Physical Therapy Assistant/Associate Professor

California State University, Fresno
College of Health and Human Services
Department of Physical Therapy
Fresno State DPT program

 

Physical Therapy Assistant or Associate Professor

Tenure Track

Fall 2026

The Department of Physical Therapy at California State University, Fresno invites applications for a full-time, 10-month tenure-track faculty position.  The successful candidate will teach students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, conduct clinical and/or applied research, and engage in service-related activities. Specific teaching and research assignments will be based on the department's needs and the individual's expertise.

A terminal doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or DSc) is preferred, though candidates holding a DPT with ABPTS specialization will also be given full consideration. Areas of priority include: Orthopedic, Neurologic, Cardiopulmonary, Acute Care, Pediatrics, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Gait/Biomechanics/Pathokinesiology, and possibly clinical instructing in one of the department’s on-campus clinics.

Our Students:  Fresno State is recognized as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American/Native American/Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The University is committed to inclusive excellence, preparing graduates to serve California’s Central Valley and beyond. We seek candidates who are dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and supporting a diverse student population.

Qualifications:

 Required Education

1. Terminal doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., DSc) or  DPT with ABPTS specialization
2. Applicants nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered, but the doctoral degree must be completed by (Aug 1, 2026)

Required Experience:

1. A minimum of one year of U.S. physical therapy practice experience with a terminal academic degree (PhD, Ed.D, DSc); or three years of full-time U.S. clinical experience with a DPT and ABPTS clinical specialty.
2. Evidence of teaching or research in one or more of the following areas: Orthopedic, Neurologic, Cardiopulmonary, Acute Care, Pediatrics, or clinical instruction in an academic clinic setting, Prosthetics and Orthotics or Gait/Biomechanics/Pathokinesiology.
3. Current, active physical therapy licensure in any U.S. jurisdiction and eligibility to obtain California licensure.
4. Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Preferred Experience:

1. Three years of clinical experience in physical therapy practice with a terminal academic degree (PhD, Ed.D, DSc).
2. Experience teaching using current methodologies, including online and hybrid environments, tablet-enhanced instruction, and flipped classroom methodologies, AI-conscious practices
3. Evidence of experience attracting external funding;
4. Active participation or leadership roles within the profession of Physical Therapy or relevant professional organizations;
5. Leadership roles in a clinic or research setting.
6. Record of community/professional service.

 Application Procedures:

Priority consideration date: Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time)
For full consideration, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials by this date.

Final closing date: Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time)

Applications submitted after January 30 will be reviewed only if the position has not yet been filled and interviews have not been scheduled. Note: All positions at Fresno State are subject to funding availability.

Interested candidates are encouraged to meet our faculty at the Education Leadership Conference (ELC), APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), and other relevant professional meetings. Please contact: Nupur Hajela ( nhajela@mail.fresnostate.edu) regarding this.

Apply online at: Link

Attach the following:

1) A cover letter specifically addressing required education, experience, and preferred qualifications ( 2-3 pages)

2) A curriculum vitae

3) A list of three professional references.

Candidates invited for an on-campus visit must submit by mail/e-mail within the designated deadline.  The Search Chair will send information and requests for these items:

1. Official transcripts from