Neurological Occupational Therapy Fellowship

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is a world-renowned rehabilitation hospital, ranked by U.S. News & 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.

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 advance clinicians in the area of neurological rehabilitation. The 52-week fellowship program is fully accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

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

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 program is rooted in the following core elements that guide the curriculum, training and mentoring:

• Research-Informed Practice
• Systems-Based Approach to Care
• Collaborative Interprofessional Practice
• Strong Professional Identity
• Leadership in Clinical Practice

• 12-month program with encouraged employment before the fellowship begins to complete hospital orientation and additional opportunities for employment after the fellowship.
• Position is salaried and fellow will qualify for full-time benefits offered to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab employees.
• Program includes structured clinical mentorship in evidence-based practice and translational research. Fellows will work with rehabilitation, academic and research experts as part of clinical experiences in Inpatient neurorehabilitation and DayRehab clinics.
• Fellows will work directly with expert clinicians working in specialty practice therapy labs. These will vary based on the specialty track the fellows are participating in and may include the areas of functional cognition, vision & perception, upper extremity rehabilitation, wheelchair skills, pain management and assistive technology.
• Fellows will have the opportunity to identify individual, professional goals to enhance the fellowship curriculum to customize their professional development.  
• Fellows will have opportunities to work with community organizations as a learner, instructor and collaborator. Graduating fellows will be eligible to apply for their Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Fellows within the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Neurological Occupational Therapy Fellowship will work closely with expert mentors in neurorehabilitation with over 300 hours of 1:1 mentoring included as part of the Fellowship program. The Fellowship mentors are committed to the success and learning of each participant in the program.

In addition to advanced clinical training, fellows work closely with a professional development mentor to enhance their professional development. In collaboration with top academic programs across Chicago, fellows have the opportunity to explore program development, teaching and research—broadening their skills and advancing their growth as leaders in occupational therapy. Throughout the fellowship, fellows will work on developing a project or initiative that builds on their self-identified professional goals.

Sample schedule; subject to change for 2026–2027.

Since the inception of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Neurological Occupational Fellowship, clinical rotations and mentoring opportunities have prioritized developing expertise in working with patients recovering from a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI). In 2026-2027, we plan to expand our program and launch a second clinical focus within the fellowship (or track) that will prioritize working with patients recovering from a spinal cord injury. The tables below provide a sample of topics to be covered within each program.

Sample schedule; subject to change for 2026–2027.

Sample schedule; subject to change for 2026–2027.

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.

Occupational therapists of any experience levels are eligible to apply to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Neurological Occupational Therapy Fellowship. Those interested 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 (CV is preferred rather than a resume)
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. All interviews will be conducted virtually. 

*Select candidates will participate in an interview process. The interview will be conducted virtually and will include a panel interview and brief presentation by the candidates on a topic of their choosing.

Apply Now

Join us for a virtual open house

Date options:

• Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6:30-7:30 pm CST
• Thursday, Mar. 12, 630-7:30 pm CST
• Wednesday, Mar. 25, 630-7:30 pm CST

Contact our team
Email: OTFellowship@sralab.org
Fellowship Administrative Director: Jennifer Richert, OTR/L, BCPR
Fellowship Site Coordinator: Kelsey Watters, CScD, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS