Neurological Occupational Therapy Fellowship

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The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Neurological Occupational Therapy Fellowship Program was founded in 2021 with the mission of preparing occupational therapy practitioners to become leaders in the field, advocates for the occupational therapy profession, and advanced clinicians in the area of neurological rehabilitation. The 52-week program encompasses research informed practice, innovation-driven interventions, collaboration with experts in the field, and community-engaged practice.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly known as RIC) is a world-renowned rehabilitation hospital, ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the #1 rehabilitation hospital in the country since 1991. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has a commitment to Advancing Human Ability® through expert care in a thriving medical research community focused on optimizing patient outcomes. Participation in the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Neurological Occupational Therapy Fellowship Program offers exceptional opportunities for exposure to translational research, extensive educational resources, access to state-of-the-art technology, and mentorship from experts in rehabilitation.

 The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Neurological Fellowship Program aims to achieve true excellence in the care of patients with neurological injuries. Through active learning, we provide opportunities for synthesis and supported application of advanced practice for each core element.
 

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• Research-informed Care
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Community Engaged Practice
• Professional Identity
• Clinical Leadership 

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• 12-month program with additional employment opportunities both before and after the fellowship
• Program includes structured clinical mentorship in evidence-based practice and translational research. Fellow will work with rehabilitation, academic and research experts as part of clinical experiences in Inpatient neurorehabilitation and DayRehab® clinics.
• Fellow will work directly with expert clinicians working in specialty practice therapy labs. These will vary based on the specialty track the fellow is participating in and may include the areas of functional cognition, vision + perception, upper extremity rehabilitation, wheelchair skills, pain management and assistive technology.
• Fellow will have the opportunity to identify individual, professional goals within the curriculum to guide their own learning and growth.
• Fellow will have collaborative opportunities as a learner and/or an instructor with our community partners.
• Graduating fellows will be prepared to apply for the AOTA Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation when eligible

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Fellows will have a unique opportunity available only at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Fellows will rotate through clinical areas focused on the treatment of patients with neurological diagnoses throughout the continuum of care as well as through specialty labs in which they will develop advanced clinical skills necessary for treating the neurological patient population. Within each rotation, expert mentors turn learning into doing. Fellows will translate didactic knowledge into hands-on experiences that build confidence, deepen insight, and grow clinical expertise.

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In addition to advanced clinical training, fellows engage in mentoring to enhance their professional development. In collaboration with top academic programs across Chicago, including Rush University and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), fellows have the opportunity to explore program development, teaching and research—broadening their skills and advancing their growth as leaders in occupational therapy. Fellows will identify a project or initiative that builds on an area of interest and their personal identified professional goals. 

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The Fellowship At a Glance (as of 2025 – subject to change for 2026-2027)

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The application cycle is January 6-April 4, 2026, with a formal program start date in September 2026. The fellow will be encouraged to start employment at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at least 8 weeks ahead of the fellowship start date to complete new hire orientation as part of the summer flex staff team.

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Occupational therapists interested in the Neurological OT Fellowship should submit an application to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Careers website. The application should be submitted as one file (PDF preferred) and should include the following information: 

1. Current CV
2. Letter of intent to become a fellow, which should include:
   1. Personal goals and objectives for the fellowship.
   2. A narrative summary of prior clinical and educational experience.
   3. A narrative self-assessment of clinical strengths and weaknesses.
   4. Statement of short and long term goals for career and clinical practice in neurological rehabilitation following successful completion of the fellowship.
3. Two letters of recommendation. At least one of the letters should be from one of the following:
   1. Current or former occupational therapy supervisor (or fieldwork educator, if a recent graduate with less than 6 months experience).
   2. Instructor or faculty member from an ACOTE accredited occupational therapy program if a recent graduate (within 2 years).

*Select candidates will participate in an interview process that includes a panel interview and brief presentation by the candidates on a topic of their choosing. 

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Join us for a virtual open house
Dates/Times forthcoming

Contact our team:
Administrative Director: Jennifer Richert
Site Coordinator:  Kelsey Watters
Email: OTFellowship@sralab.org