Clinical Residency Program in Neurologic Physical Therapy
University of Southern California/Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
The University of Southern California/Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (USC/RLANRC) Clinical Residency Program in Neurologic Physical Therapy combines the academic resources of a premier physical therapy education and research institution with the storied history and clinical expertise of one of the nation's leading rehabilitation centers. Our joint purpose is to provide vision and leadership in neurologic physical therapy practice.
Mission
The mission of the USC/RLANRC Residency in Neurologic Physical Therapy is to prepare movement dysfunction specialists in neurologic physical therapy who exhibit professionalism through:
- Evidence-based practice
- Patient-centered practice
- Commitment to scholarship and advancement of the field of Neurologic Physical Therapy.
Movement dysfunction specialists in neurologic physical therapy will possess a foundation for neurologic practice in the theoretical underpinnings of neurologic PT practice, including neuroscience, motor control and learning, and motivation and behavior change, and build upon that through evidence-based practice. Program graduates will possess knowledge and skill in medical and physical therapy differential diagnosis, prognostic and etiologic insights, and an orientation toward outcomes assessment that lead to efficient and effective physical therapy interventions and optimal patient outcomes, including enhanced quality of life and mitigation of disability.
Scope
Residency graduates will demonstrate skill in the assessment and treatment of adults with neurologic dysfunction at any level in the neuraxis (peripheral nerve to cortex) with a stable or degenerative condition between the acute or chronic stages of the disease process.
- The program will lead to competence in populations commonly seen in acute or outpatient rehabilitation (e.g., Patterns 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, 2001).
- The program will provide exposure to pediatric populations, intensive care neurologic populations, and community-support services to chronic populations not actively receiving reimbursed care (e.g., Patterns 5A, 5B, and 5I).
Residency Training
Residency program goals will be achieved through a combination of formal and informal educational methods and roles:
- Direct care provision as well as mentored clinical practice on the inpatient and/or outpatient services of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center or at USC Physical Therapy Associates. Clinical mentors include USC neurologic PT faculty as well as Rancho neurologic clinical specialists.
- Mentoring by USC physician neurologists via care provision in specialty clinics of the Department of Neurology at USC.
- Participation as teaching assistants in courses addressing neurologic content and skills in USC's entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
- Enrollment in coursework for graduate credit at USC (e.g., Neurological Differential Diagnosis and Therapeutic Intervention).
- Preparation of a case report or scholarly paper for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
The Residency begins in late August and runs for a period of one year.
Prerequisites
Graduates of APTA-accredited entry-level programs in Physical Therapy may apply for the program. Residents must be eligible for and obtain licensure as a Physical Therapist in the State of California at or near the beginning of their residency program. Recent graduates as well as experienced clinicians are encouraged to apply.
Application and Further Information
For more information or to apply to the USC/RLANRC
Clinical Residency Program in Neurologic Physical Therapy, please
contact:
Didi Mathews, DPT, NCS
Telephone: (323) 224-7070
E-mail: DMathews@rancho.org
Veena Naeole
Telephone: (562) 401-7061
E-mail: PT@rancho.org