Physical Therapy Residency in Geriatrics Program

The physical therapy residency in geriatrics program is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship through 2033.

Each academic year, one resident is selected for the program. This opportunity allows the resident to work closely with a diverse group of older adult Veterans. Through this experience, residents can gain valuable skills in managing conditions that are more common among Veterans, such as lower limb amputation, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mentoring is offered across a diverse range of clinical settings, including acute hospital, skilled nursing facility, long-term care facility, and outpatient rehabilitation. Residents join multiple interdisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care to the geriatric population. Throughout the program, they receive guidance from a faculty of experienced clinicians, including five physical therapists with board-certified specializations in geriatrics. Residents also have the opportunity to tailor their residency experience by spending additional time in specialized areas like the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center and the Regional Amputee Center.

Graduates of the residency are eligible to sit for the geriatric clinical specialist exam.

Application for the program is through the Residency and Fellowship Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (RF-PTCAS). Applicants must be U.S. citizens and graduates of a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy education program to qualify for the VA residency. The application period closes annually on March 15, and the residency begins each year in early fall.

Program outcomes:

• 80% of residents have successfully graduated the program.
• 100% of program graduates have passed the board certification exam.

For more information, contact:

Joy Caguimbaga PT, DPT
Director, VA Palo Alto PT Residency in Geriatrics
650-493-5000 ext. 27896
joy.caguimbaga@va.gov