Sports
Overview:
As a world-class organization on the cutting edge of evidence-based practice and professional development, the Brooks IHL Sports Residency program prepares its residents to efficiently manage the care of their patients from acute injury through return to play. During the two-year program, residents will gain experience working collaboratively with Athletic Trainers, Athletic Directors, Sports Medicine Physicians, as well as Physical Therapists with specialization in the areas of Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Orthopaedics, and Neurology.
Our faculty believes that individuals practicing in a sports environment require an extensive understanding of patient management with an orthopaedic background. Our first-year resident’s curriculum is centered around orthopaedic content, while our second-year resident explores a curriculum that expands upon the specialty topics highlighted in the Description of Sports Residency Practice. The two residents work collaboratively as they are immersed in a variety of sports venues including the University of North Florida, Jacksonville Jaguars, and local high schools.
Program Highlights:
- 150 hours of 1:1 on site clinical mentoring
- Full salary and benefits with Brooks Rehabilitation. based on a 32-hour clinical week.
- Shared experience between our 10 Residency and Fellowship Programs
- Enjoy opportunities to collaborate with 150+ graduates practicing in the Brooks System
- Experiential learning opportunities in multiple settings throughout the Brooks Rehabilitation System of Care
- Multi-person cohorts per program
- Scholarly advisors include faculty from University of Florida, University of North Florida, University of Central Florida, University of St. Augustine and Jacksonville University
- The majority of our mentors are program graduates, board certified and clinicians within the Brooks System
Accreditation
The Brooks Sports Residency is accredited for Physical Therapists by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency & Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE).
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Board Certification
The Sports Residency Program will prepare physical therapists with the knowledge and skills needed to sit for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) board certification exam in sports (SCS).
Sports Board Certification Pass Rate for First Time Takers
Graduation Rate (Program Average) – 100%
Program Coordinator:
Devin Jourde
PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS
Devin.Jourde@brooksrehab.org
Program Director:
Sara Cristello, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Sara.Cristello@BrooksRehab.org
Program Details
Curriculum
The program curriculum covers all components and requirements for an orthopaedic residency as well as a sports residency. The sports activities include opportunities with student athletes from the University of North Florida, and opportunities with high school student athletes from a variety of sports.
- The residency will be founded on The Five Pillars.
- Residents will engage in structured learning, immersive clinical experiences, individualized mentoring, and meaningful learning activities within the Brooks Rehabilitation System of Care and community.
- The residency program will meet all aspects of the Sports Description of Residency Practice
- Residents will serve as staff physical therapists for the course of the training.
- Upon graduation, the residents will serve as clinical leaders and change agents for the profession.
- Residents will collaborate with sports medicine programs at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville Jaguars, and local high schools for athletic venue experiences.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Brooks Sports Residency Program:
- Must graduate from a CAPTE accredited PT program.
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- If you are a Non-US educated physical therapist, please contact us to determine if you meet the admission requirements.
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- Must obtain a Florida PT license.
- Must meet all eligibility requirements to be employed as a practicing Physical Therapist within Brooks Rehabilitation.
- Must demonstrate membership within the APTA.
- Individual must possess one of the following; current ATC designation, current license as an EMT or certification as an Emergency Medical Responder prior to commencing the Sports Residency Program.
- Applications open from October 1, 2025 – January 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Qualified and competitive applicants will be invited to on-site interviews in Jacksonville, FL on Friday, February 20, 2026. Program begins early July 2026.
*Residents accepted into the Sports PT Program must commit to 1-year of employment with Brooks Rehabilitation after graduation from the program, or pay $15,000 tuition.