Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency

A young woman undergoes physical therapy, supported by two therapists. One therapist helps her stand using a harness system, while the other assists with arm exercises. The room has motivational posters and various rehabilitation equipment.

About the Mercer University-Shepherd Center Residency in Neurologic Physical Therapy

Join our 13-month, ABPTRFE-accredited residency program in neurologic physical therapy, offered in partnership with Mercer University and Shepherd Center. Designed for physical therapists seeking advanced expertise, this residency provides hands-on training in treating adults with neurological conditions such as spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, stroke, vestibular disorders, and more. You’ll gain experience across Shepherd Center’s full continuum of care, including intensive care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient services, and day programs.

Program goals

The program is designed to advance physical therapists’ expertise in neurologic care through evidence-based coursework and individualized clinical mentoring. Program goals include enhancing proficiency in the Client Management Model, delivering consistent, high-quality care, fostering professional growth through research and application, and preparing residents for the neurological specialist certification exam.

Residency structure and learning experiences

This well-rounded program combines clinical practice, mentorship, teaching, and self-directed study. As a resident, you’ll split time between the following areas.

You will immerse yourself in the clinical setting, dedicating 1,500 hours to patient care across various programs and the continuum of care. Additionally, you will have the chance to participate in specialty observations and clinical practice hours at Shepherd Center’s outpatient clinics, including:

During clinical practice, 150 hours will be devoted to one-on-one mentoring with experienced clinicians. This personalized guidance offers the resident individualized feedback, mentorship, and a deeper understanding of neurologic care.

You will participate in at least 30 hours of teaching with opportunities to serve as a guest lecturer and lab assistant in Mercer University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, presentations at local or state conferences, and teaching classes for interdisciplinary staff at Shepherd Center.

You will spend 150 hours on didactic or laboratory coursework for advanced education. Didactics may be composed of various formats, including online webinars and courses, hands-on training, lectures, and labs. Below is a sample of training opportunities and topics available.

  • Neurologic physical therapy professional education consortium webinars
  • MedBridge NCS prep program
  • Foundations of advanced clinical practice
  • Inpatient rehabilitation facility patient assessment instrument (IRF-PAI)
  • Behavior de-escalation training
  • Addressing sexuality and intimacy after brain or spinal cord injury
  • Locomotor training
  • Clinical instructor credentialing
  • Diagnosis-specific lectures and labs
  • Serial casting
  • Manual therapy
  •  Disorders of consciousness
  • Course offerings for Mercer Orthopedic Residency

You are encouraged to explore self-directed learning opportunities, completing a case report, case series, research project, or other self-directed learning on a patient you treated. You will spend 90 hours on self-directed learning throughout the program. This dedicated time allows you to delve deeper into specific aspects of neurologic physical therapy, broadening your knowledge and expertise.

Service learning is integral to our residency program, providing you with valuable experiences beyond clinical practice. Service learning opportunities include assisting with Shepherd Center’s advanced wheelchair skills clinics, adventure skills workshops, adaptive sports, fall prevention workshops, Georgia RSVP clinic, and the Brain Injury Association of Georgia’s annual camp. Additionally, the Atlanta community is rich with opportunities to serve organizations, including Catalyst Adaptive Sports and the Parkinson’s Foundation, based on your interests.

Neurologic physical therapy residency application requirements

We offer one residency position annually. Applications open in October and close by February 1 through RF-PTCAS.

Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Application

Be part of an inclusive, connected culture that encourages both professional growth and personal enrichment

As a resident, you’ll grow professionally by applying scientific literature and evidence-based practices to real-world patient care. You’ll be an integral part of our interdisciplinary team, combining clinical expertise with compassionate care. This supportive environment fosters both your professional and personal development, preparing you to become a leader in neurologic physical therapy.

Training Experience at Shepherd
A physical therapist helps a man on a rehabilitation mat in a clinic. The therapist is guiding the patient's arm while holding it, and they appear to be engaged in an exercise. A large red cylinder is in front of them, and there is a wheelchair nearby.
Three people are in a hallway, involved in throwing and catching a football. Two are on one side, with one wearing a helmet and another in a casual shirt. The third person, wearing a shirt with
A therapist assists a man using a harness and walking frame in a rehabilitation center. The man wears a cap and casual clothes. In the background, two people stand near a shelf with exercise equipment and colorful balls.
Our physical therapists empower patients on their journey to recovery, tailoring each session to their unique goals — whether it’s building trunk control through core exercises, incorporating a favorite activity to enhance agility and balance, or using dynamic body-weight support for practice walking. Every session is a celebration of progress and potential.

My didactic and clinical knowledge of neurologic diagnoses significantly grew after having the opportunity to work full-time in inpatient and outpatient programs. The mentorship provided, both directly from the clinical mentors and surrounding staff, was invaluable in my development as a clinician.

Andrew T., PT, D.P.T., NCS Neurologic Physical Therapy Resident

Expert mentors guiding your path to clinical excellence and compassionate care

Our preceptors are dedicated experts in neurologic physical therapy, committed to helping you develop clinical excellence and compassionate care. Their diverse experience and specialized knowledge will guide you as you grow into a skilled, empathetic clinician.

  • Headshot of Donna Piper

    Donna Piper

    PT, D.P.T., NCS
    Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Applications and Credentialing Coordinator
  • Headshot of Laura Zajac-Cox

    Laura Zajac-Cox

    PT, D.P.T.
    Director of PT Postprofessional Education, Mercer University
  • Headshot of Lauren Greenfeld

    Lauren Greenfeld

    PT, D.P.T., NCS
    Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Coordinator

The Shepherd Center and Mercer University Partnership

Through our partnership with Mercer University, we aim to improve the professional development and clinical practice of our patients through the development of advanced practice clinicians. With strong collaboration between local universities and healthcare facilities, the residency program provides evidence-based educational opportunities while fostering a supportive environment for mentorship and leadership growth. As a center of excellence for neurologic practice, research, and education, we aim to attract and retain skilled professionals while elevating the standard of physical practice.

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