WVU School of Medicine Physical Therapy program receives accreditation for cardiovascular and pulmonary residency

The Division of Physical Therapy at the WVU School of Medicine has been granted accreditation for its Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Residency by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE). It is the first program of its kind in West Virginia and one of only 14 similar programs in the nation.

“We are proud and grateful to have received accreditation for this program,” Ivan Mulligan, PT, DSc, ATC, chair of the Division of Physical Therapy, said. “It reflects our Division's commitment to our mission: educating highly competent physical therapists dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to the people of West Virginia and the region. The partnership between the Division of Physical Therapy and WVU Hospitals highlights the strength of collaboration in enhancing patient care and supporting physical therapists’ professional growth. This special program can also serve as a model for others across the country.”

In partnership with WVU Medicine Rehabilitation Services, the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Residency provides physical therapists with advanced skills to improve cardiovascular and pulmonary health and quality of life for patients of all ages, from neonates to geriatrics.

The 15-month post-professional program was established to address a critical need for specialists in cardiovascular and pulmonary practice, supporting WVU Medicine’s mission to improve health outcomes by bringing expert care closer to home.

“This program is about more than advanced clinical education,” Bruce L. McKee, MS, CCC/SLP, director of rehabilitation services with WVU Hospitals, said. “It is a strategic investment in the future of patient care, preparing specialists who can lead outreach efforts, strengthen care delivery in both rural and urban communities, and help address unmet cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation needs across the state.”

The residency program combines traditional classroom learning with immersive clinical training in a wide variety of patient care settings within WVU Medicine, including critical care, outpatient rehabilitation and home health. Residents learn how cardiopulmonary diagnoses affect a patient’s daily function and the corresponding evidence-based, innovative treatments.

Accreditation of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Residency affirms that the program meets rigorous national quality standards set by the ABPTRFE. Graduation from an accredited program qualifies residents to become board-certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialists (CCS) in physical therapy.

For more information on the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Residency, visit medicine.wvu.edu/pt/post-professional-residencies-and-fellowships/cardiovascular-and-pulmonary-pt-residency/.