Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Residency Program

Our mission is to develop and retain Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialists who are equipped to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Veterans. We achieve this through a forward-thinking approach that integrates advanced clinical practice, structured mentorship, academic teaching, research engagement, and community service.

Goal 1: Advance the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialty in alignment with the mission and vision of the Madison VA and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

Goal 2: Deliver a diverse and comprehensive curriculum that fosters advanced clinical competence in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy.

Goal 3: Support the professional development and long-term retention of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialists within the Veterans Health Administration.

Goal 1: Develop the knowledge, clinical skills, and experience necessary to become a board-certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

Goal 2: Gain exposure to a broad range of cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions to support the development of safe, effective, and individualized care plans.

Goal 3: Engage in professional development through research participation, didactic instruction, laboratory teaching, patient education, and independent study.

Goal 4: Identify, apply, and promote best practices in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation across clinical settings.

As of close of 2025 Academic Year:

Madison VA Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Residency is a 12-month, full-time clinical training program designed to develop advanced practitioners in the specialty of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy.

Residents complete two six-month clinical rotations—one in outpatient care and one in inpatient/ICU settings—where they manage patients with complex cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. In addition to clinical training, residents participate in academic instruction through our partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

Credentialing:
Madison VA Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Residency Program is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education as a post professional residency program for physical therapists in cardiovascular and pulmonary care.

Program Length:
12 months

Start Date:
Annually on the second Monday of July

Tuition:
There is no tuition or enrollment fee for residents.

Salary and Benefits:
Residents receive a competitive salary and full benefits package, including health insurance, dental coverage, and paid time off. Specific details are available through the Program Director or Madison VA Human Resources.

Jamie McKeon, MPT
Site Coordinator of Clinical Education
Residency Program Director

James Carlson, MPT, CCS
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist
Residency Program Coordinator
Instructor, University of Wisconsin–Madison Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Outpatient Mentor

Liz McGowan, DPT
Home-Based Cardiopulmonary Rehab Coordinator
Outpatient Heart and Lung Transplant Therapist
Outpatient Mentor

Amy Samuelson, DPT, CCS
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist
ICU and Inpatient Mentor

Jeanne Duncan, MPT
Director of Clinical Education
University of Wisconsin–Madison Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Sue Wenker, PT, PhD, GCS
Geriatric Board-Certified Clinical Specialist
Program Director, University of Wisconsin–Madison Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The residency includes a structured didactic curriculum integrated into two six-month clinical rotations. Residents engage in advanced coursework, academic instruction, and clinical teaching experiences designed to deepen their expertise in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy.

Rotation 1: Outpatient Specialty Clinic & Academic Teaching (6 months)

Residents work in the outpatient cardiopulmonary clinic, including heart and lung transplant care, and serve as teaching assistants in the University of Wisconsin–Madison DPT Program.

Sample Learning Topics:

• Outpatient Cardiopulmonary Assessment
• Tests and Measures for Cardiopulmonary Pathologies
• Clinical Interpretation of Arrhythmias
• Outpatient Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology
• Interpretation of Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Studies
• Rehabilitation of Heart and Lung Transplant Patients
• Management of Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Adult Learning Theory and Practice
• Principles of Academic Curriculum Development
• Clinical Simulation in Acute Care Instruction

Rotation 2: Inpatient/ICU  and Research/Case Study (6 months)

Residents rotate through acute care and ICU settings, managing critically ill patients and completing a mentored research project or case study.

Sample Learning Topics:

• Inpatient Cardiopulmonary Assessment
• Tests and Measures for Inpatient Pathologies
• Inpatient Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology
• Lab Value and Vital Sign Interpretation
• ICU/Early Mobilization Decision-Making
• Ventilatory Support in Acute Care
• Management of Critical Lines and Drips
• LVAD and Circulatory Support Devices
• Postoperative Management of Cardiopulmonary Surgeries

Additional Experiences

• Telemedicine for Rural Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Residency Journal Club
• Pediatric Observation at American Family Children’s Hospital
• Community Outreach and Wellness Clinics

Applicants may apply to the residency program in one of two ways:

1. Direct Application to the Program
   Submit your application materials directly to the Residency Program Coordinator via email. Contact information is listed below.
2. Application via RF-PTCAS
   Apply through the APTA’s centralized application system:  Go to the RF-PTCAS web site to submit your application.

Application Timeline:

• Applications open in November each year.
• Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• The final deadline is the first week of April for the upcoming academic year.
• Early applications are encouraged, as highly qualified candidates may be interviewed and accepted prior to the deadline.

Review and Selection Process:

• Residency faculty review all submitted applications to ensure eligibility for VA employment.
• Incomplete applications will prompt a notification, and applicants will have one week to submit missing materials.
• Top candidates will be invited for interviews conducted by residency faculty.
• Final selection is based on demonstrated interest, clinical aptitude, and potential for success as a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist.

All applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the residency program:

• Education:
  Must have graduated (or be on track to graduate) from a CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapy program.
• Licensure:
  Must hold a current Physical Therapy license or be eligible for licensure by the start of the residency.
• Professional Qualifications:
  Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • High standards of professional behavior
  • Solid clinical reasoning skills in both examination and treatment
  • A strong interest in, or prior experience with, complex cardiopulmonary patient populations
• Interview Process:
  Selected applicants will be invited to interview with residency faculty. Interviews are offered to top candidates based on the strength of their application materials.
• Selection Criteria:
  Admission decisions are based on the applicant’s interest, clinical aptitude, and potential for success as a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist.

Applicants who require disability-related accommodations are encouraged to notify the program early in the application process. Requests for accommodations must be submitted in writing to the Residency Program Coordinator at the time of application. All requests will be reviewed in accordance with VA policies and applicable federal regulations to ensure equal access to the program.