Physical Therapist Resident - 2027-2028 Cohort

At Summit Orthopedics, our mission is to improve and restore the quality of life of the patients and communities we serve. We strive to distinguish ourselves as the leader in musculoskeletal healthcare delivery by living our BONES values: Better Together, Own It, Nimble, Excellence, and Service. Join a collaborative, patient-focused environment where team members are respected, find purpose in their roles, and work together to provide an exceptional patient experience.

The Summit Orthopedics Physical Therapy Residency Program combines an evidence-based curriculum with individualized mentorship to develop physical therapists dedicated to improving and restoring the quality of life of the patients and communities we serve.

Summit offers 13-month residency tracks in:

• Sports Physical Therapy
• Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Applicants must identify their preferred residency track when applying.

The residency is designed for highly motivated physical therapists seeking advanced clinical training, structured mentorship, and professional development. Both recent graduates and physical therapists with prior clinical experience are encouraged to apply.

The program includes at least 150 hours of mentorship, including at least 100 hours of direct one-on-one mentorship. The didactic curriculum is provided through Bellin University and includes online coursework, weekend intensive sessions, and hands-on learning experiences. Residents also participate in monthly multidisciplinary Grand Rounds and Journal Club sessions, scholarly activities, professional presentations, and educational experiences involving Summit physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals.

Under the supervision of the Program Directors and residency faculty, the Physical Therapist Resident will provide orthopedic and sports physical therapy services by evaluating patients and planning, implementing, and progressing individualized treatment programs. The program is designed to advance the resident's clinical reasoning, examination and treatment skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparation for future American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties certification in sports or orthopedic physical therapy.

Position details

This is a full-time position for the 2027-2028 residency cohort. The residency will begin in August 2027 and continue through August 2028, encompassing at least 54 weeks.

The resident's primary clinic location will be identified before acceptance into the program and may include Plymouth, Vadnais Heights, or another designated Summit Orthopedics location. Residents must be flexible and willing to participate in clinical, mentorship, and educational experiences at other Summit locations as required.

The position will primarily consist of direct patient care supplemented by protected mentorship, didactic education, weekend intensive sessions, Grand Rounds, Journal Club, scholarly activities, and other residency requirements. Some clinical and educational responsibilities may occur outside normal clinic hours.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the available positions are filled. Interviews may begin as early as December 2026, with final selection decisions communicated no later than February 28, 2027.

Required application materials

Each applicant must submit:

• A current curriculum vitae
• A one- to three-page Statement of Goals describing the applicant's interest in residency education, professional goals, preferred residency track, reasons for applying to Summit Orthopedics, and anticipated contributions to the program
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can address the applicant's clinical abilities, academic preparation, professionalism, work ethic, and potential for advanced practice

At least one letter of recommendation must be from a professor, clinical instructor, or clinical supervisor who can specifically address the applicant's clinical knowledge or clinical performance.

Sports Physical Therapy Residency requirements

Applicants to the Sports Physical Therapy Residency must possess an eligible emergency-care credential-ATC, EMT, or EMR-before beginning required sports clinical experiences.

The Sports Physical Therapy Resident will participate in athletic training room and sideline coverage experiences at Concordia University. These experiences generally include approximately four hours per week during portions of the academic year and may involve football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, and other collegiate sports.

Essential responsibilities

• Evaluate patients and develop and implement individualized physical therapy plans of care in coordination with physicians and other members of the healthcare team.
• Provide evidence-based treatment consistent with clinical findings, patient goals, physician referrals, and applicable professional standards.
• Clarify treatment instructions and communicate with physicians, residency faculty, and other healthcare professionals regarding patient care and clinical decision-making.
• Evaluate and document patient progress and maintain complete and accurate evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports, and discharge summaries.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, prognoses, home exercise programs, self-management strategies, and injury-prevention principles.
• Participate in scheduled one-on-one and collaborative mentorship, including patient-case preparation, direct observation, clinical reasoning, feedback, and performance assessment.
• Complete all required didactic coursework, weekend intensive sessions, presentations, scholarly activities, Grand Rounds, and Journal Club responsibilities.
• Participate in clinic and system-wide educational programs and contribute to the professional development of Summit team members.
• Contribute to organizational performance-improvement activities by identifying opportunities for improvement, assisting with data collection, implementing new procedures, and providing input during departmental and residency-program discussions.
• Participate in establishing individual performance expectations, professional-development goals, and residency learning objectives.
• Maintain organized work areas and promote a safe, accessible, effective, and efficient clinical environment.
• Maintain current professional knowledge through continuing education, scientific literature, coursework, seminars, and professional activities.
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and all organizational and professional requirements.
• Perform other applicable duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications

• Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy education program before the residency start date
• Eligibility for Minnesota physical therapist licensure, with all licensure requirements completed before beginning employment
• Current CPR/AED certification
• Demonstrated interest in advanced orthopedic or sports physical therapy practice
• Ability to satisfy the clinical, educational, scheduling, and travel requirements of the residency
• ATC, EMT, or EMR credential for Sports Physical Therapy Residency applicants, obtained before beginning required sports clinical experiences

Compensation and benefits

Summit's total compensation for this position is valued at $75,000, consisting of a $60,000 salary and a $15,000 employer-funded investment in residency education and didactic programming. The hired candidate may also be eligible for additional compensation in the form of bonuses, differentials, and/or deferred compensation.

In addition to the base salary, Summit offers a comprehensive total-rewards package aligned with our commitment to supporting healthy and active lifestyles. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k)/profit-sharing retirement plan.

About Summit Orthopedics

Summit Orthopedics provides the Twin Cities, Greater Minnesota, and Western Wisconsin with a full spectrum of orthopedic care, including subspecialty clinics, Orthopedic Urgent Care, imaging, bracing, therapy, surgery, and postoperative stays at our Care Suites. Our team of physicians, surgeons, physician assistants, certified athletic trainers, therapists, and other professionals is part of more than 1,200 employees who work together to provide high-quality care designed to support healthier, more active lifestyles.

Summit Orthopedics is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.