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Updated April 16, 2026
The postdoctoral programs listed provide opportunities for research and education post academic doctoral degree (ie, PhD) for physical therapists. These postdoctoral opportunities are housed in academic institutions that either have physical therapist degree programs or are associated with a physical therapist degree program.
The listing of postdoctoral programs may not be all inclusive as new opportunities are developed, funded, or because APTA has not been notified of an existing program. Additional information about these programs may be obtained by contacting the program director or contact name listed.
Please contact studentrecruitment@apta.org to update or add programs.
Disclaimer: Inclusion on this list of programs does not indicate approval or endorsement by APTA or the accreditation of these programs of study by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
California
University of California, San Francisco
Richard Souza, PT, PhD, Professor
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
185 Berry Street, Suite 350
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415/514-8930
Degree Offered: PhD in Rehabilitation Science
Length of Program: Variable; 4-5 years typically
Funding Available: Yes
Teaching Opportunities: Not typically
Research Opportunities: Yes
Colorado
University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus
Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD
Physical Therapy Program
13121 East 17th Ave, C244
Aurora, CO 80045
303/724-9170
Program name: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Research
Length of Program: Variable; 2-3 years typically
Funding Available: Yes
Teaching Opportunities: Yes, some opportunities but not a focus of this program
Research Opportunities: Yes
Missouri
Washington University School of Medicine
Catherine Lang, PT, PhD, FASNR, FAPTA, Associate Director of Postdoctoral Fellowships,
Professor of Physical Therapy and Professor of Medicine
Program in Physical Therapy
4444 Forest Park Blvd
St Louis, MO 63108
Phone: 314/286-1945
Fax: 314/286-1410
Program Name: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Movement Science
Length of Program: 2-3 years, on average
Funding Available: Yes, T32 HD007434
Teaching Opportunities: Yes
Research Opportunities: Yes
Texas
University of Texas Medical Branch
Beth Cammarn, administrator, Rehabilitation Sciences
301 University Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77555-1137
Phone: 409/747-1637
Fax: 409/747-1638
Program Name: Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Research Training Program
Length of Program: 2-3 years
Funding Available: Yes
Teaching Opportunities: No (could be on individual basis)
Research Opportunities: Yes