5:15 p.m., Jan. 16, 2008--The geriatric physical therapy residency program at the University of Delaware recently became only the second such program in the United States to receive credentialed status from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

The geriatric physical therapy residency is a doctorate-level program of post-professional clinical and didactic education that seeks to advance significantly the physical therapist's preparation as a provider of patient care services in a defined area of clinical practice.

“We are thrilled to be leading the way in residency training of physical therapists who aspire to become leaders in the field,” Tara Manal, director of Physical Therapy Clinic Services and assistant professor of physical therapy, said. “The geriatric residency at UD is only the second in the nation, and we are the only physical therapy program with three credentialed residency programs.”

Other APTA credentialed residency programs at UD are the sports residency and orthopedic residency. To become credentialed, clinical faculty members must possess several qualifications to effectively conduct the necessary activities of a residency or fellowship program, including:

• Advanced clinical skills, with at least one faculty member who is certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists in the content area;
• Expertise in teaching; and
• Involvement in scholarly and professional activities.

All clinical faculty members at UD are certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists and mentor physical therapy residents and physical therapy students.

UD's physical therapy clinics provide clinical education experience for physical therapy students and offer clinical research opportunities for faculty and students, while providing services to patients at UD and in local communities.

One of the highest ranked physical therapy programs in the country, the department also offers five physical therapy clinics that provide community rehabilitation services.

APTA is a national professional organization representing more than 71,000 members that seeks to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research and education.