Sports Physical Therapy Residency – Houston Methodist Hospital

The Houston Methodist Sports Physical Therapy Residency is a 12-15 month program starting in August of each year.  The program provides physical therapists with high quality opportunities and experiences within the sports realm. The program offers clinical, didactic, and on-field experiences with a special focus on the athletic patient of all levels. Residents can expect high quality 1:1 mentorship from board-certified sports and orthopedic specialists and fellowship-trained manual therapists. Working alongside world-class physicians and other professionals, the resident will also develop interdisciplinary relationships for a true collaborative approach to sports medicine.

Houston Methodist is the official health care provider for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Houston Rodeo, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony and Rice University.  Residents will have the opportunity to gain observation, mentoring and on-the-field hours with many of these organizations.  All residents are employed as full-time Houston Methodist employees and, as such, are eligible to receive the comprehensive Houston Methodist benefits package.

Mission

The Houston Methodist Sports Physical Therapy residency is designed to provide an advanced, evidence-based education in Sports Physical Therapy. Sports residents will experience clinical, educational, and on-field training that will accelerate their professional development as an APTA Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy, independent practitioner of advanced sports rehabilitation, and contributor to scientific research and literature. This will be done while exemplifying Houston Methodist's ICARE values in an environment that promotes high-quality, cost-effective health care in association with nationally recognized teaching and research, standards of continuous improvement and innovation.

Goals

• Provide comprehensive clinical and didactic experiences to provide physical therapists with advanced clinical skills and the ability to perform critical reasoning to enable advanced proficiency in the care of athletes
• Participate in on-field sports coverage with our partnering organizations for a well-rounded sports experience
• Attend professional conferences within the field of sports medicine
• Utilize and critically assess scientific literature to incorporate evidence-based techniques into clinical practice
• Obtain APTA board certification as a clinical specialist in sports physical therapy

About Our Program

Clinical Practicum

The clinical aspects of the residency program consist of supervised, non-mentored direct patient care at an outpatient sports and orthopedics clinic including evaluation and treatment of athletes, return to sport testing, and injury prevention programs.

Clinical Mentoring

Residents will receive one on one mentoring from board certified sports and orthopedic specialists and fellowship-trained manual therapists to advance the resident’s skills in advanced evaluation and management of sports and orthopedic related injuries.

Sports Specific Training

Residents will participate in pre-participation physicals, venue coverage and on-the-field management of athletes of all levels. Houston Methodist is the official health care provider for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Houston Rodeo, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony and Rice University. Residents will have the opportunity to work closely with the medical staff and athletes from these organizations in order to provide physical therapy services and on-the-field management. In addition, Houston Methodist works closely with many local high schools and club sport organizations providing residents with a variety of sports, venues and activities in which to participate.

Didactics

Educational components include weekly residency lectures/labs, weekly SportsMed conference with the physicians, fellows and residents from the Houston Methodist Department of Orthopedic Surgery, quarterly journal club meetings, and access to an extensive online library that provides access to most medical journals. In addition, our athletic trainers and therapists work regularly within the local sports community, providing continuing education courses for high school coaches and athletic trainers. Topics often focus on preventive care and are sport specific.

Research

Residents will have the opportunity to develop advanced skills in research methodology, implementation and dissemination through participation in current on-going research projects and development of new projects in conjunction with the Houston Methodist Orthopedics Department and the Houston Methodist Research Institute.

Specialty Observation

Residents have to opportunity to observe surgeries and spend clinical time with physicians and other specialists that influence the intervention and treatment of athletes. Residents also have the unique opportunity to spend time at the Methodist Concussion Center, which is the first center of its kind in Houston. The center provides comprehensive services including diagnosis, treatment and education to the professional, student and recreational athlete. The Concussion Center reaches out to the community to enhance awareness of the signs/symptoms of concussions/head injuries, especially in youth sports.

Outcomes

Graduation rate: 100%

SCS Exam first time pass rate: 95%

ABPTRFE Financial Fact Sheet

The program will disclose any financial assistance provided to participants enrolling in 2026.

View the ABPTRFE Financial Fact Sheet (PDF)  →

Minimum Eligibility

• Graduation from an accredited physical therapy program
• Current Texas physical therapy license
• Possess one of the following:  current ATC designation, current EMT license or certification as an Emergency Responder
• Comply with all Houston Methodist employment requirement

Application Process

Applicants must complete an application through the Residency and Fellowship Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (RF-PTCAS).  Applications will be accepted annually from October 1 until December 1.  Top candidates will be interviewed in January and February.  The program will start each year in August and last 12-15 months.