SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women's Health Residency

Our graduates report engagement in the advancement of the profession and their own commitment to lifelong learning. We have an 80% (4/5) graduation rate, and 100% (2/2) of our graduates who have sat for the examination have achieved ABPTS Board Certification in Women’s Health Physical Therapy. As highlighted, we are committed to collaborations between the sponsoring organizations and numerous scholarly products. In addition, 100% (4/4) of our graduates have submitted abstracts to present at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Section Meeting with 75% (3/4) achieving an educational session and/or poster presentations within their scholarly areas of interest.

The American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education states: "(A residency or fellowship) program's comprehensive curriculum is developed from and addresses the most recent version of the Description of Residency Practice (DRP), the Description of Fellowship Practice (DFP), or an ABPTRFE-approved analysis of practice. All curriculum components complement each other to enhance the participant's learning. The program's curriculum organization ensures congruency between didactic and clinical components. The curriculum provides a structure for the designation of types, lengths, and sequencing of learning experiences that ensures the achievement of the program's outcomes."  

The residency experience combines opportunities for ongoing mentoring and formal and informal feedback to the physical therapist resident, including required written and live patient practical examinations, with a foundation in scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice and coursework designed to provide a theoretical basis for advanced practice. A residency program must be completed within a minimum of 1,500 hours including a minimum of 150 hours of one-to-one mentoring and a minimum of 300 educational hours completed between 10 to 60 months within the specialty area of practice. A fellowship program allows a therapist to subspecialize in an area of practice, and must be completed with a minimum of 1,000 hours and between 10 to 60 months.

The expected requirements for the application to be considered include:

• Graduate of an accredited physical therapy program
• Proof of licensure as a physical therapist and a Missouri license by the start of the program
• Three letters of recommendation (one from an academic physical therapist, one from a clinician, and one of the applicant's choosing)
• Official DPT transcripts
• Comply with the SSM Health Physical Therapy and Saint Louis University employment requirements

Applications are initially reviewed by the program administration. Invitations are extended to a select number of applicants for an in-person, on-site interview with members of the residency faculty. Web conference interviews are possible if necessary.

Recent graduates of accredited physical therapy programs are eligible to apply, as are physical therapists who are within the field of women’s and pelvic health and are interested in one-on-one mentoring.

One to two residents are accepted each year.

It is a 16-month program, typically beginning in early August.

Early in the new calendar year. Only one annual application cycle is offered, typically beginning in the fall. It is a rolling admissions process.

Applicants can hold a bachelor's, master's or doctor of physical therapy degree.

For more information, please reach out to Program Director Jill Imgarten, PT, D.P.T., CSMT, at jimgarten@ssm-select.com.

Yes. Our curriculum is developed from the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education Description of Residency Practice and the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists' Description of Specialty Practice. An emphasis is placed on the concepts and knowledge necessary for the specialist exam.

Yes, a personal interview with the faculty of the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Residency Program is a requirement of the application process for invited applicants. This interview can be on-site or through web conferencing.

Typically, yes; however different lenders may have different policies. Check with your specific lender regarding your individual account and its management.

Residents are expected to demonstrate successful completion of written and oral exams, and practical examinations with patients. Additionally, the SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Residents complete clinical case presentations, an evidence-informed presentation to colleagues, and a scholarly product.

Yes. You must have a Missouri state physical therapy license before beginning the residency in August.

Residents who were not current SSM Health Physical Therapy employees upon acceptance to the program practice will practice at a selected SSM Health Physical Therapy clinic. Residents who were current SSM Health Physical Therapy employees upon acceptance to the Program practice at their home clinic within SSM Health Physical Therapy.

The resident is responsible for a portion of APTA Public Health Level 1, 2a, 2b, and 3 courses if not completed in advance of the program. No other tuition is required.

Residents are expected to be members of the APTA. Expenses include living, transportation, parking, APTA membership and conference fees. Learning materials such as additional texts, independent study course modules, computer access and suitable professional clothing should also be expected expenses.

SLU-SSM Health Women's Health Residency and Fellowship Financial Fact Sheet

Yes. Residents in this program are considered full-time, benefited SSM Health Physical Therapy employees and are paid a competitive rate for physical therapy residents.