NAIOMT is proud to announce our Sports Residency program
The 2026 Application window is now open!
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Start Date: July 6, 2026
The NAIOMT Sports Residency is a unique program designed to facilitate and develop your expertise in working with athletes. Our comprehensive program blends didactic coursework, in-person labs, 150+ hours of 1:1 clinical mentoring, and over 200 hours of athletic venue coverage.
Dive into the intricacies of sports physical therapy through engaging didactic sessions, covering advanced topics and contemporary insights in the field. Our in-person labs provide a hands-on, immersive experience, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
Experience growth in your clinical skillset with personalized 1:1 clinical mentoring. The program’s mentors are seasoned professionals and experts in the field, offering invaluable guidance as you refine your skills and build confidence in evaluating/treating athletes.
Step onto the field with confidence through our extensive athletic venue coverage opportunities, providing you with 200+ hours of exposure to various sports environments. This unique opportunity allows you to work directly with a diverse range of athletes, enhancing your ability to provide efficient and effective screening, evaluation, and/or treatment.
Join us at NAIOMT’s Sports Residency and embark on a journey that goes beyond traditional training. Elevate your career, hone your skills, and make a lasting impact in the dynamic world of sports physical therapy.
Mission Statement
“To advance sports physical therapist practice by providing intentional and innovative education, cultivating clinical excellence in physical therapists in holistic and eclectic rehabilitation of the athlete.”
Residency Details
2,000 total hours of the residency program
- Educational hours: 300 minimum
- Patient-care hours: 1,500 minimum
- Total 1:1 mentoring hours: 150 hours minimum
- Athletic venue coverage hours: 200 hours minimumCLICK HERE to Apply
Admissions Requirements
For more information, please fill out the form below
Program Director Riley Ratliff, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, TSACF
Riley Ratliff graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2020. He went on to pursue a career in Sports Physical Therapy earning his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator in 2022 and 2024 respectively. He became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy in 2023.
Riley has worked in outpatient orthopaedics and sports since 2020. He has been an assistant instructor for NAIOMT’s Sports Manual Therapy course teaching nationally and internationally. He is a team physical therapist for McKinney North High School and for the CrossFit Games. He served as faculty for the inaugural cohort of NAIOMT’s Sports Residency Program.
Email: [email protected]
Program Coordinator Chelsea Petska, PT, DPT, SCS
Chelsea Petska graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2018. She went on to pursue a career in Sports Physical Therapy and become a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy in 2024.
Chelsea has worked in outpatient orthopedics and sports since 2018. She has served as adjunct faculty for Texas Tech University Health Sciences center and University of St. Augustine’s Doctor of Physical Therapy programs as well as an assistant instructor for NAIOMT’s Sports Manual Therapy Course internationally. She is the team physical therapist for McKinney Boyd High School and does outreach with local gymnastics gym. She served as faculty for the inaugural cohort of NAIOMT’s Sports Residency Program.
Email: [email protected]
Program Goals
and Outcomes
Participant Goals
and Outcomes
Financial
Fact Sheet
Completion (Graduation)
rate (2025-):
TBD
Retention
Rate:
TBD
ABPTS Sports Specialty Exam pass rate (2025-):
TBD
Presentations:
TBD
Publications:
TBD
Our Clinical Partners
