Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency
Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency
Elevate your practice in orthopaedic physical therapy.
Our program’s mission is to advance clinical practitioners to highly skilled specialists and leaders in orthopaedic physical therapy through a comprehensive clinical program emphasizing extensive clinical training, research, community service, and mentorship for the betterment of the communities they serve.
ABPTRFE Accredited Program
The University of Missouri Health Care Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education as a post-professional residency program for physical therapists in orthopaedics.
About the Residency
- The residency is a 12 month, 2 week program beginning each July. Residents will rotate between two clinical practice sites offered at Mizzou Therapy Services: Missouri Orthopaedic Institute (27 weeks) and Forum (27 weeks). All clinics are within driving distance of their central location.
- Each week the resident will spend approximately 32 hours performing clinical duties outside of mentoring sessions, 3-4 hours in a mentoring session with clinical faculty and 3 hours for in person didactic sessions. The resident should plan for additional time to complete required readings, self-study, projects, specialty presentations, and specialty physician and surgical observation.
- The resident position is salaried and benefit eligible. Learn more.
- For more information about program costs please see the financial fact sheet.
Each resident will:
- Receive advanced didactic instruction in orthopaedic physical therapy including preparation for the specialist certification exam
- Complete four (4) live patient practical examinations, three (3) written examination and three (3) technique exams
- Develop two (2) case presentations and receive feedback from faculty and peers
- Produce a scholarly project with guidance from a research faculty member in preparation for submission to a journal or conference
- Participate in teaching experiences for clinicians, faculty, and/or doctor of physical therapy students
- Complete 20 hours of community service related to the field of orthopaedic physical therapy
- Have opportunities to observe specialty practice areas of physical therapy including hand therapy, return to sport evaluations, motion analysis, Pilates, aquatic therapy and specialty evaluations and treatment (such as throwing, running, fitness athletes, PRI and scoliosis)
- Participate in surgical and specialty clinic observation in five (5) major service lines, including Upper Extremity, Sports Medicine, Foot and Ankle, Adult Reconstruction and Spine
To apply to the University of Missouri Health Care Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency program, you must meet the following application requirements:
- Meet all requirements to be employed as a practicing physical therapist at MU Health Care
- Successfully completed a CAPTE-accredited professional physical therapy curriculum or have had a state physical therapy board approve the applicant’s first post-professional physical therapy program as “equivalent” to a U.S. CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program
- Provide a copy of a current and valid license to practice physical therapy in Missouri or a state that is part of the PT Compact. This license must be in good standing
- Be an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and Orthopaedic section
- Current CPR certification
- Submit curriculum vitae or resume
- Submit official PT school transcripts
- Submit three letters of recommendation
- Complete short answer questions on why the applicant is pursuing an Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency
- Intend to sit for the exam to become a Board Certified Orthopaedic Physical Therapist
The University of Missouri Health Care Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency enrolls two residents per year. To apply please visit the RFPTCAS website.
- Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort will be accepted from October 1, 2025 to May 1, 2026.
- Interviews for the 2026-2027 cohort will be scheduled following completion of the RF-PTCAS application.
- *New graduates should plan to take their board examinations in April to meet the admission requirements listed above.
For more information, contact Program Director Laura Korte, PT, DPT, MHA or Program Coordinator Lindsey Colbert, PT, DPT, by email at umhsorthoptresidency@health.missouri.edu or by calling 573-884-0655.
Program Completion Rate
Program outcomes will be published by 9/1/26 once the first cohort graduates.
ABPTS Orthopaedic Exam Pass Rate
Eligible for Testing 2027
Meet Our Faculty
Program Director, Didactic Faculty, Mentor, Research Advisor- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services – Missouri Orthopaedic Institute
- Educational Background:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, May 2011, Des Moines University
- Master of Health Care Administration, December 2011, Des Moines University
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, December 2007, Truman State University
- Certifications:
- Board Certified in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties – 2023
- Medical Education Research Certificate (MERC) Program, Association of American Medical Colleges – 2021
- APTA Certified Clinical Instructor – 2013-Present
- Highlights:
- Stilley, J., Bogler, M., Sampson, C., Young, J., Kendrick, E., Olive, M., Korte, L., Graff, T., Nichols, H. & Heidt, J. Physical therapy in the Emergency Department: A prospective cohort study from an Alternatives to Opioids program. JACEP Open. 2024; 5:e13185. https://doi.org/10.1002/emp2.13185
- Korte, L., Harrison, C., & Willis, B. Awareness, use, and barriers to utilization of health and wellness resources by rehabilitation professionals. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Poster Presentation. Boston, MA. February 2024.
- Korte, L., Stilley, J., Graff, T., Olive, M., Bogler, M., & Young, J. Initiating physical therapy in the emergency department: Factors that influence utilization of outpatient rehabilitation. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Poster Presentation. Boston, MA. February 2024.
- Korte, L., Harrison, C., Sachs, B., & Willis, B. Physical therapy in the emergency department: Examining healthcare utilization factors for low back pain. APTA Missouri Spring Conference. Poster Presentation. St. Louis, MO. April 2023.
- Korte, L., Olive, M., & Stilley, J. Physical therapy in the emergency department: Patient perceptions of treatment and outcomes. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Poster Presentation. San Diego, CA. February 2023.
- Korte, L., Olive, M., & Stilley, J. Patient satisfaction and perceived improvement in activity following physical therapy in the emergency department. APTA Missouri Spring Conference. Poster Presentation. Kansas City, MO. April 2022.
- Program Coordinator, Didactic Faculty, Mentor, Research Advisor
- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services – Missouri Orthopaedic Institute
- Educational Background:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, May 2010, University of Missouri
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, May 2007, University of Missouri
- Certifications:
- Board Certified in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties – 2023
- Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Baseball Overhead Athlete Certification –2022-Present
- APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor – 2018-Present
- Highlights
- Executive Board Member for American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists (2024 – Present)
- Creator/Executor of the Mizzou Pitching and Performance Program (2015-Present)
- Creator/Executor of the Mizzou Therapy Services New Graduate Mentorship Program (2015-Present)
- Mizzou Therapy Services: Missouri Orthopaedic Institute Clinic Educator (2015-Present)
- Co-Author for Post-Operative Rehabilitation Protocols for shoulder, knee and hip conditions (2015-Present)
- Current Scholarly Products:
- Colbert L. Returning to Sport: Considerations for Returning Athletes to Competition After Shoulder Injury. American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists Annual Meeting. October 2023.
- Colbert L., Harrison C. Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in a Collegiate Softball Player. Poster Presentation at Missouri Physical Therapy Association Spring Conference. April 2023.
- Colbert L., Harrison C, Nuelle C. Rehabilitation in Overhead Athletes With Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2022 Jan 28;4(1):e181-e188.;
- Colbert, L. Advanced Concepts in Rehabilitation of the Upper Extremity. Continuing Education Course. February 2020.
- Ma R, Brimmo OA, Li X, Colbert L. Current Concepts in Rehabilitation for Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2017 Dec;10(4):499-506. doi: 10.1007/s12178-017-9449-9.
Residency Administrator, Didactic Faculty- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services – Buttonwood
- Educational Background:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, May 2015, Southwest Baptist University
- Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, May 2012, Central Methodist University
- Certifications:
- Certified Athletic Trainer – 2012-Present
- Highlights:
- Mizzou Therapy Services – Missouri Orthopaedic Institute and Buttonwood Clinics: Clinical Manager, Columbia, MO (2020-Present)
- Clinical Instructor for DPT students (2018-2019)
- Specialized Training in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (2018-2019)
Mentor, Didactic Faculty- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services – Forum
- Educational Background:
- Master of Physical Therapy, May 2001, Rockhurst University
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, May 1999, Rockhurst University
- Certifications:
- Board Certified in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties – 2011
- Selective Functional Movement Assessment – 2016
- Functional Dry Needling Level 1 – 2017
- Highlights:
- Evidence in Motion Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency Clinical Mentor (2017-6/2025)
- Adjunct Faculty Member for the Department of Physical Therapy School of Health Professions at the University of Missouri (2012-Present)
- Ma R, Guess T, Echelmeyer D, Stannard J. “Bench to Bedside: A Multidisciplinary Approach toward the Unknowns after ACL Injuries to Drive Individual Success.” Missouri Medicine. 2022;119(2):136-143.
- Echelmeyer D, Willis BW, Campbell AS, Gibson K. “Student perception of integrating the systematic clinical reasoning in physical therapy tool within problem-based learning.” American Physical Therapy Association, Combined Section Meeting. Poster Presentation. Denver, January, 2020.
- Echelmeyer D, Willis BW, Cox G, Leary E, Guess TM. “The Relationship Between Visual Assessment and a Single Depth Camera during the Lateral Step-down Test.” American Physical Therapy Association, Combined Section Meeting. Poster Presentation. Washington DC, January, 2019.
- Didactic Faculty, Mentor
- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services – Missouri Orthopaedic Institute
- Educational Background:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, May 2017, University of Missouri
- Bachelor of Health Sciences, May 2014, University of Missouri
- Certifications:
- Board Certified in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties – 2023
- Functional Dry Needling Level 1 Certification – 2022
- Highlights:
- Mentor for the Mizzou Therapy Services New Graduate Mentor Program (2021-Present)
- Clinical Instructor for DPT students (2018-Present)
- Gerau, M. Mizzou Therapy Masterclass: Management of Ankle Fractures Across the Lifespan. Columbia, MO. December 2023.
- Gerau, M. Rehabilitation of the Post-Concussed Athlete. Missouri Orthopaedic Institute Sports Medicine Update. Spring 2021.
- Gerau, M. Self- Efficacy and Practice Patterns in Concussion Management to Identify Knowledge Gaps for KTA Cycle Implementation. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Poster Presentation. San Antonio, TX. February 2022.
- Bliss, R., Holland, L., Stock, K., Fields, C., Fletcher, B., Gerau, M., Chakraborty, C. Use of KTA framework to improve physical therapy clinical outcomes in concussion management. ANPT Annual Meeting. Poster Presentation. Minneapolis, MN. Oct 2022.
- Didactic Faculty
- Practice Location:
- University of Missouri, College of Health Sciences, Physical Therapy Department
- Educational Background:
- PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, May 2022, University of Missouri
- Master of Physical Therapy, May 2008, University of Missouri
- Bachelor of Health Sciences, May 2008, University of Missouri
- Certifications:
- Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA), Academy of Geriatrics, American Physical Therapy Association – 2023
- Medical Education Research Certificate (MERC) Program, Association of American Medical Colleges – 2021
- Certificate in Effective College Instruction, Association of College and University Educators and the American Council on Education – 2020
- Board Certified Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties – 2017
- Certified Clinical Instructor, American Physical Therapy Association – 2012
- Highlights:
- Willis BW. “Students’ Perception of Servant Leadership by Physical Therapy Faculty Mentors is Associated with Interprofessional Socialization.” Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 2023; 37(4):314-324. doi:10.1097/JTE.0000000000000307.
- Prost EL, Abbott CC, Dannecker EA, Sayers SP, Willis BW. “Novel Walking Pole Gait Pattern Improves Activity in an Older Adult with Chronic Low Back Pain.” British Medical Journal-Case Reports. 2021; 14(12):e245807. doi: 0.1136/bcr-2021-245807.
- Moore A, Yee E, Willis BW, Prost EL, Gray AD, Mann JB. “A Community-based Boxing Program is Associated with Improved Balance in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.” International Journal of Exercise Science. 2021; 14(3): 876-884.
- Campbell AS, Willis BW. Responding to the Call: Measuring Critical Thinking in Physical Therapy Education. In: Musolino G, Jensen G, eds. Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making in Physical Therapy: Facilitation, Assessment and Implementation.
- Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Inc; 2019: pages 245-254. ISBN:978-63091-408-0.
- Willis BW, Hocker KJ, Gray AD, Kurkowski S, Razu SS, Sherman SL, Skubic M, Guess TM. “Relationship Between 2-Dimensional Frontal Plane Measures and the Knee Abduction Angle During the Drop Vertical Jump.” Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2019; Feb 19:1-4. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2018-0017.
- Willis BW, Campbell AS, Sayers SP, Gibson K. “Integrated Clinical Experience with Concurrent Problem-based Learning is Associated with Increased Clinical Reasoning of Physical Therapy Students in the United States.” Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions. 2018; 15:30. doi: 10.3352/jeehp/2018.15.30.
- Willis BW, Prost EL, Sayers SP. Assessing the Educational Environment of a Flipped Physical Therapy Course: Utilization of the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2018; Oct 03:16(4), Article 3.
- Didactic Faculty
- Educational Background:
- Doctor of Health Science, May 2019, University of Indianapolis
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Dec 2014, Des Moines University
- Master of Physical Therapy, Sept 2001, Ithaca College
- Bachelor of Science, May 2000, Ithaca College
- Certifications:
- Board Certified in Neurological Physical Therapy, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties – 2016
- Impact Trained Physical Therapist
- Certificate of Vestibular Rehabilitation, APTA – 2010
- Certified Neurodevelopmental Treatment – 2007
- Highlights:
- Clinical Associate Professor, Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science & Athletic Training Program, University of Kansas Medical Program (2024-Present)
- Program Coordinator, University of Missouri Neurological Physical Therapy Residency
- Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri (2019-2023)
- Research Activity in Concussion and Educational Research
- Chair, Educational Research Committee, ACAPT
- Committee Member, APTA Concussion CPG Revision Group
- Current Scholarly Products:
- Bliss, Rebecca A., Holland, Lindsay, Fields, Caitlin, & Stock. Kayley. (2024). Use of Knowledge Translation Action Framework to Improve Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Outcomes in Concussion Management. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2024-0078.
- Galgon, A. & Bliss, R. Experienced Clinical Decision Making in Physical Therapist Management of Concussion: A Qualitative Study. Phys Ther. 105(5) 2024 May. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzae027.
- Reaves T, Bliss R, Chole D, Bridges J. Team Approach to Delayed Pediatric Vestibular Diagnosis: A Case Study. 2023 Pediatr Phys Ther.35:3. doi: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000001022.
- Thomas J, Weiss S, Bliss R, Guess T. Serial Subtraction Alters Lateral Step-down Tibiofemoral Kinematics in Healthy Adults. Int J Sports Med. 2023 Apr;44(4):286-291. doi: 10.1055/a-1982-9978.
- Bliss, R., Jernigan, S., Morris, S. Intentional use of needs assessment to design a faculty development program aimed to infuse the excellence framework in DPT education. APTA Educational Leadership Conference. Poster Session Oakland, CA. Oct 2024
- Bliss, R. & Carr, W.D. Raising the bar in concussion management: Neuroplasticity principles to guide intervention using the concussion clinical profile screening tool. National Athletic Training Association Annual Conference. Educational Session. New Orleans, LA. June 2024.
- Bliss, R. Challenging athletes through functional rehab..Can we decrease re-injury risk by adding dual task? Missouri Athletic Training Association State Conference. Educational Session. Columbia, MO. June 2024.
- Didactic Faculty
- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services – Children’s Therapy Center
- Educational Background:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, May 2019, University of Missouri
- Bachelor of Health Science, May 2016, University of Missouri
- Certifications:
- Functional Dry Needling Level 1 Certification – 2020
- Highlights:
- PhyZou Clinical Instructor: Department of Physical Therapy School of Health Professions (2022-Present)
- Trainee Supervisor for Missouri LEND Program: TIPS for Kids (2024-Present)
- Miller, C. Pediatric and Adolescent Chronic Pain. Invited Lecture. University of Missouri, Department of Physical Therapy PH THR 8080 Special Skills in Physical Therapy. Course Instructor: Teresa Briedwell. May 2022, 2023, 2024.
- Miller, C. Serial Casting. Invited Lecture. University of Missouri, Department of Physical Therapy PH THR 8080 Special Skills in Physical Therapy. Course Instructor: Teresa Briedwell. May 2024. Miller, C. Miller, C. Chronic Pain Treatment. Mizzou Therapy Services. Telehealth Inservice. Columbia, MO. January 2021.
- Lakie A, Miller C, Powell G, Sohl K, Curran A, McElroy J. “Pain in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan” APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Poster Presentation (accepted). Washington D.C. Feb, 2019.
- Didactic Faculty
- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services – Business Loop
- Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Health Sciences, May 1999, University of Missouri
- Certificate of Completion Massage Therapy Program, June 2010, Massage Therapy Institute of Missouri - Columbia
- Certifications:
- Licensed Massage Therapist – 2010-Present
- APTA Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Competency Based Course with Certification – 2016
- Highlights:
- Licensed Massage Therapist for University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Department (2010-Present)
- Adjunct Faculty Member for the Department of Physical Therapy School of Health Professions at the University of Missouri (2007-2009)
- Co-Instructor for CEU Courses:
- Vestibular 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Surviving Dizzy Patients. Columbia, MO. September 2021.
- Annual Mizzou Multi-Disciplinary Concussion Conference. Columbia, MO. December 2021.
- Didactic Faculty
- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services – Forum
- Educational Background:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, May 2021, University of Missouri
- Bachelor of Health Sciences, May 2019, University of Missouri
- Certifications:
- Functional Dry Needling Level 1 Certification – 2024
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer – 2023
- Certification in Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete by the Institute of Clinical Excellence – 2023
- Highlights:
- Flood, P. Mizzou Therapy Masterclass: Re-Evaluating Our Approach to Low Back Pain. Columbia, MO. March 2024.
- Flood, P. Mizzou Therapy Services Chamber of Skills: Lumbar Spine Conditions. Columbia, MO. February 2024.
- Flood, P. Mizzou Therapy Services Lunch and Learn: Myofascial Decompression. Columbia, MO. August 2024.
- Flood, P. Mizzou Therapy Services Lunch and Learn: Spinal Manipulation. Columbia, MO. May 2024.
- Flood, P. Mizzou Therapy Services Lunch and Learn: Pelvic Floor Considerations for Orthopedic Populations. Columbia, MO. June 2024.
- Flood, P. Mizzou Therapy Services Lunch and Learn: Loading of the Lumbar Spine. Columbia, MO. February 2024.
- Didactic Faculty
- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services: Missouri Orthopaedic Institute
- Educational Background
- Master of Occupational Therapy, December 2005, University of Missouri
- Bachelor of Health Science, December 2004, University of Missouri
- Certifications:
- Certified Hand Therapist – 2018-Present
- Highlights:
- Program Lead of Hand Therapy Education Group within Mizzou Therapy Services (2024)
- Mizzou Therapy Services Lunch and Learn Educator for Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Conditions (2018-Present)
- Hoehn, A. Mizzou Therapy Services Chamber of Skills: Current Concepts in Lateral Epicondylitis. Columbia, MO. October 2024.
- Research Advisor
- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services – Ashland
- Educational Background:
- Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant Program, August 2010, Linn State Technical College
- Certifications:
- American Physical Therapy Association Advanced Proficiency of Orthopaedics, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties – 2024
- Medical Education Research Certificate (MERC) Program, Association of American Medical Colleges – 2021
- APTA Certified Clinical Instructor – 2015-Present
- Highlights:
- Korte, L., Harrison, C., & Willis, B. Awareness, use, and barriers to utilization of health and wellness resources by rehabilitation professionals. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Poster Presentation. Boston, MA. February 2024.
- Korte, L., Harrison, C., Sachs, B., & Willis, B. Physical therapy in the emergency department: Examining healthcare utilization factors for low back pain. APTA Missouri Spring Conference. Poster Presentation. St. Louis, MO. April 2023.
- Colbert L, Harrison C. Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in a Collegiate Softball Player. Poster Presentation at Missouri Physical Therapy Association Spring Conference. April 2023.
- Harrison, C. Combatting Decreased Voluntary Activation Utilizing Russian Neuromuscular Stimulation in the Shoulder. Missouri Physical Therapy Association Fall Conference. October, 2022.
- Harrison, C. Rehabilitation in Overhead Athletes with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. APTA Missouri Spring Conference. Poster Presentation. St. Louis, MO. April 2022.
- Stone, J. Harrison, C. Early Outpatient Tele-rehabilitation Improves Functional Outcomes in Patients Following Hospitalization for COVID-19: A Case Series. American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Conference. Poster Presentation. Baltimore, MD, October, 2022.
- Colbert L, Harrison C, Nuelle C. Rehabilitation in Overhead Athletes With Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2022 Jan 28;4(1):e181-e188.
- Stone, J., Harrison, C. Early Outpatient Tele-rehabilitation Improves Functional Outcomes in Patients Following Hospitalization for COVID-19: A Case Series. Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Studies & Reports. Volume 3(3): 1-5 doi.org/10.47363/JPMRS/2021(3)138