Quinnipiac University in Hamden said Thursday it has launched a partnership with Connecticut Orthopaedics that is intended to change how physical therapists transition from academic training to clinical practice.
Quinnipiac University in Hamden said Thursday it has launched a partnership with Connecticut Orthopaedics that is intended to change how physical therapists transition from academic training to clinical practice.
The collaboration links Quinnipiac’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program with a clinical residency program at Connecticut Orthopaedics as part of a national pilot initiative.
QU officials said the program is the first of its kind in the United States to receive approval through the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education.
The partnership is designed to create a more seamless pathway for students by integrating elements of residency training into the final phase of their doctoral education. Under the model, students can begin residency-level work while completing their DPT curriculum and clinical rotations.
Chris Miller, residency program director at Connecticut Orthopaedics, said the initiative is part of a broader national effort to better align academic preparation with post-professional training.
The program is expected to give students earlier exposure to advanced clinical training and potential specialization, while addressing longstanding gaps between classroom learning and hands-on patient care.
Connecticut Orthopaedics is the largest physician-owned orthopedic practice in New England, operating multiple locations across the state and providing care in areas such as sports medicine, joint replacement and rehabilitation.
QU officials said the pilot reflects a growing emphasis on workforce readiness and innovative partnerships in health care education, as institutions look to better prepare graduates for increasingly specialized clinical roles.
