The BSWH-BU Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency is a 12-month clinical and educational experience to become a specialist in neurologic physical therapy.
The BSWH-BU Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency is a 12-month clinical and educational experience to become a specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy.
Our mission is to advance the practice of neurologic physical therapy by providing an evidence-based curriculum grounded in respect for human dignity. Through sound clinical reasoning, innovation, integration of research, compassion, and adaptive expertise, we aim to enhance the quality of patient care for the communities we serve.
The BSWH-BU Neuro Residency is fully accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE).
First year residency programs undergo a 26-month accreditation process via the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE). Throughout this candidacy year, BSWH and BU will be in contact with ABPTRFE and submit documentation on the program’s progress. In addition to documentation, surveyors from ABPTRFE will complete an on-site visit to meet with leadership, mentors, the resident, and other stakeholders.
A final decision on accreditation will be made by June 2022.
Our program is designed to provide residents with a 12-month intensive study in the area of neurologic physical therapy, preparing the resident to practice with an advanced level of skill in the acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. The program includes direct patient care, mentoring time, didactic education, projects and presentations. Our program is looking for self-directed learners in pursuit of professional development and lifelong learning opportunities.
Requirements to apply:
Each week, residents spend 32 hours in clinical care in Waco, Texas, with four hours per week of one-on-one mentoring. Residents also spend four hours per week on didactics with Baylor faculty. Additional didactic opportunities occur throughout the program to enrich the specific needs of the resident.
The resident can expect clinical learning experiences in the acute care setting, an inpatient rehab facility, and an outpatient neuro rehab clinic at Baylor Scott & White – Hillcrest in Waco.
Clinical locations will be primarily located in Waco, with some opportunities for alternate locations in Temple, Texas, pending appropriateness.
Didactic learning experiences will be with Baylor faculty, with some asynchronous learning as needed.
Program Director
Trevor Carlson received his bachelor’s degree at Bethel University in Minnesota, his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, and his doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Montana. He is a CARF surveyor, traveling across the country to accredit rehabilitation hospitals and provide consultation. He is a member of the APTA and the Academy of Leadership & Innovation (ALI) section. Trevor is adjunct faculty at Baylor University and the University of Mary Hardin Baylor (UMHB), the director for Neurologic and Orthopedic residencies, and the director of Rehab Services for Baylor Scott & White Health in Waco, TX.
Residency Coordinator
Leslie earned her master’s in physical therapy degree from Angelo State University in 2007. After a brief stint in Kansas, she was hired as the Manager of Rehab Services for Baylor Scott & White Health, located in Waco, TX. Leslie oversees a variety of practices including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and an outpatient neuro clinic. Leslie obtained her NCS and became a mentor in the Neuro Residency program soon after. She teaches at many local universities and has presented at the state and national level.
Academic Coordinator
Casey Unverzagt is a Clinical Assistant Professor for Baylor University’s DPT program. Dr. Unverzagt received his Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Puget Sound (2003), DPT degree from Slippery Rock University of PA (2006), and his Doctorate of Science in Orthopaedic and Manual Therapy from Andrews University in Michigan (2014). He completed a sports residency in the state of Washington, and is an ABPTS board certified Orthopaedic and Sports Clinical Specialist. Dr. Unverzagt also completed a fellowship in Orthopaedic and Manual Therapy from the Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professions.
Resident, Neurologic program
Following a leap of faith, Abigail Herring graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She pursued her passion for becoming a physical therapy through Baylor’s DPT program, from which she graduated in 2025 with a particular interest in neurology. Originally from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Herring is grateful for the way the Lord directed her path to Baylor University, where her values and heart for service were met with an academic community that fosters both excellence and connection.
Our mission is to advance orthopaedic physical therapist practice by providing an evidence-based curriculum to orthopedic physical therapists, rooted in respect for human dignity, through sound clinical reasoning, innovation, integration of research, compassion and adaptive expertise to enhance the quality of patient care to the community we serve.
The BSWH – BU Orthopaedic Residency is fully accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE).
The resident will work as a clinician at Baylor Scott and White Health, receiving clinical mentorship from PTs specialized in orthopaedic practice. The residency will provide access to diverse patient populations across multiple practice settings. The resident will spend approximately 32 hours per week in patient care. Four of these hours will be allotted for 1:1 clinical mentoring with an orthopaedic specialist. The other four hours each week are reserved for didactic learning.
During didactic learning the residents will meet virtually (or in person) with faculty members of Baylor University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The content will emphasize specialty practice in orthopaedics. It will also serve to prepare the resident to sit for the OCS exam. The resident will participate in teaching and lab assisting at Baylor’s DPT musculoskeletal lab intensives. The resident will also participate in research with Baylor’s DPT faculty. The research project will be tailored to best fit the needs and interests of the resident.
The BSWH-BU Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency is a 12-month clinical and educational experience to become a specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy. The residents will have exposure to different orthopaedic and sport settings, as well as teaching at Baylor University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program during their lab immersions. A typical week would be in the clinic Monday-Thursday from 8-5, with dedicated didactic time on Fridays.
The didactic portion of the residency will occur virtually and at the BU DPT Campus in Waco. Research and teaching portions of the residency will also occur at BU’s DPT Campus. The teaching portions will be during BU’s DPT musculoskeletal lab intensives totaling about four weeks throughout the course of the program.
Over the course of the 12 months the residents will spend the majority of their time in an outpatient orthopaedic setting. Their time will be broken up by a 2-3 month rotation at Baylor Scott and White’s outpatient sports clinic.
Program Director
Trevor Carlson received his bachelor’s degree at Bethel University in Minnesota, his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, and his doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Montana. He is a CARF surveyor, traveling across the country to accredit rehabilitation hospitals and provide consultation. He is a member of the APTA and the Health Policy & Administration (HPA) section. Trevor is adjunct faculty at Baylor University and the University of Mary Hardin Baylor (UMHB), the director for Neurologic and Orthopedic residencies, and the director of Rehab Services for Baylor Scott & White Health in Waco, TX.
Residency Coordinator
Nate Magnuson received his BS from Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Dominican University in Orangeburg, New York. Nate is an ABPTS board certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). He is also working on becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists through Bellin College and Evidence in Motion.
Academic Coordinator
Casey Unverzagt is a Clinical Assistant Professor for Baylor University’s DPT program. Dr. Unverzagt received his Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Puget Sound (2003), DPT degree from Slippery Rock University of PA (2006), and his Doctorate of Science in Orthopaedic and Manual Therapy from Andrews University in Michigan (2014). He completed a sports residency in the state of Washington, and is an ABPTS board certified Orthopaedic and Sports Clinical Specialist. Dr. Unverzagt also completed a fellowship in Orthopaedic and Manual Therapy from the Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professions.
Resident, Orthopaedic program
A two-time Baylor graduate, Anna Hirth received her Bachelor of Science in Health Science in 2023 and graduated from Baylor’s DPT program in December 2025. Anna is originally from Houston, Texas and enjoys weightlifting, hiking, and being outdoors.
Resident, Orthopaedic program
Kennedy Smith graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Prior to pursuing her DPT degree at Baylor University in 2025, Kennedy worked as a personal trainer with young athletes and active adults, where she first developed a passion for helping individuals succeed through movement and serving others.
