Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Wilson College is excited to announce plans to develop a hybrid accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy (PTD) Program and therefore seeks an entrepreneurial leader to serve as its inaugural Program Director. The PTD is the second of several new graduate and doctoral degrees the College will launch over the next few years, building on a dynamic period of post-pandemic growth.

About the Position: Reporting to the VPAA/Provost, the Program Director provides academic and strategic leadership and vision for the Program and supports and advocates for the goals and mission of the Program and College. The Program Director leads, manages, and oversees all program functions, including curriculum development, student instruction and progression, program assessment, and accreditation. Working with the Dean, the Program Director participates in faculty performance evaluation and development. The Program Director develops and maintains collaborative professional relationships with administrative departments, accrediting bodies, institutional and clinical partnerships, and educational partners. The Program Director will exhibit strong interpersonal and leadership skills, organizational skills, faculty and staff management skills, and communication and collaboration skills in performance of all duties. The Director will lead all aspects of the initial CAPTE accreditation, and the hiring processes for the Program’s faculty.

This is a 12-month appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or above, non-tenure track. While the position is remote, the Director will be required to travel to Wilson College on occasion, and to Philadelphia for the low-residency lab experiences. The Program Director will teach courses as assigned and/or agreed upon with institutional leadership. The Director conducts and disseminates research/scholarship activities in accordance with accreditation requirements and institutional policies and procedures. Participation in institutional and professional service opportunities in accordance with accreditation requirements and institutional policies and procedures is expected. 

 Qualifications: 

1. Earned clinical doctorate in Physical Therapy (i.e., PTD) or terminal doctorate (i.e., Ph.D., Ed.D., D.Sc.) in a discipline appropriate for teaching responsibilities from a regionally accredited institution. 
2. Eligible for faculty rank at the Associate Professor-level or above, demonstrating experience consistent with the guidelines for faculty rank in the Faculty Bylaws.  
3. A minimum of 8 years of full-time documented experience in the field of Physical Therapy  
4. At least three years of full-time experience as a core faculty member in a CAPTE accredited entry-level Physical Therapy education program and administrative experience. 
5. Applicable experience in leadership (PTD program leadership experience and/or demonstrated successful leadership experience with the CAPTE accreditation process are preferred). 
6. Knowledge of legislative, regulatory, legal, and practice issues affecting clinical education, students, and the profession of Physical Therapy. 
7. Licensed, or eligible for licensure, as a Physical Therapist in PA 
8. Active in professional activities at local, state, and/or national levels. 

Timeline: Review of applications will begin immediately, with materials accepted until October 31, 2024. Anticipated start date is no later than February 1 , 2025.

To Apply: Application materials are accepted through the online system only.

1. A tailored cover letter outlining interest in the position, qualifications, and vision for the program. Highlight relevant experience in academic and clinical leadership, physical therapy, and your understanding of the field's current trends and challenges.
2. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing educational background; work history; scholarly activities, like publications, presentations, and grant work; leadership roles in academic and clinical settings that would highlight managing faculty and staff, developing and implementing curriculum, and overseeing program operations; and any relevant certifications or licensures.
3. Copies of academic transcripts from highest degree earned.
4. A list of three professional references with contact information.

Wilson College empowers students to be confident and critical thinkers, creative visionaries, effective communicators, honorable leaders, and agents of justice. Founded in 1869, the College is named for Sarah Wilson, the first living woman in the United States to endow a college for women. Today, Wilson admits women and men of all ages to its programs of study, both in-person and online, including 31 undergraduate degrees, 40 minors, and 9 master’s degrees. Centrally located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, the College’s 300-acre historic campus provides easy access to major metropolitan cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.