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Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency

UNCMC is a large academic teaching hospital. Our acute care staff consists of 100+ therapists who work collaboratively to provide the highest quality of care to our patients. 

Program Mission

The UNC Health Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency is dedicated to delivering exceptional mentorship and high-quality education to licensed physical therapists in the acute care setting, equipping them to meet the evolving health needs of North Carolina and beyond. Our program will empower residents to continuously improve their clinical practice, advance their skills as educators, and engage in professional development to positively impact patient outcomes. Residents emerge as highly skilled acute care clinicians who excel in the rehabilitation of patients and are forward-thinking leaders in the physical therapy profession.

Program Structure

  • The program is a 55 week appointment starting September 7, 2026.
  • We are seeking ABPTRFE accreditation and have 1 position available

Curriculum

Combined modules:

  • Evidence Based Practice
  • Teaching and Learning
  • Leadership and Professional development
  • Clinical Reasoning
  • Wellness
  • Practice management

Acute care specific modules:

  • Neurology
  • Trauma-Orthopedics
  • Cardiopulmonary
  • General Medicine
  • Oncology

Additional activities:

  • Research/quality improvement project
  • Academic and clinical teaching opportunities
  • Journal clubs
  • Community Service

Salary, Tuition and Benefits

Residents are full-time employees (with competitive salary and benefits). Residents also receive Paid Time Off for vacation, sick and holiday time off from clinic work. There is no tuition associated with the program.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicants must be residents of the U.S. and have NC PT licensure prior to program start date.
  • Applicants must have clinical experience in the acute care setting either via completion of full time clinical experience and/or work experience.

Application

Applications for 2026-2027 will open October 1 through February 27th 5pm EST. Please email the following to clinicaledreq@unchealth.unc.edu

  • Resume/CV
  • 1 page essay answering the following questions:
    • Why do you want to do an acute care residency
    • Why do you want to do a residency at UNC Health
    • What are your short and long-term professional goals
  • Three letters of references sent directly by the reference to clinicaledreq@unchealth.unc.edu One letter should be from an academic faculty and one from a Clinical Instructor/Supervisor who has worked with you in the clinical setting

We will invite strong candidates for an on-site interview on Monday April 13th, 2026.

Mentors and Faculty

Kristel MaesKristel Maes, PT, DPT, Program Director

Undergraduate school: KULeuven Belgium

Graduate school: KULeuven Belgium and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Professional interest: My clinical interest is spine. In my current position as Administrator of our post-graduate programs I have a passion for education and preparing the future generation of therapists.

Why I serve as a mentor: Research has shown that having a professional mentor is beneficial to advancing your career. From personal experience, I value the benefit of surrounding myself with others who can give me a different perspective on a patient case, problem or project. By serving as a mentor I hope to pass on my knowledge and support a resident’s professional growth.

Caitlin LaemmleCaitlin Laemmle, PT, DPT

Program Coordinator

Undergraduate school and Degree: : Penn State University, B.S. Kinesiology

Graduate school and Degree: Western Carolina University, DPT

Areas of Specialty Practice: Stroke, vestibular therapy

Why I serve as a mentor: I enjoy teaching and helping to develop improved clinical reasoning skills in the constantly changing environment of the acute care setting. I find it fulfilling that I can help guide the next generation of physical therapists toward their own professional goals, and I also find that mentoring has helped me become a better clinician through my collaboration with residents.

 

Sean LowersSean Lowers, PT, DPT, Board Certified Specialist in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy

Undergraduate school: St. Vincent College

Graduate school: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Professional interest: Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, heart failure rehabilitation, transplant rehabilitation

Why I serve as a mentor: Mentorship has been integral to my growth as a professional. Being a mentor allows me to give back by helping others develop into the best clinicians they can be and fostering a desire for lifelong learning and growth.

Questions

Reach out to Kristel Maes