2026 Application Window Now Open!
Program Overview
A comprehensive pathway to sports physical therapy specialization
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 and 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 treatment.
Program Requirements
2,000 Total Program Hours
Didactic coursework and in-person labs
Direct clinical experience with patients
Personalized guidance from experts
Field experience with diverse athletes
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.”
Program Outcomes
Tracking our inaugural cohort’s success
Meet the Faculty
Learn from experienced sports physical therapy specialists
Riley Ratliff
Program Director — 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.
Chelsea Petska
Program Coordinator — 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.
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.
View FAQAdmissions Requirements
Review prerequisites and requirements for admission to the Sports Residency program.
View RequirementsProgram Goals & Outcomes
Learn about our program goals, competencies, and expected outcomes for graduates.
View GoalsParticipant Goals & Outcomes
Understand the expectations and outcomes for residents-in-training.
View Participant InfoFinancial Fact Sheet
Review tuition, fees, and financial information for the residency program.
View Financial InfoReady to Elevate Your Career?
Join NAIOMT’s Sports Residency and embark on a journey that goes beyond traditional training. Make a lasting impact in the dynamic world of sports physical therapy.
