Doctor of Physical Therapy, Faculty

Reporting to the Program Director of the Institute for Physical Therapy Education, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is a 10-month, tenure-track faculty position. This faculty member will contribute to the University by teaching entry-level physical therapy curriculum and engaging in scholarly and service activities. This role requires proven expertise in physical therapy education, along with a commitment to excellence in teaching, mentorship, and collaborative academic engagement.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is housed within the College of Health and Human Services, which is dedicated to interprofessional education, community service, and impactful research. The College includes programs in clinical psychology, education, human sexuality, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social work. Our student body reflects a rich diversity of identities and lived experiences.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential duties:

Teaching:

• Develop and teach courses in the entry-level DPT Program in collaboration with, but ultimately designated by, the Program Director.
• Ensure courses and syllabi are current and available to all students.
• Demonstrate competency in teaching as evidenced by supervisor, peer, and student evaluations.
• Demonstration of expertise in areas of teaching responsibility and content delivery method.
• Participate in curriculum development that facilitates an inclusive teaching and learning environment .
• Pursue faculty development opportunities and teacher effectiveness tools to improve teaching.
• Demonstrate commitment to working with a diverse student population.
• Engage in service as academic advisor and/or mentor for students and/or student organizations.

Scholarship/Practice:

• Engage in individual and collaborative scholarly work related to area of interest on an ongoing basis.
• Advance professional practice through innovative research, presentations and publications that support justice in societal health and education.

Service:

• Participate in University, College, and Institute committees and faculty meetings, as well as university academic events as specified in the faculty handbook.
• Engage in professional service and leadership.
• Participate in student recruitment and admission activities.
• Assist in the accreditation process including preparation of documents for accreditation applications, annual reviews, and site visits.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Participate in team and/or interprofessional teaching as appropriate.
• Serve as mentor to new faculty members or adjunct faculty as appropriate.
• Obtain, attempt or collaborate to obtain intramural or extramural funding for support of scholarly or other clinical activity.
• Demonstrate the ability to support the mission of Widener University as evidenced by partnering with community members in supporting societal health and wellness.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Earned degree in physical therapy (e.g., MPT, DPT) from and accredited college or university. 
• Pennsylvania physical therapist licensed or eligible for physical therapist licensure in the state of Pennsylvania.
• Completed or anticipated timely completion of a terminal doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, EdD, DSc) from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 3 years (5 or more years preferred) teaching experience in physical therapy education settings.
• Evidence of professional development in the areas of teaching and learning.
• Knowledge around working with an interprofessional healthcare team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and written and oral communication abilities.

Preferred:

• 5+ years teaching experience in an academic setting in some capacity.
• Preferred in-depth knowledge of adult neurologic, cardiopulmonary, and/or musculoskeletal physical therapist practice/scientific knowledgebase (in-depth knowledge of additional areas of physical therapist practice/scientific knowledgebase strongly encouraged).
• Ability to incorporate a wide range of perspectives into academic, professional, and community settings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS: 

• Must be able to sustain positions for periods of time and move about a classroom and/or campus for extended periods of time.
• May need to lift supplies of up to 20lbs per item.
• May be required to be available to students via phone, email or other means of communication during nights and weekends.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener's Flexible Work policy. U.S work authorization required. 

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at

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