ONCOLOGY PHYSICAL THERAPY RESIDENCY PROGRAM
With hands-on experience, dedicated mentoring, dynamic classroom instruction and opportunities for research, the USC Oncology Physical Therapy Residency gives you the specialized skills you need to provide the finest physical therapy for those at risk for cancer and cancer survivors, who are currently undergoing treatment or have impairments related to cancer treatment.
You will gain proficiency in assessing, evaluating and treating oncology related impairments; expand the body of knowledge in oncology physical therapy by conducting, participating in and publishing clinical research; and make lasting contributions to your field through teaching and leadership as an interdisciplinary care provider.
CURRICULUM AND TRAINING
The USC Oncology Physical Therapy Residency curriculum uses a combination of formal and informal educational, clinical and academic activities, as well as mentored direct care of patients at our USC faculty practices, at Keck Hospital of USC, and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Hospital.
In addition to 35-40 hours per week in the clinic, you will participate in and/or publish original research and may also serve as a teaching assistant for physical therapy courses at USC.
An oncology physical therapy resident’s typical week includes:
- 4 hours of mentored clinical physical therapy practice with patients
- 4 hours of mentoring with physicians in clinic
- 2-3 hours of formal literature review
- 5-6 hours for 2-6 days a month as a teaching assistant in the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy courses
The 13-month residency begins in August.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the USC Oncology Physical Therapy Residency, you must be a graduate of an APTA-accredited program in physical therapy and eligible for licensure as a physical therapist in California.
In residency candidates, we are looking for leadership potential; a desire to advance clinical knowledge, skills and abilities; demonstrated clinical aptitude; strong communication skills; and initiative and responsibility.
COSTS
One-year residency tuition is $3,000, which can be paid in one or two installments over the course of the year.
Residents are paid for their clinical time. Four hours per week of mentored physical therapy patient care and any physician mentoring are not paid.
You will be responsible for your living expenses and transportation to clinical facilities. Because of limited public transportation in Los Angeles, a car may be necessary. Upon request, we can provide suggestions for where and how to find housing. You will also be responsible for purchase of personal tablets or laptops, textbooks, scrubs and supplies.
While a resident, you may be able to defer any student loans; check with your individual lender(s) on their requirements.
APPLY
To apply for the Oncology Physical Therapy Residency, visit the Residency and Fellowship Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (RF-PTCAS), create a login and indicate that you are applying for the University of Southern California Oncology Physical Therapy Residency.
We require:
- Transcripts from physical therapy school
- Three letters of recommendation
- A career statement
- A CV/résumé
- A formal interview
The application and other documents are due March 15. You will be notified of the admissions committee’s decision by the end of March. You will then have 48 hours to accept or decline an invitation to interview in-person in April.
CONTACT US
For more information, please contact the Residency Program Director Kimiko Yamada, at kayamada@pt.usc.edu.
