Newswise — MAYWOOD, Il. - Loyola University Medical Center has been credentialed by the American Physical Therapy Association as a post-professional residency program for physical therapists in orthopaedics.

Loyola is one of two centers in Illinois, and 52 centers nationwide, to receive an accreditation in orthopaedics.

A physical therapist can undergo a clinical residency after obtaining a license to practice. The residency is designed to significantly advance the therapist's preparation as a provider of patient care services in a defined area of clinical practice. It combines opportunities for clinical supervision and mentoring with a theoretical basis for advanced practice and scientific inquiry. The resident acquires advanced expertise in examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and management of patients in a defined specialty.

Loyola's 46-week clinical residency program in orthopaedics is modelled after physician residencies. Residents acquire advanced skills, education and training in physical therapy for joint and musculoskeletal conditions.

For more information, call Debra Popovich, PT, Practice Director, and John Ragonese, PT, OCS, Residency Program Coordinator, Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, at 708-531-7950.