Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy (Clinical)
The University of Rochester Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program, housed in the School of Nursing, is seeking a candidate for clinical faculty (non-tenure). Candidates must have a license to practice physical therapy and contemporary expertise in an area of curricular need. The program is currently seeking faculty with contemporary expertise in neuroscience, research, and neurologic physical therapy practice. This faculty position is ideal for faculty prepared to seek tenure or who have a strong interest in clinical research.
All DPT faculty are aligned with collaborators across the University of Rochester Medical Center to "Learn, Discover, Heal, Create—and Make the World Ever Better." The DPT clinical faculty are expected to demonstrate teaching excellence, develop an ongoing scholarship agenda, and serve on department and school committees. Faculty are encouraged to maintain clinical practice certifications through joint appointments and establish research collaborations with the University of Rochester clinical enterprise. Successful candidates will be part of a part of a collaborative, solution focused, team of faculty and staff supporting the tri-partite mission of excellence in physical therapy education, research and practice.
The University of Rochester Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (UR DPT) is a 2.5-year, post baccalaureate, residential program, that qualifies graduates to sit for the National Physical Therapy Licensing Exam (NPTE) and prepares graduates for generalist physical therapy practice. The DPT program curriculum focuses on excellence in clinical practice, emerging technology (e.g. Artificial intelligence), leadership skills and person-centered approaches to care. Faculty will develop and guide students through a competency-based education model to prepare for the NPTE. Students participate in clinical experiences across the continuum of care available at an academic medical center. The DPT program is supported by instructional designers, a state-of-the-art simulation center and interprofessional education experiences with the School of Nursing programs. This state of art learning environment is designed to engage, inspire, and elevate student outcomes.
Specific Responsibilities
- Teach didactic and clinical courses in the DPT program and other SON or University of Rochester Medical School programs per faculty workload agreements.
- Participate in program faculty meetings, faculty development opportunities, and faculty committees as needed or selected.
- Develop course materials and assessment practices that provide feedback of student progress toward entry level competency in physical therapy (which may include assisting in student clinical assessments; evaluation/grading of assignments, exams, and experiential learning activities).
- Hold regular meetings with students regarding meeting or exceeding entry level competencies and professional behaviors.
- Develop and execute an annual faculty scholarship plan that is within the scope and expertise of the faculty and fits with the university and DPT program mission.
- Develop and execute an annual faculty development plan to incorporate new learning strategies/theories, emerging technologies and changes in physical therapy practice into entry level education.
- Maintain current practice expertise consistent with the academic and clinical assignments of the appointment. For APTA Board Certification or equivalent this means maintenance of the certification [2000 hours of clinical work over 10 years or a minimum of 4 hours per week]
- Individually and collectively, work with DPT faculty and staff to ensure learning activities and assessments meet accreditation standards for entry level education.
The following criteria are preferred:
- Either an advanced academic degree or equivalent (PhD, EdD, Dsc) and/or Clinical Specialization (APTA Board certification or equivalent).
- Post doctoral research experience.
- Prior experience in an entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy Education program, instructional design, education technology, program development, and project management are beneficial,
- Participation/willingness to pursue scholarly work (e.g. publications in peer reviewed journals).
- A commitment to interdisciplinary approaches to care.
- Rank and salary are commensurate with the University of Rochester School of Nursing criteria for promotion according to the DPT Program clinical faculty (non-tenure track) criteria.
- Evidence of strong communication skills
Qualifications
Education & Licensure
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree required
- Post-entry level degree (EdD, PhD, or equivalent) preferred
- Current, active physical therapy license required
- Minimum 3 years full-time post-licensure clinical practice preferred
- Demonstrated academic teaching expertise that meets curricular needs preferred
- Evidence of scholarly activity preferred
Experience Requirements
- Sufficient clinical experience to document “contemporary expertise” (usually 5 years) in core faculty domain.
- Candidates may demonstrate through one or more of the following
- Education, including post-professional academic work, residency, fellowship, and continuing education.
- Clinical expertise directly related to teaching areas, such as certification as a clinical specialist, residency, or fellowship.
- Scholarship (publications, grant activities, and presentations) related to teaching areas.
- Involvement in consultation and service related to teaching areas.
- Course materials that reflect the level and scope of contemporary knowledge and skills.
- Independent study and evidence-based review resulting in in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.
- Formal mentoring.
Technical Skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Specialized computer programs necessary for contemporary area of practice. Exemplar technical skills include: Statistical software, cardiopulmonary assessment, neurosensory testing, movement analysis, etc.
Professional Competencies
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational abilities with attention to detail
- Ability to multitask and manage frequent interruptions
- Sound professional judgment and critical thinking skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and FERPA compliance
- Effective negotiation and presentation skills