Hands-On Diagnostics wins candidacy for primary care PT residency

Hands-On Diagnostics’ Primary Care Physical Therapy Residency Program has been accepted as a candidate by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education, marking a key step toward full accreditation. The New York-based program says it will begin its first cohort in October 2026 and is now accepting applications.

Why it matters: - The candidacy approval moves Hands-On Diagnostics closer to building a formal pipeline for physical therapists trained for primary care settings. - The program is positioned to expand the role of physical therapists in clinical decision-making, screening, referral, and diagnostic use. - The approval also signals growing recognition for non-hospital-based residency models in physical therapy.

What happened: - Hands-On Diagnostics said its Primary Care Physical Therapy Residency Program had its Application for Candidacy reviewed and accepted by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education. - The program is now listed in the ABPTRFE Online Directory of Programs as a candidate program. - Hands-On Diagnostics said the first residency cohort is expected to launch in October 2026. - Applications for the residency are now open.

The details: - The company said the program is designed to prepare physical therapists for advanced practice in primary care settings. - Training will emphasize clinical decision-making, differential diagnosis, medical screening and appropriate referral. - The residency will also focus on integrating advanced diagnostic tools into patient management. - Future residents are expected to develop skills in EMG/NCS, musculoskeletal ultrasound and other diagnostic procedures. - Based on the current ABPTRFE directory, Hands-On Diagnostics is the only non-hospital-based program among the three Primary Care Physical Therapy Residency Programs listed. - The other two listed programs are housed within VA hospital systems. - Hands-On Diagnostics said Dr. Korry Wheeler serves as program director. - The company said Wheeler’s work from concept through the candidacy application process was instrumental in securing approval.

Between the lines: - The candidacy status does not equal full accreditation, but it puts the program on a formal path toward that goal. - The emphasis on diagnostics suggests Hands-On Diagnostics is trying to distinguish the residency from more traditional physical therapy training models. - The non-hospital setting may matter to applicants and employers looking for primary care training outside large health systems.

What's next: - Hands-On Diagnostics will complete a formal Self-Evaluation Report as part of the next accreditation phase. - The residency will continue preparing for full accreditation. - Interested applicants can contact Hands-On Diagnostics at +1 (888) 447-6014 or visit the company's announcement.