Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program

About the Geriatric PT Residency Program

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

• Exams
• Decision-making
• Evidence-based interventions

The program places an emphasis on evidence-based practice and the use of research and outcome measurements.

While you gain clinical experience, you will complete didactic education courses in the following formats:

• Home-study format.
• Weekend continuing education.
• Program-created independent study modules.

UPMC Centers for Rehab Services (CRS) funds the program, housed within the following UPMC inpatient and CRS outpatient clinics:

• UPMC St. Margaret
• UPMC Mercy
• UPMC Seneca Place Skilled Nursing Facility
• UPMC Mercy Southside Outpatient 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 geriatric PT subspecialty.
• Become board-certified clinical specialists in geriatric physical therapy.

Geriatric PT Residency Program Curriculum

The 16-month Geriatric PT Residency Program provides clinical experience and mentoring throughout the continuum of elder care:

• Acute hospitalization
• Inpatient rehab
• Skilled nursing
• Outpatient care

The program works closely with the University of Pittsburgh Department of Physical Therapy.

Along with clinical practice and mentoring, the Geriatric PT Residency curriculum’s core areas include:

• Clinical decision-making
• Continuing ed
• Didactic coursework
• Professionalism and advocacy
• Specialty practice observation
• Teaching assistance

Typical weekly schedule for geriatric PT residents

• Clinical practice: MTW 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., H 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (varies based on site).
• Mentoring: 2 to 3 hours per week.
• Department of Physical Therapy (DPT) Grand Rounds: F Noon-1:00 p.m.
• UPMC St. Margaret GeriCore Interdisciplinary Rounds:F 7:00-8:00 a.m.
• Teaching assistance: Spring semester H 1:00-5:00 p.m.
• Didactic geriatric PT residency modules: Fridays.

Geriatric PT Residency Program Director and Faculty

Jennifer McMahon, PT
Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
Program Director
Centers for Rehab Services — UPMC St. Margaret Hospital
skalosja@upmc.edu 

Core Faculty

• Jennifer McMahon, PT, GCS
• Geraldine Grzybek, PT, GCS
• Tracie Nguyen, PT
• Kelly Vitti, PT, GCS, NCS
• Missy Criss, PT, GCS
• Kaitlyn Begonia, PT, GCS
• Chad Zoll, PT
• Chris Venus, PT, NCS

Application Process for the Geriatric PT Residency

• The program application deadline is commonly in January.
• Interviews for qualified candidates are in early March.
• The program start date is early August.
• Tuition for the Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program is $6,800.

To learn more, email Jennifer McMahon, PT — Geriatric PT Program Director.