Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency

Consistent with the mission of our hospital, the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Post-Professional Residency Program in Geriatric Physical Therapy will prepare residents to take exceptional care of people and advance the practice of physical therapy with geriatric patients.

Mission

The Barnes-Jewish Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Post-Professional Residency Program in Geriatric Physical Therapy will prepare residents to become advanced practitioners in the area of geriatric physical therapy.

The geriatric physical therapy resident will become an advanced practitioner who is a resource and role model for the institution, the community, and the physical therapy profession by providing high quality value-based patient care, advancing existing clinical practice through the application of evidence-based knowledge, and contributing to the body of knowledge in the area of geriatric physical therapy.

PROGRAM GOALS

• The program will develop advanced clinicians who will deliver high quality services to the geriatric patient population.
• The program will utilize an annual strategic planning meeting in order to develop curriculum, ensure continuous improvement in processes, ensure financial stability, and ensure sustainment of the program.
• The residency program will promote the advancement of clinical practice by requiring contributions to the existing body of knowledge in the area of geriatric physical therapy.
• The residency program will mentor residents to become resources and role models to their institution, community, and/or profession.
• The program will provide a well-rounded curriculum (didactic and clinical) including exposure to a variety of diagnoses and settings as represented in the Description of Geriatric Residency Practice (DRP).
• The program maintains ABPTRFE accreditation.

RESIDENT GOALS

• The resident will evaluate and treat geriatric patients using advanced clinical decision-making skills to apply evidence-based skilled physical therapy. The program will develop advanced clinicians who will deliver high quality services to the geriatric patient population.
• The resident will exhibit self-directed learning and incorporate self-improvement measures when indicated.
• The resident will prepare and present materials for journal clubs, inservices, case-based discussions, SIG meetings, professional meetings on topics related to Geriatrics (institutional, local, state, regional, or national meetings).
• The resident will critically analyze, discuss, and apply evidence to clinical practice.
• The resident will participate in community and/or professional activities which may include (but is not limited to): community Fall Prevention Event, local or regional health fairs/screenings, senior athletic events, membership in professional organizations, memberships in Geriatric Special Interest Groups, attendance at professional meetings (institutional, local, state, regional, or national meetings).
• The resident will develop a long-term plan for professional growth.
• The resident will demonstrate active membership in the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.
• The resident will successfully prepare to complete residency and meet criteria to apply for exam for specialty certification in Geriatric Physical Therapy.

About the Residency

The Barnes-Jewish Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency is a post-professional clinical and didactic education experience designed for PTs who wish to advance their preparation as a specialty provider of geriatric patient care services. It combines ongoing clinical mentoring with didactic work to promote advanced practice and scientific inquiry. Residents will also experience quality improvement and or research, journal clubs, teaching in both clinical education and academic settings, rounds, specialty clinics and observations. Residents will have exposure to geriatric clients in different settings with different diagnoses.

Salary and Benefits

Residents will be paid a full salary of a physical therapist in the department and are eligible for benefits including time off as per BJC policy. There is no tuition fee for participation in the residency program except for the purchase of educational materials or courses specified in the application requirements.

Length of Residency

12 month appointment beginning first week in August.

Accreditation

The Barnes-Jewish Department of Rehabilitation Geriatric Residency Program is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education as a post professional residency program for physical therapists in geriatrics.

Applicant requirements

• Currently we are only taking applications from current Barnes-Jewish Hospital Department of Rehabilitation employees or newly hired employees with a start date prior to the start of the Geriatric Residency
• Candidates must meet all requirements to be employed as a practicing physical therapist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Graduate of a CAPTE accredited physical therapy program
• Current license to practice physical therapy in the state of Missouri for the duration of the BJH Geriatric Residency Program
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae
• Supervisor Verification Form (required for current BJH Rehab Department employees)
• 1 letter of recommendation from current or former supervisor
• 1 letter of recommendation from professor or clinical instructor
• Personal statement related to geriatrics that demonstrates a passion for the geriatric patient population as well as professional growth and development
• Successful completion of interview

Interviews: May 2025

Start Date: August 4, 2025

For successful completion of the program, BJH Geriatric Resident will agree to the following:

• Personal and professional commitment to learning and growth (during and outside of typical work hours)
• Meet and maintain all requirements to be employed as a practicing physical therapist at Barnes Jewish Hospital
• Active membership in APTA and Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy (cost covered by department)
• Payment for the following (not covered by the department):
  • Medbridge subscription
  • APTA CI Credentialing Course
  • Geriatric Learning Pathways (APTA Learning Center)
• Signed contract including acceptance of all details of Financial Compensation and Benefit provided by Talent Acquisition/Human Resource representative and available on mybjcnet.carenet.org 
• Successful completion of all assignments and examinations

Residency Financial Fact Sheet

• Residency Financial Fact Sheet

How to Apply

Application to the Acute Care Residency can be sent to Traci Norris at [email protected]

Please direct any questions or correspondence to:

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Geriatric Residency

Program Director:

Traci Norris PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA 
[email protected]

Outcomes