Core DPT Faculty -PNWU

Join Our Mission-Driven School of Physical Therapy at PNWU

The Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) School of Physical Therapy seeks applicants for two full-time core faculty positions (rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) within our growing Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program.

Located in Yakima, Washington, PNWU is a mission-driven health sciences university committed to educating future healthcare providers who will serve in rural and medically under-served communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the DPT program, PNWU hosts programs in osteopathic medicine, occupational therapy, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy.

We are seeking candidates to fill two core faculty roles:

1. Faculty with orthopedic background to supervise integrated clinical experiences, assist in orthopedic/musculoskeletal physical therapy labs, and contribute to evidence-based practice courses.
2. Faculty with generalist background (some neuro experience preferred) to participate in on-campus physical therapy labs and associated integrated clinical experiences, teach geriatric physical therapy, and assist with research methods

We also welcome applicants with contemporary expertise in other areas of physical therapy.

About the School of Physical Therapy

Our 8-semester, residential DPT program was fully accredited in May 2025 and is rooted in a mission to develop generalist physical therapists who deliver evidence-informed, compassionate, and quality care. Faculty and students are deeply engaged in the university’s vision to revolutionize community health through service, collaboration, innovation, and community impact.

Students and faculty are involved in clinical education experiences throughout the region during seven of eight academic semesters. The School of Physical Therapy (SOPT) has established PT clinics at the Yakima Union Gospel Mission and the Yakima Neighborhood Health clinic, both federally qualified clinics that support the city's most vulnerable populations. 

• The SOPT also houses an on-campus lab – the Center for Applied Movement Science (CAMS) - designed for faculty/student research, integrated clinical experiences, and patient care using state-of-the-art equipment. The CAMS lab has the following resources for teaching and research:
•  
  • • Bioness Vector Gait and Support System dynamic body weight support with 25-foot track
    • Bertec Computerized Dynamic Posturography/Immersive Virtual Reality (CDP/IVR) System for balance assessment and training
    • MediTouch BalanceTutor^TM perturbation treadmill with medial/lateral and forward/backward perturbation capability with force plate, IMUs, and interactive balance gaming
    • Protokinetics Zeno^TM Walkway 26-foot gait analysis system
    • Noraxon myoMOTION^TM Ultium 3D IMU portable motion capture system with video and EMG sync capability
    • Noraxon myoMUSCLE^TM Ultium wireless electromyography (EMG) system with internal IMUs
    • Bioness L300Go Plus functional electrical stimulation for foot drop and thigh weakness
    • Bertec Vision Advantage (BVA) vestibular ocular reflex and gaze stability testing
    • Bertec COBALT^TM concussion screening/management and athlete balance system
    • MicroMedical RealEyes^TM 505 Video Frenzel goggle system
    • Mobility Research LiteGait® with Smart BiSym^TM automatic body weight support adjustment, GaitKeeper^TM Treadmill with GaitSens^TM gait analysis system
    • BTE PrimusRS multiple resistance (Isotonic, Isometric, Isokinetic, CPM) rehabilitation system
    • Meta Quest 3S Virtual Reality (VR) Syste

What We Offer

• Opportunities to mentor students in one of two established rural community clinics
• An on-campus applied movement science lab used for patient care and as part of integrated clinical education experiences
• A collaborative environment with opportunities for curriculum development, innovative teaching strategies, service learning, interprofessional collaboration, and contribution to the ongoing evolution of a mission-centric program
• Support for development or maintenance of a research agenda
• Inpatient and outpatient simulation center for simulation-based teaching and learning, including a hospital ward and outpatient medicine rooms
• Thousands of square feet of dedicated learning/lab space
• Active participation in university service, community outreach, student advising, and committee work
   
• Minimum Qualifications
  
  • Earned doctoral degree awarded by an institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE)
  • Minimum 3 years of clinical experience as a licensed physical therapist
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring in the classroom or clinical setting
  • Commitment to fostering a culture of belonging, mutual respect, and team building
  • Licensed or eligible for physical therapy licensure in Washington State
• Preferred Qualifications
  •  A terminal doctoral degree (post-professional doctorate, or DPT) with evidence of other professional qualifications (eg ABPTS or other specialty certification, or additional degree)
  • Academic doctorate degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.Sc.)
  • Active and developing research agenda
  • Knowledge of CAPTE accreditation standards and PT curriculum development
  • At least 3 years of experience in PT education
  • Experience with simulation-based education
  • Demonstration of interprofessional collaboration in academic or clinical settings
  • Advanced training, teaching, and scholarly activity in area of clinical expertise
  • Active engagement in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and community/professional service

Why Yakima?

PNWU is located in Yakima, WA, a city of approximately 95,000 located in the south-central part of the state near the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. Yakima is a major agricultural and outdoor recreation region located approximately an hour from White Pass Ski Resort and the entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park. With four seasons and 300 days of sun a year, there are ample opportunities for mountain biking, climbing, snow sports, hiking, rafting, and other outdoor activities. The region also contains James Beard-winning restaurants, farm to table dining, farm markets, and over 90 wineries. Yakima is approximately 140 miles from Seattle and 170 miles from Portland. The Yakima Valley is a wonderful place to live, work and play. For more information, visit https://www.visityakima.com/.  

Ready to Shape the Future of Rural Health?

Apply now and join a collaborative faculty committed to developing the next generation of physical therapists who make a difference in rural and medically underserved communities. If you have specific questions, please reach out to the Founding Dean of the School of Physical Therapy, Dr. Peggy Trueblood (ptrueblood@pnwu.edu), or search committee chair Dr. Katie June (kjune@pnwu.edu).  Dr. Trueblood will be at ELC in Kansas City if you would like to meet with her.

To ensure full consideration, submit:

• A letter of introduction outlining background and qualifications for the position
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references

Apply here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/2949352

https://www.pnwu.edu/academics/school-of-physical-therapy/