RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Orthopedic Residency Program

In Partnership with Messiah University

A comprehensive, flexible residency program designed to provide all the benefits of advanced orthopedic training without having to relocate. Earn your COMT credential and prepare for OCS examination.

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2026 Application Window Now Open!

Application Deadline: June 22, 2026

Start Date: July 6, 2026

Submit Your Application

Program Overview

A flexible, comprehensive pathway to orthopedic specialization

The NAIOMT/Messiah University Orthopedic Residency is a mix of live, synchronous, and asynchronous coursework conveniently designed to provide all the benefits of residency training without having to relocate.

The core courses can be taken at Messiah University, at another location closer to where the resident-in-training resides, or online. Our coursework includes the core NAIOMT courses that will culminate in the resident-in-training earning the "COMT" credential and preparing for the OCS examination.

Additional innovative coursework includes:

Clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis
Value-based physical therapy principles
Social determinants of health and orthopedic/musculoskeletal outcomes
Regenerative medicine
Exercise prescription
Post-operative orthopedic physical therapy intervention
Research opportunities and journal clubs
Script-concordance assessments

Program Requirements

1,800 Total Program Hours

300

Minimum Educational Hours

Comprehensive didactic and practical coursework

1,500

Minimum Patient-Care Hours

Direct clinical experience with patients

150

Minimum 1:1 Mentoring Hours

Personalized guidance from experienced mentors

Mission Statement

"To graduate specialists in orthopaedic physical therapy who are reflective, innovative, evidence-based, and life-long learners built on a foundation of 'PT First' as the solution for orthopedic-based human movement dysfunction by committing to quality advanced education, professional guidance and growth, continuous improvement, and strategic initiatives delivered through a 'top of the license' interprofessional practice framework optimizing objectively measurable, value-based patient centered outcomes."

Program Outcomes

Proven track record of success

88%

Graduation Rate

88%

Completion Rate

87%

OCS Pass Rate

Meet the Program Director

Learn from an experienced clinician and educator

Program Resources

Everything you need to learn more and apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about the program, requirements, and application process.

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Residency Curriculum

Review the complete curriculum including coursework, clinical experiences, and assessments.

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Admissions Requirements

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Program Goals & Outcomes

Learn about our program goals, competencies, and expected outcomes for graduates.

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Participant Goals & Outcomes

Understand the expectations and outcomes for residents-in-training.

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Financial Fact Sheet

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Ready to Advance Your Career?

Take the next step in your orthopedic physical therapy journey. Apply now to join our comprehensive residency program.

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Your Complete Pathway to Mastery in Physical Therapy

NAIOMT provides a complete, seamless post-professional education pathway for physical therapists wanting to become experts in clinical reasoning. From individual courses to certification programs, residency, and fellowship—we help manual physical therapists achieve the highest standards of clinical practice.

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Questions about your pathway? Contact us here

What Our Students Say

Real Results from Real Therapists

I recently attended the COMT-5 Lower Extremity Manual Therapy course and it exceeded my expectations. The instructors were knowledgeable and supportive, and the course content was thorough and practical. The course has improved my manipulation and exercise skills, and I'm seeing immediate changes in my practice.

The COMT-1 Lumbar Spine Manual Therapy course was an excellent opportunity for me to refine my skills in differential diagnosis, manipulation, and exercise techniques. The course content was well-organized, and the instructors were engaging and supportive. I saw immediate changes in my practice.

The Trigger Point Dry Needling course exceeded my expectations. The instructors were passionate and experienced, and the course content was both informative and practical. The course has improved my clinical reasoning skills and I'm confident in my ability to use dry needling as an effective treatment modality.

I recently completed the COMT-4 Upper Extremity Manual Therapy course, and it was an incredible experience. The instructors were knowledgeable and supportive, and the course content was well-organized and detailed. The practical exercises were challenging but rewarding.

As a physical therapist, attending the COMT-2 Cervical Spine Manual Therapy course was a game-changer. The course content was comprehensive and well-structured. I've gained new insights into the cervical spine's anatomy, and the techniques I learned have helped me provide better care to my patients.

Attending the COMT-3 Thoracic Spine Manual Therapy course was a fantastic learning experience for me. The instructors were supportive and caring, and the course content was well-organized and comprehensive. I gained new skills in differential diagnosis and exercise techniques.