| Aspect | Physical Therapy Residency | Physical Therapist |
|---|
| Credentials | Requires Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) + residency completion | Requires DPT, licensure, and possibly board certification |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, clinics, specialized rehab centers | Hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices |
| Purpose | Advanced training, specialization, research | General patient care, rehabilitation |
The main difference is that a Physical Therapy Residency offers advanced, specialized training after earning a DPT, focusing on areas like orthopedics or neurology, while a Physical Therapist provides general patient care with a DPT and licensure. Residency prepares therapists for specialized roles, whereas therapists work broadly in rehabilitation settings.