A UCA program that focuses on developing pediatric physical therapists has been credentialed by the American Physical Therapy Association.
The University of Central Arkansas’s Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program is the first physical therapy residency program in the state and one of six pediatric programs nationally to be credentialed. Other pediatric physical therapy residency programs that have received the designation include Duke University and the University of Oregon.
âAs one of six pediatric physical therapy residencies, our program will have the opportunity to contribute to the future of pediatric physical therapy,â said Misty Booth, director of Clinical Education in the Department of Physical Therapy who serves as the coordinator of the residency program. âThrough participation in this credentialed residency program, residents will be prepared to be leaders who will demonstrate UCA’s commitment to developing outstanding physical therapists who advance the profession.”
For more information, view the video on UCA’s Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program.
The American Physical Therapy Association is a national professional organization representing more than 74,000 members. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education, according to the association’s website.
The UCA Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program is a post-professional program that offers opportunities for advancing clinical practice in pediatric physical therapy. The program is a collaborative initiative between the University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Allied Therapy and Consulting Services.
Clinical opportunities include acute care, outpatient specialty clinics, outpatient therapy, early intervention, school-based therapy, home health, aquatics and hippotherapy. The didactic component focuses on preparing residents to contribute to the profession through scholarship and teaching and improving knowledge of the dynamics involved in collaborative care.
âThis program has the potential to attract physical therapists to Arkansas from across the U.S. for training in pediatrics,â said Dr. Nancy Reese, professor and chair of the Physical Therapy Department. âThrough participation in an intensive period of study incorporating both clinical and didactic opportunities, residents are provided avenues to advance skill and knowledge related to Pediatric Physical Therapy.â
Quality physical therapy services in the pediatric population are critical because Arkansas has higher than average percentages of teen pregnancy and low-birth weight and pre-term infants, Dr. Reese added.
Pediatric physical therapy is an exciting, dynamic, challenging and fulfilling specialty within the practice of physical therapy, Booth said.
“Residents have the opportunity to share moments of joy and triumph with patients and their families as well as develop specialized knowledge to enhance their ability to provide support and encouragement during more challenging times,” she said.
