St. Luke’s expands education with accreditation for two residency programs

St. Luke’s University Health Network has received accreditation for its Neurologic Residency and candidacy for its Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency.

Neurologic physical therapists rehabilitate individuals with neurologic disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis, SLUHN said in a release.

Pediatric physical therapists address developmental, neuromuscular and skeletal issues in infants, children and adolescents to improve motor skills and functional independence.

“We are excited to bring advanced neurologic and pediatric physical therapy residency programs to the St. Luke's community,” said Stephen Kareha, a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy at Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s. “These programs help to provide our community with greater access to the highest level neurologic and pediatric care.”

The one-year Neurologic Residency Program requires mentoring in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, SLUHN said. All core faculty members are board-certified specialists in neurology. The program offers opportunities in program development, leadership development and community engagement.

Nationally, there are 73 accredited neurologic physical therapy residencies, including four in Pennsylvania and two in New Jersey, the health network said.

The Pediatric Residency Program is also one year in duration, requiring mentoring in the outpatient setting, SLUHN said. All core faculty members are board-certified specialists in pediatrics. Experiential learning opportunities encompass early intervention, inpatient and school-based therapies within the network and community.

Nationally, there are 31 accredited pediatric physical therapy residencies, including three in Pennsylvania and none in New Jersey.

The Neurological Physical Therapy Residency began in June 2023, and the first resident graduated in May. The Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency will enroll its first resident in July 2025.

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