Sports Physical Therapy Residency

“The sports PT residency training at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provided me with the confidence to treat a diverse range of pediatric musculoskeletal diagnoses that are typical of adolescent athletes with increased efficiency and comfort. As a new clinician, the expert mentorship was vital to establishing my evaluation and treatment flow. I was able to discover and cultivate newfound clinical interests in niche areas through the specialty clinics that only Nationwide Children's offered and streamline the process to becoming involved as a full-time clinician. Finally, the on-field coverage component of the residency allowed a unique opportunity for me to see my patients at time of injury, throughout clinic rehabilitation, and to a successful return to sport. There’s nothing more fulfilling as a sports physical therapist.”

Madison Mize, PT, DPT (2023 Resident Graduate)

“Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s sports PT residency program has given me unlimited opportunities to grow personally and professionally. The program goes above and beyond in many aspects, however, specifically excels within their community relationships that are made available to the residents. Sports residents at Nationwide Children’s Hospital play an integral role for student athletes in the community as they are often the facilitator of connections made between physicians, ATCs, coaches, strength staff and therapists, going beyond minimally required training room responsibilities. This, along with teaching/ volunteer opportunities, and faculty that genuinely cares about the residents’ success, create a customizable experience to meet each resident’s specific interests and goals.”

Bryan Rankin, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS (2022 Resident Graduate)

“I loved my sports residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital because I was able to experience a wide variety of diagnoses and situations. The hands-on training in several pediatric specialty clinics, such as running, dance medicine and throwing analysis, was excellent. The on-field sport coverage complements the didactic component, providing a well-rounded pediatric sport education. The faculty is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to providing the best learning environment, catered to each resident and their interests. They will challenge you to grow into a strong clinician and position you to be able to pursue your professional goals.”

Jena Heck, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC/L, CSCS (2021 Resident Graduate)

“Nationwide Children’s Hospital provided me with a unique experience throughout their sports residency program by providing excellent learning experiences, quality on-field coverage and an athletic patient population. The learning experiences were organized by many mentors with a wealth of knowledge in all areas of sport specialization. I also participated in on-field coverage with a friendly and welcoming athletic training staff and was exposed to a variety of sports. And the patient population was pediatric athletes from middle school to high school with a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries. Overall, this residency prepared me to pass the board certification exam and continue my physical therapy career working toward specialization in treatment of the performing artist.”

Katie Ilardi, PT, DPT, SCS (2020 Resident Graduate)

“I am extremely thankful for choosing the Nationwide Children’s sports residency program to further my postgrad education. The residency is unique in the fact that the vast majority of patients I was treating in the clinic were actual athletes of various different sports allowing me to advance my clinical skills as a therapist to my desired patient population. Nationwide Children’s has first-class cutting-edge facilities that help create the ideal environment for treating an athletic population. The relationships established with local high schools and athletic teams, provided an amazing opportunity for me to provide weekly training room treatment and athletic event coverage. The mentorship and lectures provided by other clinical specialist on the Nationwide Children’s staff, allowed me to advance my clinical knowledge to become a better therapist and pass the boards to achieve my sports specialization certification.”

Dane Wilson, PT, DPT, SCS (2019 Resident Graduate)