A new partnership to develop specialized physical therapists brings a higher level of prestige to a well-established university program.<\/p>\n
The Scottsdale Healthcare\/Northern Arizona University Residency in Neurologic Physical Therapy opens the way for mentors to interact with already talented and highly trained graduates to speed their time to a valued credential.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe residency is a way for an expert clinician to work with a new graduate or other novice clinician to develop clinical skills and provide immediate feedback,\u201d said NAU\u2019s Kathleen Ganley<\/strong>, program director of the Phoenix Biomedical Campus Department of Physical Therapy and director of the residency program.<\/p>\n Ultimately, the goal is for the resident to earn the credential \u201cneurological clinical specialist,\u201d which often takes years in the profession. Physical therapists with this expertise work primarily with patients rehabilitating from stroke, Parkinson\u2019s or vestibular disorders.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople who complete an approved neuro-residency can sit for the credentialing exam much earlier in their career,\u201d Ganley said. \u201cThe hope is that the program will expedite the process of developing specialized knowledge and skills.\u201d<\/p>\n The neurologic residency becomes one of only 25 American Physical Therapy Association credentialed programs in the nation, and the only one in Arizona. NAU also plays a leadership role in a national consortium that coordinates resources to ensure high-quality residency programs.<\/p>\n \u201cScottsdale Healthcare is thrilled to partner with Northern Arizona University to provide our neurological residents with top-notch didactic education to complement the clinical mentorship,\u201d said Matthew Schroeder, supervisor of outpatient therapy services and coordinator of the residency program. \u201cPartnering with NAU gives our residents access to additional opportunities and resources.\u201d<\/p>\n Two residents completed the program while it was in the process of being credentialed, Ganley said. The current resident is Ashley Jones<\/strong>, who performed her graduate work at the Mayo Clinic.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m excited about building confidence as a neuro-therapist and building relationships with people in the field for lifelong contacts and connections,\u201d Jones said.<\/p>\n While still in school, Jones said she began exploring residency programs that would allow her to specialize in the neurological field. The Scottsdale Healthcare\/Northern Arizona University program appealed to her because of the options it offers.<\/p>\n \u201cI can tailor the program to my needs,\u201d Jones said. In addition to the mentorship, she has opportunities to assist instructors in the physical therapy program, pursue community involvement, or serve as an instructor for students\u2019 clinical rotations.<\/p>\n The same approach applies to working with neurologic patients, Jones said.<\/p>\n \u201cEach patient presents differently, so you have to tailor your approach to fit their needs regardless of the diagnosis,\u201d Jones said. \u201cI like that you have to think on your feet and be creative as a neuro-therapist.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"