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Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program


The Geriatric Residency Program provides practicing physical therapists with advanced training in geriatrics:

  • Exams
  • Decision-making
  • Intervention techniques

The program also places an emphasis on using research and the literature to maintain practice within the scope of evidence-based physical therapy.

UPMC Rehabilitation Institute funds the program, housed within the following:

  • UPMC St. Margaret.
  • UPMC Mercy.
  • UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
  • UPMC South Side Outpatient Center.
  • UPMC Seneca Place Skilled Nursing Facility.

Who should apply to the Geriatric PT Residency Program?

Licensed physical therapists that have already completed an entry-level program who want to:

  • Receive further training in the subspecialty of geriatric physical therapy.
  • Become board-certified clinical specialists in geriatric physical therapy.

The Geriatric Residency Program runs 16 successive months starting in August.

As part of the "Continuing Education” Plan of Study, you will participate in a planned Geriatric Residency Program curriculum.

Along with advanced coursework, you will attend:

  • PT grand rounds.
  • The APTA Combined Sections Meeting.
  • The PA Move PPTA Conference.
  • UPMC St. Margaret Geriatric Medicine Core Curriculum.
  • Other relevant training for advancing skill in geriatric physical therapy.

Typical weekly schedule for geriatric PT residents

  • Clinical practice: M-Th 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Mentoring: approximately 4-hour time blocks per week.
  • University of Pittsburgh, Department of Physical Therapy (DPT) Grand Rounds: F Noon-1:00 p.m.
  • Didactic residency modules: Throughout the program on Fridays.
  • Teaching assistance (Pitt DPT geriatric program): Thursday afternoons during the prime semester.
  • Specialty practice observations: scheduled when appropriate.

Jennifer McMahon, PT

Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
Geriatric Residency Program Director, UPMC St. Margaret Hospital

412-784-4014
skalja@upmc.edu

Core Faculty:

  • Amanda McKenna, PT, DPT
  • Chelsey Wojcik-Larko, PT, DPT
  • Chris Venus, PT, DPT
  • Erin Reddinger, PT, DPT
  • Geraldine Grzybek, PT
  • Hallie Zeleznik, PT, DPT
  • Jennifer Ritter, PT, DPT
  • Keelan Enseki, PT, DPT
  • Kelly Vitti, PT, DPT
  • Lisa Braughler, PT, DPT
  • Missy Criss, PT, DPT

Geriatric Residency Program Outcomes

  • Number of Graduates (% Graduation Rate): 8 (100%)
  • GCS examination first time pass rate: 100%
  • GCS examination ultimate pass rate: 100%

Application Process, Dates, and Contacts

  • Deadline to apply: December 31
  • Interviews for qualified applicants: February
  • Start date: Early August
  • Tuition: $6800

To learn more, contact Jennifer McMahon, PT — Geriatric Residency Program Director:

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