Tenure Track Assistant/Associate Professor and an Associate Director - Physical Therapy Program

Description

Job ID

UF9972-0909-1919

Position Classification

FT Faculty UDMPU (12 months)

Position Summary

The University of Detroit Mercy is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on May 1, 2027. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status.

The University of Detroit Mercy is seeking a leader to become the Associate Director of our developing entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program. This is a unique opportunity to help lead a transformative program grounded in the Mercy and Jesuit traditions, dedicated to preparing compassionate and competent physical therapists. As the associate director, you will play a pivotal role in working with the department chair to achieve initial accreditation, manage the program, and foster a culture of excellence and innovation. This full-time, tenure-track faculty position offers the chance to make a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the broader community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accreditation and Quality Improvement.
 

The associate director will collaborate with the founding chair to:

• Lead the Entry-level program accreditation process, ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and accrediting body standards and regulations.
• Develop the program’s budget, curriculum, and admissions processes.
• Oversee the program’s outcome analysis, develop improvement plans, and implement curricular and teaching strategies.
• Collaborate with department chair and faculty to develop, implement, and assess a DPT program strategic plan that aligns with the goals of the Program and University.

Leadership & Administration:
 

The associate director will collaborate with the founding chair to: 

• Oversee the DPT program operations
• Oversees student recruitment and admissions, fostering collaborations within the university and with external partners.
• Recommend faculty and staff workload and course schedules.
• Supports and mentor faculty’s teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Works with marketing, university representatives, and Admissions to review enrollment admissions standards and procedures for the DPT program.
• Collaborate with the founding director to effectively allocate and share resources.

 Faculty Responsibilities

• Provide exemplary teaching.
• Advise and mentor students.
• Evaluate students’ academic, clinical, and behavioral performances, following University and Program policies.
• Participate in research and scholarship productivity.
• Engage in service to department, college, university, and the community.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other faculty duties and administrative duties as assigned by the dean.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in physical therapy (PhD, DSc, EdD, or equivalent) from an accredited institution. Candidates with a DPT plus advance certification, program accreditation, and teaching experience will be considered.
• Current unrestricted license to practice physical therapy or eligibility for licensure in Michigan.
• At least six (6) years of documented experience in physical therapy, including clinical practice.
• At least three (3) years of PT academic teaching experience.
• Experience with CAPTE accreditation processes.
• Administrative experience in program planning, implementation, personnel management, and evaluation.
• A record of scholarship, professional service, and leadership.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in curriculum development and innovation.

Physical Requirements

The job may require lifting lightweight objects (1 to 15 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping.

Work Environment

Regular exposure to a standard office and classroom conditions. Environment subject to change pending semester workload and inclusion/exclusion of clinical site to consideration of environment.

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience

Anticipated Schedule

TBD

Additional Information

The College of Health Professions (CHP) provides a transformative education grounded in the Mercy and Jesuit traditions. W