FAQs
Do you accept new graduates into your fellowship program?
No, accredited Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy programs do not admit new graduates into these programs.
Do you require any specific continuing education coursework or other clinical experiences in order to apply?
Candidates are required to have completed an orthopaedic residency program, have obtained ABPTS board certification as an orthopaedic clinical specialist, or demonstrate advanced skills in the area of orthopaedics for admission into the fellowship program
Are international physical therapists eligible to apply to your program?
Candidates must have, or be eligible for, a PT license in the state in which they will be practicing (Mass.) and meet the additional requirements listed above.
How long is your program? When does the program start?
The Fellowship is approximately 12 months in duration. The clinical training begins in September and finishes in August of the following year. Our didactic training typically begins Sept 1 of each year in the form of an on-site weekend course or webinars that can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the country. Fellows are expected to move to the Boston area prior to the start of the clinical training on Sept 1 to participate in the first two-day skill development course.
Is the program full-time? What is the typical time requirement for fellows?
Yes. All fellows are full-time treating clinicians. Depending on the route of admission to the program (candidates will have differing work demands. Fellows hired as full-time employees of BUPTC treat a 35-hour clinical week which includes 1:1 mentoring. Alternate enrollment fellows treat at their current job and additionally complete 1:1 mentored treatment at BUPTC. Both routes of entry complete didactic work, rounds, journal clubs, and webinars in addition to treating time. Fellows should expect to devote approximately 45-50 hours per week (which includes clinical practice) to activities within the fellowship program.
Can you describe the schedule over the course of a typical week?
Mentored time, rounds, and journal club will occur on Monday and Wednesday mornings throughout the year, lasting from 7-11 a.m.
Can you describe the nature of the didactic training/coursework requirements?
The didactic training includes both in-person and remote synchronous and asynchronous content delivery. Students will come to campus for eight weekend courses (Fri/Sat), 1:1 clinical mentoring, skill training, and Grand Rounds. Webinars are synchronous via Zoom and course components can be accessed asynchronously via Blackboard Learn.
What is the annual salary of the fellow employed at BUPTC? Are benefits included?
The annual salary is $65k plus full benefits of a physical therapist at BUPTC. This includes health insurance, PTO totaling roughly 4 weeks, 3 continuing education days, 8 paid holidays, and a host of other benefits of being a BU employee. See bu.edu/hr for additional resources.
Will I have time to work beyond the hours required of the fellowship program?
Some clinicians may elect to work per diem, however scheduling is often constrained by the fellowship requirements. It is up to each individual fellow to decide if they can fulfill all the requirements of the fellowship program in addition to working additional hours.
How much mentoring does each fellow receive during the clinical training?
Fellows receive at least 4 hours per week of direct 1:1 mentoring by experienced clinical faculty mentors who have fellowship status in the AAOMPT. All 1:1 mentoring is provided by the fellowship with no seeking of mentoring needed for fellows.
Can I apply after the application deadline?
No, we do not review applications received after the deadline.
What is the cost for the program?
See Costs
Do you offer a “degree” as part of the fellowship?
Fellows do not receive a degree upon completion of the fellowship program.
Will I be able to apply for fellowship status after completing the program?
Yes, all fellows who complete the program will meet all requirements to obtain fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists.