Associate Professor or Professor of Physical Therapy and DPT Program Director

Springfield College • Springfield, MA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Springfield College Department of Physical Therapy is seeking a full-time, twelve-month, tenure-track faculty member at the associate professor or professor level to serve as Department Chair and Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Director. This position, beginning in July 2027 (with a possible earlier start date), is based on campus in Springfield, Massachusetts. The department offers an on-campus, 6.5-year early assurance pathway leading to a bachelor’s degree in Health Science/Pre-Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The program is grounded in lifelong learning and Springfield College’s Humanics Philosophy, aiming to educate the whole person in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others. Faculty are expected to foster the knowledge, values, and skills for exemplary person-centered, evidence-informed practice. The Chair and Program Director will lead an established program known for strong student outcomes, nationally engaged faculty, clinical partnerships, and a dedicated alumni network. The Department collaborates with consumers of physical therapy services, clinical sites, community organizations, and interprofessional colleagues to contribute to community health and well-being. The School of Health Sciences also includes Communication Sciences and Disorders, Health Science, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Public Health, and Social Work. The new Brown Cooper Health Sciences Center features interprofessional simulation facilities, a maker space, an activities of daily living suite, a human anatomy laboratory, and technology-supported classrooms, emphasizing collaboration, engaged learning, and global, intergenerational, and multicultural perspectives. Springfield College, founded in 1885, is a private, coeducational institution with a distinctive Humanics Philosophy reflected in its programs.

Requirements

• An earned academic doctoral degree, such as a PhD or EdD, in addition to the professional preparation required for physical therapist licensure. A DPT alone does not satisfy this requirement.
• Current physical therapist licensure or eligibility for licensure in Massachusetts.
• Academic credentials, teaching experience, and a scholarly record appropriate for appointment as associate professor or professor.
• At least six years of full-time equivalent experience in higher education, including three years as a core faculty member in a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist education program.
• A record of scholarly dissemination and continued engagement in scholarship.
• Knowledge of CAPTE standards and processes, with experience contributing to accreditation reporting, program assessment, self-study, or compliance activities.
• Experience or professional development in academic administration, management, and leadership; effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making; and commitment to student success and Springfield College’s mission.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as a chair, program director, associate program director, or in another significant academic leadership role.
• Substantial CAPTE accreditation experience, including reports, self-study, compliance documentation, reviews, or site visits.
• Experience with curriculum development, program assessment, and continuous improvement.
• Experience mentoring faculty scholarship and supporting research and scholarly activity.
• Experience with budgets, staffing and workload, enrollment planning, and academic resources.
• Interprofessional collaboration and a record of professional and institutional service.

Responsibilities

• Lead departmental planning and set academic, administrative, and strategic priorities in collaboration with faculty, staff, the Dean, and College leadership.
• Direct ongoing compliance with Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) standards and required elements; coordinate reports, documentation, substantive-change notifications, reviews and site visits; and respond promptly to findings or required actions.
• Maintain systematic assessment and continuous improvement of the curriculum, student learning, clinical education, graduation and licensure outcomes, faculty qualifications and sufficiency, and program resources.
• Ensure that the DPT curriculum remains coherent, evidence-informed, and responsive to changes in physical therapy education, clinical practice, accreditation expectations, and health care.
• Recruit, onboard, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff; plan workload and staffing; support promotion and tenure processes; and foster a collegial culture of transparent communication and shared responsibility.
• Advance departmental scholarship by mentoring faculty, fostering collaborative research and scholarly work, and expanding faculty and student opportunities to participate in research.
• Lead student recruitment, progression, retention, and success in partnership with faculty and College offices; monitor outcomes and address academic concerns.
• Oversee clinical education and strengthen relationships with clinical partners to support sufficient, appropriate, high-quality placements.
• Develop and manage the departmental budget, staffing, instructional and laboratory needs, equipment, and facilities necessary for program quality and accreditation.
• Work with the Dean and School leadership on enrollment, staffing, program development, and institutional priorities; advance interprofessional education across the School.
• Represent the Department with alumni, clinical and community partners, professional organizations, prospective students and families, and other constituencies.
• Maintain teaching, advising, scholarship, and institutional and professional service appropriate to a twelve-month faculty administrator.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation details, including any additional benefits, will be communicated upon finalization of the employment offer.
• The Chair appointment includes administrative reassigned time and additional compensation in recognition of departmental leadership responsibilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: professor
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree