Belmont Launches Hybrid Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship for Working Clinicians

OMPT fellowship offers sub-specialty training, now accepting applications for January 2027 cohort 

Belmont University is now among a small number of institutions nationwide offering an advanced orthopedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) fellowship and one of only a few designed to allow physical therapists to pursue the credential without leaving full-time clinical practice.  

The fellowship, housed in Belmont’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, welcomed its inaugural cohort this spring and is now recruiting licensed clinicians for their January 2027 cohort. The hybrid model allows fellows to remain embedded in their communities while receiving advanced training through a combination of online coursework and intensive on-campus training.  

“There are very few fellowships in orthopedic physical therapy in the country,” said Bobby Russell, program director. “By offering an advanced sub-specialty fellowship alongside our Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Belmont is creating a rare educational pathway that prepares clinicians for the highest level of care.” 

Advanced Training Without Career Disruption 

Traditional physical therapy fellowships often require clinicians to relocate or significantly reduce their practice hours. Belmont's hybrid model removes that barrier, combining flexible online learning with intensive on-campus sessions so fellows can pursue advanced certification without disrupting their clinical practice. 

“People are always worth the extra training, so making instruction accessible was a priority,” said Ryan McConnell, vice chair for the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “PT fellowships develop a grit that gives clinicians immense potential. For practicing physical therapists who want to lead, inspire and elevate their practice, this is the way to do it.”  

Leveraging Belmont’s Facilities 

The OMPT fellowship includes immersive on-campus sessions that utilize resources uncommon in post-doctoral physical therapy training. Fellows return to anatomy labs  — many for the first time since undergraduate studies — to revisit the foundational structures that inform advanced orthopedic physical therapy practice.  

“Most physical therapists only experience anatomy labs in undergraduate courses and never again,” Russell said. “Outside of a program like this, access to that level of instruction is highly specialized and very costly. At Belmont, we’re integrating these labs directly into the curriculum to benefit the fellowship experience.” 

The program also incorporates Belmont's Center for Interprofessional Engagement & Simulation, where fellows practice realistic clinical scenarios with trained actors portraying patients. The simulation-based approach allows clinicians to refine diagnostic reasoning, manual techniques and patient communication in real time.  

“We haven’t seen the depth of resources that Belmont can bring, including the Simulation Center, anywhere else,” said McConnell. “We want these fellows to practice at the apex of their licensure, and to think that we can offer that is a privilege.”  

Applications Open for Spring Cohort 

The 24-month fellowship is now accepting applications for its January 2027 cohort. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for the professional distinction of Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), which allows clinicians to be internationally recognized for their fellowship training. 

“When we look at these students, it’s with absolute pride,” Russell said. “These are 40-hour-a-week clinicians who chose to take on additional education because they believe in delivering the highest level of care.” 

The fellowship positions Belmont as one of only two institutions in Tennessee — and fewer than 50 nationwide — offering post-doctoral OMPT training, expanding access to advanced orthopedic physical therapy across Middle Tennessee and beyond.  

For more information on Belmont’s OMPT Fellowship program or for those interested in applying, please contact program director Bobby Russell.