When will this residency program start?
VANCHCS Geriatrics Geriatrics Physical Therapy Residency Program begins July 2024.
How many residents do you accept?
This residency program admits one resident each academic year.
How long is this program?
This is a one-year temporary appointment.
What will my schedule look like?
Residents in this facility will have six to 10 hours each week devoted to didactic curricular time and individual mentoring. The remaining 40 hours are set aside for clinical patient care obligations. Time outside the regular schedule is provided for didactic components and presentation preparations. The resident duty shift is 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday, although this schedule may vary based on mentor schedules and patient care needs. Weekend and holiday work may be required.
What does mentoring involve?
Mentoring is a professional relationship where a more experienced mentor guides a less experienced mentee to promote professional growth in a clinical setting. It is different from providing clinical instruction to the entry-level physical therapy student. It is planned in advance to meet specific educational objectives and to facilitate the development of advanced professional behaviors, clinical decision-making, communication skills, and consultation skills. (APTA 2012). Our program has a minimum of 150 hours of 1:1 mentoring.
Will I receive a salary/salary?
Yes. The scholarship is determined annually by the VA Office of Academic Affiliation. The salary for 2023 is $64,009.
Will I qualify for benefits?
Yes. Benefits include health insurance and options for vision and dental insurance. Residents receive continuous accrual of 4 hours of paid annual leave and 4 hours of sick leave per biweekly pay period. Residents also receive 11 paid federal holidays per year.
Will I be able to attend a professional meeting or continuing education courses?
Geriatrics PT residents are encouraged to attend combined sections (CSM) and/or credentialing course series; Certified Exercise Expert for Older Adults (CEEAA). VA Northern CA funding may be available, however is not guaranteed. Medbridge and other online educational courses will be offered.
Will I qualify for a VA job after graduating from residency?
Residents in good standing will be encouraged to apply for job vacancies within the VA system, but a job is not guaranteed. We will help support residents during the Spring as they search and apply for potential employment opportunities after graduation.
