Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy

Position Announcement

The new Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) Program in the College of Health Sciences at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, seeks a doctoral-prepared occupational therapist to join an innovative team of instructors within the University's new Occupational Therapy program, in compliance with ACOTE educational standards. The successful candidate will develop and teach graduate level occupational therapy courses, with priority selection given to those applicants with expertise in mental health, children and youth, and adult or older adult practice experience. In addition, the successful candidate will engage in student advisement and service to the University. All OTD faculty develop an agenda relative to research and/or scholarly activity for potential student research mentorship and involvement. Faculty members exemplify the teacher-practitioner-investigator model by following excellent teaching practices, scholarly activity, and professional behaviors consistent with the mission of Utah Tech University.

This is a 10.5-month faculty position, with a desired start date of Spring 2026 (initial workload will be non-instructional in course development until teaching can begin). More information about the college, faculty, and degree offerings can be found online.

Responsibilities

• Serve as course director and maintain currency with health care trends, research, and OT practice, especially as it relates to area of expertise.
• Provide evaluations that are appropriate, equitable, and professional, and that provide constructive feedback to the student.
• Exhibit objectivity in all dealings with students and in all aspects of the learning process.
• Continually adapt teaching strategies in the implementation of the course to meet the needs of all students.
• Treat confidential information about students, colleagues and others with fairness, discretion and integrity.
• Develop and maintain proficiency in teaching areas through investigation, formal education, continuing education, and/or practice.
• Participate in evaluation of teaching methods and curriculum, and modify both in response to feedback.
• Serve as academic advisor for students in the OT program or interested in the program, as designated.
• Serve as doctoral experience/capstone project mentor, as appropriate.
• Supervise student graduate research projects, as appropriate.
• Contribute to the advancement of OT through research, practice, and/or service.
• Pursue opportunities to publish/present occupational therapy/research activities.
• Assist with clinical instruction of students, as appropriate.
• Participate in the University governance and/or occupational therapy department, College of Health Sciences, committees.
• Carry out assigned duties with punctuality and professional competence. Except in cases of emergency, shall not be absent from their assigned teaching or other assignments without first informing the Program Director, Department Chair, or the appropriate administrator.
• Maintain active membership in state and national professional associations.
• Collaborate in and contribute to the preparation of academic reports and accreditation self-studies.
• Prepare and implement a faculty development plan annually.
• Perform defined faculty duties, including holding office hours, attendance at department and division meetings, and adherence to college, division, and university policies and procedures.
• Provide regular institutional service as outlined in regent and university policies.
• Work collaboratively with the Chair, Program Director, faculty, and staff to ensure compliance with department, program, and ACOTE standards.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Certification by NBCOT as OTR.
• Possess a doctoral degree from a USDE-recognized regionally accredited institution. The doctoral degree is not limited to a doctorate in occupational therapy.
• Must be licensed or eligible for licensure as an occupational therapist in the state of Utah.
• Minimum of three years of professional practice experience.
• Intermediate to advanced clinical skills in the primary area of teaching.
• Skilled in application of research and evidence-based practices to new environments.
• Knowledge, skills and mindset as a creator and/or innovator and/or entrepreneur.
• Superior written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills needed for working with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficient with computer technology and strong organization, problem-solving, and counseling skills.
• Current member of the Utah Occupational Therapy Association.
• Current member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in academic program or curricular development and knowledge of ACOTE standards.
• Teaching experience at the college/university level.
• Experience with online teaching.
• Experience in scholarly activity.

Supplemental Information

Position Details, Compensation and Benefits: Full-time (10.5-month) tenure-track faculty position. Faculty service begins Spring 2026. Annual salary of $80,000-$90,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits package included that begins on start date; includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, employee assistance and wellness programs, retirement plan contributions, and undergraduate tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents. See under "Benefits Summary" for more details.

Electronic Application Procedures: Application review begins February 23, 2026; position open until filled. Candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references (including email addresses), transcripts, and a Student Success Statement (1-2 pages about the candidate's teaching or other professional experience working with a wide range of student academic preparedness). Please upload all the requested documents when you submit your application. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and certification of required degrees and upon successfully passing a background check.

About the University: Utah Tech University is an open, comprehensive, polytechnic institution, committed to exceptional student learning and success that has adopted an instructional approach of "active learning. active life." and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. We seek faculty and staff committed to creating an active, applied and career-oriented learning environment that is student-centered. Established in 1911 as a community college and in 2013 as a state university, our University is located in picturesque southwestern Utah, approximately 120 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The area is renowned for its red rocks, desert climate, over 300 days of sunshine annually, and featuring easy access to world-class outdoor recreational opportunities.

Utah Tech University is a fast-growing Utah public institution of higher education, with more than 13,000 students. We offer over 250 programs, including doctoral, masters, bachelors, associates, certificates, endorsements, minors, and/or emphases. We seek faculty and staff committed to creating an active, applied, and career-oriented learning environment that is student-centered, who bring new ideas, possess values and career aspirations aligned with the University's mission and vision, and are inspired to build a premier open, comprehensive, polytechnic university.

Utah Tech University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. For more information or contact information, please visit

For important information regarding academics, campus safety, student services, employment laws, and other regulatory requirements, visit Utah Tech University's Right-to-Know and Clery Act websites.