Advanced Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice, Research and Education Fellowship
The Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences offers a post-professional fellowship program designed for the licensed physical therapist seeking advanced training in orthopaedic physical therapy. One of the overarching goals of the program is improved management of the complex patient.
This 12-month program involves a series of educational classroom experiences and 150 hours of 1:1 mentored clinical practice. A strong emphasis is placed upon clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, practice and theory in physical therapy education and a research experience. Successful applicants are employed by one of several clinical sites associated with the program.
Program Details
How to Apply
Applicants will meet minimum criteria as described below:
- The applicant must hold a license to practice physical therapy in the state where their clinical mentorship will occur at the time of matriculation into the program. Applicants who are licensed in another state or country may apply to the program but may not begin the program until the required license is received.
- The applicant must supply evidence of one year of practice in the area of orthopaedic physical therapy (at least 2000 hours).
- The applicant must have completed additional study in the area of orthopaedic physical therapy as evidenced by: certification as a specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties or completion of an orthopaedic or sports physical therapy residency program.
- The applicant must submit two recommendations for the program from individuals with direct contemporaneous knowledge of the candidate’s clinical knowledge and skills.
- The applicant must provide a transcript of their physical therapy education.
- The student may provide GRE scores (optional).
- Each applicant must submit a nonrefundable application processing fee, payable to Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Science.
To apply, please send curriculum vitae, transcripts, letters of recommendation, $120 processing fee and cover letter. Cover letter should address how their past experience has prepared them for this type of educational program. Interviews will be conducted either by phone or in person.
Send application materials to Carol Courtney, PT, PhD at carol.courtney@northwestern.edu or at the address below:
Carol Courtney
Northwestern University
Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
645 N. Michigan Ave., Room 1121
Chicago, IL 60611
Application Review Process
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Science members and representatives from clinical sites. The applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Academic education
- Clinical education and mentoring experiences
- Clinical experience in orthopedic physical therapy
- Research experience
The application deadline is March 1, and applicants will be notified of their admission status by April 15.
Credentialing
We are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Education (ACOMPTE).
Upon successful completion of a credentialed fellowship program, students can apply to be recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT).
Fellowship Program Structure Information
- Program Type: Hybrid
- Program Format: Full-time
- Program Length: 12 months
- Program Tuition: $9,995/year
Contact Us
For more information, please contact program director Carol Courtney at carol.courtney@northwestern.edu, and program coordinator Amy Robinson at amy.robinson@northwestern.edu.
Current Fellows
Rachel Beilfuss PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Beilfuss is a 2022 graduate of the Marquette University Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Her orthopedic residency was through the University North Carolina Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency program. She is a board certified orthopaedic physical therapy clinical specialist. Dr. Beilfuss’ clinical training site and her teaching practicum site is at Marquette University.
Rachel Bergen PT, DPT
Dr. Bergen is a 2024 graduate of the Creighton University doctor of physical therapy program. Her orthopedic residency was at the Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan Ability Lab Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency. Dr. Bergen’s clinical training site is at AV Performance Physical Therapy, and her teaching practicum site is at Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences.
Joe DeHope, PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. DeHope is a 2019 graduate of the South College Doctor of Physical Therapy program. His orthopedic residency was through Creighton University Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program. He is a board certified orthopaedic physical therapy clinical specialist. Dr. Dehope’s clinical training site is with the Guardian Resilience Team at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado, and his teaching practicum site is at University of Colorado Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Colorado Springs.
Michael Grant PT, DPT
Dr. Grant is a 2024 graduate of the Northwestern University Doctor of Physical Therapy program. His orthopedic residency was at the Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan Ability Lab Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency. Dr. Green’s clinical training site is at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, and his teaching practicum site is at Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences.
Luke Green PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Green is a 2019 graduate of the Northwestern University Doctor of Physical Therapy program and his orthopedic residency was through Evidence in Motion Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency. He is a board certified orthopaedic physical therapy clinical specialist. Dr. Green’s clinical training site is at Athletico Rogers Park/Loyola, and his teaching practicum site is at Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences.
Marit Mikkelson PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Mikkelson is a 2019 graduate of the University of North Dakota Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Her orthopedic residency was through the Military Musculoskeletal Residency program. She is a board certified orthopaedic physical therapy clinical specialist. Dr. Mikkelson’s clinical training site is UI Health, and her teaching practicum site is at Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences.
Ervin Velic PT, DPT
Dr. Velic is a 2020 graduate of the Bradley University Doctor of Physical Therapy program. He completed his Sports Physical Therapy Residency at the University of Evansville. Dr. Velic’s clinical training site is at Achieve Manual Physical Therapy, and his teaching practicum site is at Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences.
Outcomes
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Fellowship in Advanced Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice, Research and Education |
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Cohort #1 |
Cohort #2 |
Cohort #3 |
Cohort #4 |
Cohort #5 |
Cohort #6 |
|
|
2020-21 |
2021-22 |
2022-23 |
2023-24 |
2024-25 |
2025-26 |
|
# of fellows admitted |
9 |
11 |
7 |
14 |
10 |
7 |
|
# of fellows who voluntarily withdrew |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
% graduated |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|