When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Fall 2025 start term is February 15, 2025.
What is the duration of residency program?
12 months
Does the program prepare me to take the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) exam after I graduate?
Yes. To date we have a 100% pass rate for our residency alumni on the OCS exam. Our curriculum and patient caseload is designed around the Description of Specialty Practice in Orthopedics.
Do I need to have an orthopedic clinic rotation or previous employment in orthopedics before applying to the Orthopedic Residency Program?
No. While we highly encourage a strong background in orthopedics and familiarity with this patient population, it is not a requirement.
I understand that three letters of recommendation are needed. From whom do you require them to be from?
Two should be from physical therapists who personally know the applicant and their abilities, and one letter should be a previous course instructor or academician, who may or may not be a physical therapist.
Do you utilize RF-PTCAS and is there an application fee?
UCSF does not charge any additional application fees, but we do utilize RF-PTCAS which has its own fees.
Do I need to be currently licensed in the state of California?
Yes, by the start of the program a license in the state of California is required (or PTLA in California).
Is it possible to speak with an alumnus of your program?
Yes, please contact us and we can put you in email contact with one of our residency alumni.
When will I be notified of my acceptance into the program?
Candidates should be notified of their status by May.
What is the cost of the program?
Annual tuition for the program is $2,500 and is due by the first day of residency. Residents are encouraged to contact the program as soon as possible if they are experiencing hardship and are unable to meet this deadline to explore further options. Tuition scholarships now available. Additional details will be provided to applicants.
Is an interview required as part of the application process?
Yes. We are currently conducting remote interviews.
Can I tour the facility?
We have a virtual tour option for candidates considering applying to our program. Please contact us for more information.
Are there campus housing options for residents?
Yes. Residents can apply for campus housing options on several UCSF campuses for their year of residency. Please review the Housing Brochure for more information.
What does mentoring look like?
Each resident gets a minimum of 150 hours of mentoring time during the year. Residents are assigned a mentor each trimester who will be working with them four hours per week in the clinic. We try to give each resident mentors with diverse backgrounds to learn from. During the four hours of mentoring the resident will have the opportunity to see one evaluation and up to four follow up patients as well as 30 min before and after patient care to discuss the patients. The mentor is also available to residents outside of the mentoring hours if questions come up. Residents also have regular check ins with the program director and coordinator throughout the year to discuss any program or clinical questions.
