Orthopaedic Residency Program

Since the inception of the CSULB Orthopaedic Residency program, 6 of 6 residents have successfully graduated, and all graduates who have sat for the Orthopaedic Specialist Exam have passed.

All resident provide direct patient care as CSULB PT employees for a total of 1500 hours per residency cycle.  This averages to 30 hours per week for 50 weeks starting in August and ending the following August.  The days and times are determined each semester of the residency cycle.

1. 1350 hours of clinical practice (includes 18 hours of 1:1 clinical evaluation)
2. 150 hours of 1:1 mentoring/supervision while treating patients

1. 127 hours classroom and lab instruction (1-2 Sundays per month from January to October, https://www.learningmovements.com/)
2. 201 hours of independent study (33 independent study courses approved for 201 contact hours by the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA*)
   • ISC 27.4, Frontiers in Orthopaedic Science -- 4 Monographs
   • ISC 27.1, Postoperative Management of Orthopaedic Surgeries -- 6 Monographs
   • ISC 16.1, Pharmacology -- 3 Monographs
   • ISC 31.2, Current Concepts of Orthopaedic Physical Therapist, 5th Edition -- 12 Monographs
   • ISC 27.3, Clinical Imaging: Basic Diagnostic Imaging Principles -- 3 Monographs
   • Research and Evidence Based Practice

*All courses have been developed by the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA, Inc

• Mentored in teaching as a laboratory assistant in the fall and spring semesters orthopaedic courses (90 hours each course).
• The resident will be expected to spend ~50 hours over the course of the residency program assisting in a research project related to orthopedic physical therapy.

1. The total cost for the residency program is $2,900.00 plus parking.
2. The salary range for the resident is $57,750 to $68,000.  Final compensation is based on a variety of criteria, including; but not limited to: experience, licensure, credentials, etc.  This includes a full benefit package including medical and dental.

Download the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) financial fact sheet:

Please apply through RF-PTCAS.

The following documentation will be required:

1. Residency Application
2. SC-1 CSULB employment application
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation
5. Official Transcripts from University granting PT degree
6. Student Success Statement which is a statement about teaching or other experiences, successes, and challenges in working with a diverse student or patient population
7. Copy of PT license to practice in CA

The application will be reviewed by the chair and faculty of the department.  Consideration for admission consists of, but is not limited to:

• Academic standing
• Interview
• Post graduate training
• Clinical experience in orthopaedic therapy
• Teaching experience
• Research experience
• Community Service

• Licensure as a Physical Therapist by the Physical Therapy Board of California.
• Comply with all CSULB employment requirements.