October 21, 2025
Valley Health System is proud to announce its Orthopaedic Residency Program has received accreditation by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE). Valley’s program is the first accredited orthopaedic physical therapy residency program in New Jersey.
Accreditation by ABPTRFE exemplifies the program’s commitment to excellence in post-professional physical therapy education. This national accreditation signifies Valley’s program meets the highest standards for quality, mentorship, and evidence-based clinical training.
This residency program is designed for licensed physical therapists who have already completed their doctoral education and are actively practicing. Those who apply include individuals pursuing advanced clinical training to specialize in orthopaedic physical therapy.
Led by Program Director Kristin Ryffel, PT, DPT, and Program Coordinator Caitlin Peltyszyn, PT, DPT, OCS, the program reflects Valley’s ongoing commitment to advancing excellence in clinical education and expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based orthopaedic care for the communities it serves.
“We are proud to be the first accredited orthopaedic residency program in New Jersey,” said Ryffel. “This accreditation exemplifies our commitment to providing physical therapists with a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience.”
The program enrolled its first resident in October 2024, who will graduate in November.
The program accepts one resident per cycle, with the next recruitment cycle beginning on December 1, 2025, and offering rolling admission. The next residency program will matriculate in the spring of 2026.
“This residency program helps to prepare the physical therapist with the requisite knowledge and skill set needed to pass the board-certification examination following graduation,” said Peltyszyn. “Our residents treat patients but also spend a lengthy time studying and engaging in outside experiences to help better prepare them for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions. For example, they complete independent study, shadow physicians, and complete a manual skills lab with residency faculty to fine-tune their own skills.”
For more information about Valley’s Othopaedic Residency Program, please visit ValleyHealth.com/OrthopaedicResidency.