Faculty - Physical Therapist Assistant, Tenure-Track

Join us at the forefront of a new program at Utah Valley University (UVU)! We're thrilled to begin work seeking accreditation from CAPTE for a new Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. We are actively seeking a tenure-track faculty member who will serve as the inaugural PTA Director of Clinical Education. This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping and cultivating this program, establishing a tradition of excellence in educating PTA students at our institution.

UVU is the largest public university in the state of Utah with over 43,000 students. We have a
dual-mission, open-enrollment model, where no student is turned away. Students can choose from 250+ degrees ranging from certificates of proficiency to master s degrees. UVU is committed to training a workforce that will serve local and regional needs and the interests of local citizens, businesses, industry, and government. UVU s College of Health and Public Service (CHPS) prepares competent professionals who serve and protect our community. CHPS programs emphasize academic learning with practical skill development. CHPS programs are dedicated to the engaged learning of our students, providing them the opportunity to not only learn and understand theory, but also understand how to translate that knowledge into a practical hands-on application.

Beyond a thriving academic campus, the surrounding community has much to offer. Utah is known for its beauty and offers incredible and diverse terrains. From snow-covered mountains to red rock ridges, Utah is home to some of the best year-round outdoor activities.

Position Overview:

The Director of Clinical Education will play a pivotal role in developing, monitoring, and refining the clinical education component of the PTA curriculum at UVU. Working closely with academic faculty, this individual will establish and maintain high standards for clinical education sites and facilities, select and evaluate these sites, and facilitate ongoing communication and development with clinical education sites and faculty.

Position Details:

• This is a three-semester (year-round) tenure-track faculty position.
• Teaching workload includes 6-9 credits per semester.
• Teaching modalities may include online, hybrid, face-to-face, and live stream.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required.

• Develop, monitor, and refine the clinical education component of the PTA curriculum.
• Establish and maintain clinical education site and facility standards.
• Select and evaluate clinical education sites.
• Facilitate ongoing development and communication with clinical education sites and faculty.
• Teach primarily PTA courses under the direction of the program director, department chair, and dean.
• Plan, develop, and prepare instructional materials following an approved course of study.
• Assist in program recruitment, advertisement, and student selection.
• Maintain accurate records involving student accountability, attendance, and performance.
• Assist in the program accreditation process as necessary.
• Maintain office hours and provide student advising.
• Engage in professional growth through research, publication, and involvement in professional associations and continuing education.
• Serve on committees and attend meetings as necessary.

Faculty are expected to uphold ethical and professional standards, as well as an expected presence in the department and office hours.

• Master s degree in Physical Therapy or related field preferred.
• Current license to practice as a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant in the state of Utah or obtain one within 90 days of hire, with a minimum of three years full-time, post license clinical practice.
• At least two years as site coordinator of clinical education or as a clinical instructor in physical therapy or a minimum of two years of experience in teaching curriculum development and administration in a physical therapy education program.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with accreditation processes through Commission of Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• Teaching experience in higher education preferred.
• Knowledge of Standards of Practice for the Physical Therapist outlined by the APTA. (https://www.apta.org/apta-and-you/leadership-and-governance/policies/standards-of-practice-pt)
• Must have an unencumbered driver s license and the ability to drive independently. This position will require travel.

Knowledge

• Teaching experience or expertise in at least three of the following areas is desirable: functional anatomy, kinesiology, modalities, therapeutic exercise, orthopedic and/or neurologic rehabilitation, integumentary and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and clinical internships.
• Knowledge of subject matter, trends, and course content pertinent to physical therapy and physical therapist assistants.
• Knowledge of online teaching environments, such as Canvas or other course management systems.
• Knowledge of classroom learning management system, such as Canvas.
• Knowledge of different teaching modalities.

Skills

• Interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Curriculum development skills.
• Soft skills in maintaining professional relationships with students, colleagues, and the community.
• Proficient in executing scholarly activities and contributing to service endeavors, with a teaching focus that complements the Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• Specific interest in teaching introductory courses, potentially involving collaboration with Concurrent Enrollment instructors.
• Teaching pedagogy in a variety of delivery formats.

Abilities

• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, agency administrators, and community practitioners from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and initiative in solving problems.
• Ability to work independently, ethically, and professionally.
• Ability to plan measurable objectives, prepare instructional materials, and follow an approved curriculum.
• Ability to assess student work and maintain and submit accurate and current plans, reports, and records involving student accountability, attendance, and performance.
• Must be able to consistently lift 50 pounds. May consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects, such as medical equipment, while instructing students.