PERFORMING ARTS PHYSICAL THERAPY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
USC has developed the first performing arts physical therapy fellowship on the West Coast. This is a comprehensive fellowship to gain clinical and didactic experience in working with a wide range of performing artists. Our performing arts fellowship trains advanced practitioners of orthopedic or sports physical therapy in the skills needed to care for this patient population in the clinic, backstage and other performing arts venue. This program will include clinical experiences in various performing arts genres with additional opportunities to work with various clubs and community members across the Los Angeles area. We have a collaboration with the USC Kaufman School of Dance, USC Thornton School of Music, USC School of Dramatic Arts and UCLA D1 Gymnastics program. It will also include backstage / onset coverage at USC, UCLA and potential other opportunities.
Guided by knowledgeable mentors, our performing arts fellows learn superior skills in assessing, evaluating and treating performing arts injuries; expand the body of knowledge in orthopedic and sports medicine by conducting and publishing clinical research; and make lasting contributions to their communities.
CURRICULUM AND TRAINING
Our rigorous performing arts fellowship uses a combination of self-study, and formal and informal educational, clinical and academic activities. It also includes mentored direct care of performing artists in the clinic and backstage at various performing arts venues.
Supervised clinical mentorship by USC orthopedic physical therapy and sports physical therapy is a key component of the sports fellowship. There will also be opportunities for mentorship from the sport medicine physicians associated with our programs.
Components of the curriculum include management of the performing artist, backstage emergency response, wellness and screening for the performing artist, and strength and conditioning for performing artists.
A sports fellow’s typical week includes:
- 20+ hours of direct patient care in a performing arts setting
- 4 hours of mentored clinical practice in physical therapy for performing artists
- Up to 3-6 hours of backstage experience in performing arts settings based on performance schedules
- 4 hours of self-study of theory, technique and literature reviews
- Additional weekend courses through the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy Continuing Education Department may be required.
The performing arts fellowship begins in July and lasts until August 30th the following year (14 months). Requirements for successful completion include passing oral exams/presentations, examinations with live patients and completion of a project submitted for presentation or publication.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Prospective fellows must submit the following:
- Fellowship application via RF-PTCAS
- Current curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation
- Valid California PT license
- Proof of ABPTS specialist certification in sports or orthopedics or completion of an ABPTRFE-accredited residency in sports or orthopedics
Qualified applicants might also have one of the following designations for emergency response prior to beginning the fellowship, but is not required:
- Certified athletic trainer
- Certified emergency responder for athletes (through the APTA American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy)
- Licensed emergency medical technician
Qualified applicants will be selected for formal interview. Non-U.S. citizens will require the appropriate visa and evidence of English language proficiency in addition to the licensure requirements.
Desirable qualities in an applicant include strong desire to advance clinical knowledge, skills, abilities; ability to demonstrate clinical aptitude and/or potential; interest in teaching, clinical research and/or mentoring; strong written and verbal communications skills; and evidence of initiative and self-responsibility.
COSTS
One-year tuition is $3,500, which can be paid in one or two installments, due by October.
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 purchasing textbooks, scrubs and incidental supplies; we will provide detailed information at orientation.
While a fellow, you may be able to defer any student loans; check with your individual lender(s) on their requirements.
APPLY
To apply for the performing arts physical therapy fellowship, visit the Residency and Fellowship Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (RF-PTCAS), create a login and indicate that you are applying for the USC performing arts physical therapy fellowship.Applications are due on April 1.
CONTACT US
For more information, please contact Director of the Performing Arts Physical Therapy Fellowship Marisa Hentis PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS at hentis@pt.usc.edu