Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program

The Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is a 15-month post-professional residency program designed to prepare physical therapists for advanced pediatric clinical practice through immersive clinical experiences, individualized mentorship, leadership development, advocacy training, and evidence-based education.

Beginning in 2027, the residency will admit a new cohort every other year. Residents are employed as full-time physical therapists while participating in a structured educational program that combines advanced clinical training, professional mentorship, advocacy experiences, scholarly activities, and teaching opportunities. 

The mission of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency is to mentor the professional development and advanced clinical training of pediatric physical therapists in an interprofessional environment. Residents will be prepared to serve as leaders in the field of pediatric physical therapy, demonstrating exceptional clinical skills and reasoning guided by current evidence, social responsibility, and compassion. Residents will develop the knowledge and skills to serve as educators, consultants, and advocates in pediatric care.

The Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program offers a comprehensive and immersive learning experience designed to develop advanced pediatric clinicians and future leaders within the profession.

Residents participate in intentional clinical experiences designed to develop advanced clinical skills across the continuum of pediatric care. Primary clinical rotations include developmental outpatient, pediatric orthopedic outpatient, acute care, early intervention/developmental preschool, and pediatric inpatient rehabilitation settings. Residents also engage in structured experiences within pediatric home health and school-based practice to enhance their understanding of community-based service delivery and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Additional program highlights include:

• Minimum of 1,500 hours of advanced pediatric clinical practice in a variety of settings.
• More than 150 hours of direct and individualized mentorship from pediatric clinical experts, many of whom are board-certified Pediatric Clinical Specialists and/or Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Certified Mentors.
• Opportunities to develop teaching skills through collaboration with Doctor of Physical Therapy programs, including laboratory instruction and educational presentations. 
• Participation in local and state advocacy initiatives that support children, families, and individuals with disabilities. Experiences may include engagement with community organizations, legislative activities, professional association initiatives, and interdisciplinary programs focused on improving access to care and health outcomes.  
• Clinical research experiences within the Vanderbilt Community.
• Participation in the Pediatric Residency Consortium curriculum. 
• Grand rounds, journal clubs, case discussions, and interdisciplinary educational programming 
• Up to $1,000 in continuing education funding, including Pediatric Residency Consortium participation, the APTA Credentialled Clinical Instructor Certification, and additional learning opportunities and/or participation in professional conferences. 
• Full salary and benefits (based on experience) with no tuition or program cost to the resident.

Program Start Date: Early August

Program Length: 15 Months

Cohort Frequency: Every Other Year Beginning in 2027

Employment Status: Full-Time, Full-Salaried Physical Therapist

Tuition Cost: $0

Recent graduates and experienced clinicians may apply. Applications are submitted through the Residency/Fellowship Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (RF-PTCAS).

Applicants must:

• Be a Graduate from an accredited Physical Therapy program
• Be eligible for Physical Therapy licensure in the State of Tennessee
• Be a U.S. citizen (required for participation in the Vanderbilt LEND Program)
• Complete the RF-PTCAS application by the stated deadline, including:
  • Applicant cover letter and resume
  • Three letters of recommendation (two must be professional references)
  • Completed essays addressing program-defined questions.

Application Deadline:  December 1

Interviews Conducted: January/February

Match Day: March

Program Start: Early August

• Pediatric residency graduation rate since inception in 2016: 100%
• Graduate pass rate for the Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS) board certification examination: 100%
• All graduates are currently employed in Pediatric Physical Therapy practice
• Graduates are actively engaged in leadership, community service, education, research, and professional development

C. Paige Correia, PT, DPT, PCS
Program Director, Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
Paige.correia@vumc.org