Director of Clinical Education - Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Location (City, State): Wilmington, NC
Company: Posting University of North Carolina Wilmington
Job Description:
Director of Clinical Education - Doctor of Physical Therapy Program The School of Health and Applied Human Sciences (SHAHS) within the College of Health and Human Services at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) seeks an outstanding colleague for a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure track position at the rank of Clinical Assistant Professor or Clinical Associate Professor in the School’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This position is expected to start Spring 2027. Rank at appointment is dependent on qualifications relative to University and College standards.
Clinical Track faculty are initially appointed on a contract for between 3-5 years, renewable based on performance. Clinical Track faculty are eligible to apply for promotion to higher Clinical Track ranks.
The Director of Clinical Education (DCE) is a faculty member responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of the clinical education component of a physical therapy program. The DCE develops, coordinates, and evaluates clinical learning experiences; manages partnerships with clinical education sites; places and supports students during clinical rotations; and serves as the primary liaison between the academic program and clinical partners.
The position also involves assessing student performance, maintaining accreditation and compliance requirements, supporting curriculum development, and ensuring the availability of high-quality clinical learning opportunities.
In addition, the DCE provides leadership in clinical faculty development, clinical site management, program assessment, and continuous improvement of the clinical education program.
Minimum Requirements:
- Must hold, or be eligible for, licensure as a physical therapist in the State of North Carolina and maintain active licensure throughout employment.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license and be available for travel as required.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a licensed physical therapist.
- Earned Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) or be a licensed PT (with an entry-level BSPT or MSPT) and possess a terminal degree (tDPT, PhD, DSc, EdD).
Note: Applicants who are ABD at the time of application will be considered. Individuals who are engaged in terminal degrees ABD must earn their terminal degree, prior to the program’s AFC submission in 2030.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
- Prior experience as a Director of Clinical Education, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Site Coordinator of Clinical Education, or comparable leadership role in clinical education.
- Demonstrated knowledge of clinical education models, clinical placement processes, student assessment, site development, and regulatory/accreditation expectations relevant to physical therapist education, including CAPTE standards.
- Experience developing, administering, assessing, and documenting clinical education programs.
- Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and student-support skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty, clinical partners, students, administrators, and community stakeholders.
- Knowledge of legislative, regulatory, legal, ethical, and professional practice issues affecting clinical education, students, clinical sites, and the physical therapy profession.
- Prior teaching experience in a physical therapist education program and/or administrative leadership experience in clinical practice.
- Current or prior participation in clinical practice, particularly in roles that inform clinical education, clinical mentoring, or student supervision.
- Completion of the APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program or comparable clinical education training.
- Advanced clinical expertise, such as completion of a residency or fellowship, ABPTS board certification, or other evidence of advanced clinical competence.
- Earned academic doctoral degree or evidence of progress toward doctoral-level preparation in a relevant field.
- Record of scholarly productivity, professional service, and/or leadership commensurate with academic rank.
- Interest or experience in designing and conducting independent or collaborative scholarship related to clinical education, physical therapist education, or related areas.
- Active involvement in professional activities at the local, state, regional, or national level.
- Membership in the American Physical Therapy Association or another relevant professional organization.
- Knowledge of educational, management, assessment, and adult learning theories and their application to clinical education.
- Proficiency with information systems and technology used in clinical education, assessment, communication, data management, and program administration, such as Exxat, Qualtrics, learning management systems, databases, word processing, and email.
- Ability to meet faculty expectations consistent with CAPTE requirements, program needs, and applicable UNCW faculty policies.
- Experience using emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to support teaching, assessment, clinical education management, documentation, or professional practice.