Assistant or Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Associate Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, Non-Tenure Track, January 2026

Description

Chapman University’s Department of Physical Therapy invites applications for a non-tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor to serve as the Associate Chair within the Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.

Chapman University is a nationally ranked institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California’s most heterogenous and vibrant regions. The university achieved R2 status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction held by just 10 percent of all U.S. universities. Our faculty include academic leaders who excel in research, publishing and world-class teaching in our 11 schools and colleges, including Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. Dedicated to forward-looking, personalized education, we create an environment for unlimited achievement by our students,  faculty, and staff. More information about the university and Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences is available at https://www.chapman.edu/crean

Continually accredited since 1928, the Department of Physical Therapy has a rich tradition as one of the oldest physical therapy programs in the United States. The program graduates two cohorts of 40 students each year. The Department of Physical Therapy is located on the Rinker Health Science campus in Irvine, CA. This campus is designed to foster an inter-professional educational environment and to use cutting edge technology in teaching and practice. The campus features state of the art facilities, including a human cadaver anatomy laboratory, advanced learning centers with innovative technology, Grand Rounds auditorium, multi-sized classrooms, a medical library, and collaborative work centers. The campus is home to several accredited graduate health science professional programs, including Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies, and Doctor of Pharmacy. The Rinker campus is strategically located near healthcare institutions, medical device and biopharmaceutical companies.

Responsibilities

Faculty Responsibilities

• Primary teaching responsibilities will include instruction in acute care, rehabilitation, geriatrics, and neurological or orthopedic patient management within the DPT curriculum, with opportunities to teach in other areas of expertise.
• The position may also involve participation in the short-term integrated clinical courses (such as Stroke Bootcamp or Parkinson’s Bootcamp), practice management, and service-learning courses. 

Associate Chair Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Department Chair to maintain CAPTE accreditation, oversee curriculum review and revision, and contribute to the DPT faculty and student handbooks.
• Oversee day-to-day student issues related to academic and clinical performance, professionalism, and leaves of absence, as well as organizing student town halls.
• Supervise part-time faculty contracting and compliance, assist with faculty mentoring, collaborate on course scheduling, and support staff evaluation and development.

Applicants seeking appointment as an associate must show significant experience managing the day-to-day operations of a physical therapy department and involvement in CAPTE accreditation. Additional duties include mentoring physical therapy students and engaging in academic and professional service while maintaining clinical competency.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a DPT degree from an accredited program and be licensed or eligible for licensure in California. Clinical specialty certification or evidence of advanced clinical expertise is required. We welcome applicants with a range of relevant clinical experiences and a commitment to excellence in teaching and administration. Preference will be given to those with experience in Acute Care Rehabilitation, Geriatrics, and Management of Neurologic or Orthopedic Conditions, as well as experience in academic administration.

Applicants must have a record of teaching excellence, curriculum design and evaluation, and professional and academic service. Furthermore, successful applicants must show a commitment to maintaining clinical competency and to meeting the CAPTE-required scholarly output. Interest in inter-professional education is highly desirable. Candidates seeking appointment at the Associate Professor level should provide evidence of excellence in teaching, clinical practice, service, and academic administration.

Application Instructions

Interested and qualified applicants should submit: 

• CV (Curriculum Vitae)