (Sports or Orthopedic).
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.
Selected candidates will be invited to an in-person interview.
