Georgia State University launched a rare pediatric residency program in December, providing physical therapists with advanced pediatric training. The new 12-month residency is open to any licensed physical therapist in Georgia and new physical therapy (PT) graduates who are eligible for licensure. The American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education granted the new program developing program status, the first accreditation step. The department plans for the program to receive full accreditation by October 2024.
The residency program will admit two residents annually, beginning in August 2023. Only 40 such residency spaces exist throughout all U.S. PT programs. Several excellent clinical partners will support the program, including Tender One’s Therapy Services, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, All About Kids Therapy Services and Sunshine Pediatric Therapy. In addition, the Georgia State Early SPOTS program will also partner with the residency, providing advanced education on interdisciplinary early intervention for professionals working with children under age 3.
“The program is a milestone for the PT department and is the first residency program in our 53-year history,” said Dr. Sujay Galen, chair of the department of physical therapy.
Dr. Gena Priest, clinical assistant professor of physical therapy, led efforts to start the residency and will be the program director. Applications are opening in January for the first class of pediatric residents. For more information on the program or application, contact Dr. Priest at [email protected].