5 Benefits of a Physical Therapy Residency at MUSC

Whether you’re a recent graduate eager to launch your career or a seasoned physical therapist looking to refine your expertise, MUSC’s four physical therapy residency programs provide the resources and guidance to elevate your practice. Through structured learning, personalized mentorship, and collaboration with peers, residency training empowers you to specialize, enhance your skills, and make a lasting impact on your patients.

If that’s not enough to pique your interest, here are 5 reasons you should consider an MUSC physical therapy residency program.

1. Full-Time Employment with Benefits (and Zero Tuition!)

Residencies at MUSC aren’t just about advanced training; they’re also full-time, paid positions with competitive benefits. Residents receive protected time for mentorship and coursework while gaining professional experience. Plus, there’s no additional tuition cost, so you can focus on your practice without adding to your student debt.

2. Personalized, One-on-One Mentorship

Weekly one-on-one mentorship with board-certified, experienced clinicians sets MUSC residencies apart. This individualized guidance helps you strengthen your clinical reasoning, build confidence, and refine your practice.

3. Board Exam Success

In 2025*, 92% of all residents passed their specialty board certification exam on the first attempt, compared to 83% of therapists without residency training! And, when broken down by MUSC residency specialties, the difference is clear.

Specialty Area	Non-Residency Graduates	Residency Graduates
Geriatrics	66%	95%
Neurology	89%	100%
Orthopedics	84%	93%
Pediatrics	80%	82%

*American Board of Physical Therapy Residency & Fellowship Education Board Certification Examination Pass Rates as of July 1, 2025.

4. A Strong Return on Investment

Completing a residency can help give you a financial edge early on in your career. Early-career specialists who are board-certified earn an average of $5,940* more per year than their non-certified peers. It’s proof that investing your time in a residency leads to long-term professional and financial benefits.

*According to APTA’s 2023 Wage Report.

5. Better Outcomes for Your Patients

At the heart of residency training is its impact on patient care. At MUSC, residency graduates are equipped to deliver high-level, evidence-based treatment that translates directly into improved outcomes.

MUSC physical therapy residencies are more than just a post-professional program, they’re a launchpad for your career. Whether your passion lies in geriatrics, orthopedics, neurology, or pediatrics, you’ll find a supportive, expert-driven environment at MUSC and our partner facilities that’s designed to help you grow, specialize, and make a lasting impact.

Learn more about our residency programs: https://chp.musc.edu/academics/physical-therapy/residency-programs