Sports Physical Therapy
Residency Program in Sports Physical Therapy
The Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program is a cooperative effort between the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), the School of Health-Related Professions (SHRP), University Hospitals and Clinics, the University of Mississippi (Oxford campus), Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, and three professional football organizations. The program spans 14 months, beginning in late June or early July and concluding in August of the following year.
The resident is a full-time employee of UMMC and receives a competitive salary and a full benefits package. There is no tuition cost.
The residency is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association, American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE), 1111 N. Fairfax, St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1488. Phone: (703)706-8186. Email: resfel@apta.org
The program prepares the resident to take the Sports Clinical Specialty examination (SCS) offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Click here for more information concerning specialty examination.
Program outcomes
- Graduation rate of 14 of the last 15 residents
- 100% pass rate on the Sports Clinical Specialty examination (SCS)
Program experiences
The sports physical therapy resident's experiences include:
Clinical experience:
- Advanced clinical practice in a large, fast-paced outpatient orthopedic and sports physical therapy clinic at UMMC (Jackson), Mississippi State, or the University of Mississippi (Oxford).
- Immersive Division I collegiate athletics training room experience at Jackson State University, the University of Mississippi (Oxford), or Mississippi State University, including rehabilitation services, on-the-field coverage, and exposure to administrative responsibilities.
- Coverage of high school athletics, providing rehabilitation services in training rooms and on-the-field support.
- Collaborative practice in Friday Night Football Injury Clinics, working alongside physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and other members of the sports medicine team.
- A two-month immersive rotation with an NFL team, providing clinical and on-the-field sports medicine care in a high-performance environment.
Educational & Collaborative Learning:
- Participation in numerous structured learning opportunities, including Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Conferences, Journal Club, and individualized didactic sessions.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with other residents and fellows on the Medical Center campus, including orthopedic surgery residents, family medicine residents, and sports medicine fellows.
- Teaching assistance in an accredited entry-level physical therapy program, with responsibilities in gross anatomy, kinesiology, and orthopedic labs.
- Hands-on interaction with physicians in clinical, sideline, and surgical settings.
- Unique opportunities:
- Development and implementation of strength and conditioning programs for collegiate and high school athletes.
- Special event coverage opportunities such as the Dixie National Rodeo and the International Ballet Competition (every four years).
Application
Applications for the residency are accepted from October through December, prior to the beginning of the residency in late June. Experienced physical therapists and new graduates are encouraged to apply. The residency accepts applications through the centralized application service for residency/fellowship education (RF-PTCAS). Visit RF-PTCAS for specifics on required application materials and to begin the application process.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center Physical Therapy Residency in Sports has three available Resident positions for our upcoming start date: June 22, 2026. Good luck, and we look forward to reviewing your application!
View the ABPTRFE Financial Fact Sheet for 2024-2025.
For more information
If you are considering applying to the UMMC residency program in sports physical therapy, contact the program director for more information regarding the opportunities provided by the residency.
Cody Pannell, PT, DPT
Director, Residency Program in Sports Physical Therapy
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS)
Associate Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
School of Health Related Professions
University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39216
UMMC offers equal opportunity in education and employment, M/F/D/V.