Associate Professor or Professor of Physical Therapy and DPT Program Director

Department Chair And Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program Director

The Springfield College Department of Physical Therapy invites applications for a full-time, twelve-month, tenure-track faculty position at the associate professor or professor level to serve as Department Chair and Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Director, beginning in July 2027. An earlier start date may be possible. This is an on-campus position in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Department offers an on-campus, 6.5-year early assurance pathway leading to a bachelor's degree in Health Science/Pre-Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Grounded in lifelong learning and Springfield College's Humanics Philosophy of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others, our faculty foster the knowledge, values, and skills for exemplary person-centered, evidence-informed practice. The Chair and Program Director will lead an established program recognized for strong student outcomes, nationally engaged faculty, clinical partnerships, and a dedicated alumni network. Through partnerships with consumers of physical therapy services, clinical sites, community organizations, and interprofessional colleagues, the Department contributes to the health and well-being of the greater Springfield community and beyond. The School of Health Sciences also includes Communication Sciences and Disorders, Health Science, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Public Health, and Social Work. Its new 86,000-square-foot Brown Cooper Health Sciences Center includes interprofessional simulation facilities, a maker space, an activities of daily living suite, a human anatomy laboratory, and technology-supported classrooms. Collaboration, engaged learning, and global, intergenerational, and multicultural perspectives are priorities of the School. Founded in 1885, Springfield College is a private, coeducational institution whose undergraduate and graduate programs reflect its distinctive Humanics Philosophy.

Actual salaries will vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to degrees attained, experience, and other considerations permitted by law. Comprehensive compensation details, including any additional benefits, will be communicated upon finalization of the employment offer.

Responsibilities

The Chair and Program Director reports to the Dean of the School of Health Sciences and serves as the academic and administrative leader of the Department, with primary responsibility for the quality, effectiveness, accreditation, and development of the on-campus DPT program. Responsibilities include:

• Lead departmental planning and set academic, administrative, and strategic priorities in collaboration with faculty, staff, the Dean, and College leadership.
• Direct ongoing compliance with Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) standards and required elements; coordinate reports, documentation, substantive-change notifications, reviews and site visits; and respond promptly to findings or required actions.
• Maintain systematic assessment and continuous improvement of the curriculum, student learning, clinical education, graduation and licensure outcomes, faculty qualifications and sufficiency, and program resources.
• Ensure that the DPT curriculum remains coherent, evidence-informed, and responsive to changes in physical therapy education, clinical practice, accreditation expectations, and health care.
• Recruit, onboard, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff; plan workload and staffing; support promotion and tenure processes; and foster a collegial culture of transparent communication and shared responsibility.
• Advance departmental scholarship by mentoring faculty, fostering collaborative research and scholarly work, and expanding faculty and student opportunities to participate in research.
• Lead student recruitment, progression, retention, and success in partnership with faculty and College offices; monitor outcomes and address academic concerns.
• Oversee clinical education and strengthen relationships with clinical partners to support sufficient, appropriate, high-quality placements.
• Develop and manage the departmental budget, staffing, instructional and laboratory needs, equipment, and facilities necessary for program quality and accreditation.
• Work with the Dean and School leadership on enrollment, staffing, program development, and institutional priorities; advance interprofessional education across the School.
• Represent the Department with alumni, clinical and community partners, professional organizations, prospective students and families, and other constituencies.
• Maintain teaching, advising, scholarship, and institutional and professional service appropriate to a twelve-month faculty administrator.

The Chair appointment includes administrative reassigned time and additional compensation in recognition of departmental leadership responsibilities. Actual compensation depends on qualifications, experience, and other lawful considerations; full details will be communicated during the offer process.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications An earned academic doctoral degree, such as a PhD or EdD, in addition to the professional preparation required for physical therapist licensure. A DPT alone does not satisfy this requirement. Current physical therapist licensure or eligibility for licensure in Massachusetts. Academic credentials, teaching experience, and a scholarly record appropriate for appointment as associate professor or professor. At least six years of full-time equivalent experience in higher education, including three years as a core faculty member in a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist education program. A record of scholarly dissemination and continued engagement in scholarship. Knowledge of CAPTE standards and processes, with experience contributing to accreditation reporting, program assessment, self-study, or compliance activities. Experience or professional development in academic administration, management, and leadership; effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making; and commitment to student success and Springfield College's mission.

Preferred Qualifications Experience as a chair, program director, associate program director, or in another significant academic leadership role. Substantial CAPTE accreditation experience, including reports, self-study, compliance documentation, reviews, or site visits. Experience with curriculum development, program assessment, and continuous improvement. Experience mentoring faculty scholarship and supporting research and scholarly activity. Experience with budgets, staffing and workload, enrollment planning, and academic resources. Interprofessional collaboration and a record of professional and institutional service.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Application Process:

Applicants should submit a cover letter addressing academic leadership, physical therapy education, accreditation, teaching, and scholarship; a curriculum vitae; and names and contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Benefits

At Springfield College we offer competitive and generous benefit options for employees and their families.

• Tuition benefits for employees and dependents
• Tuition exchange program for dependents
• Generous paid time off benefits
• Paid Sick Leave Benefits
• 403(b) retirement plan (TIAA) with a generous college match
• Medical, Dental and Vision plan(s)
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care expenses and dependent care)
• Life and accident insurance plans
• Long-term disability
• Optional voluntary benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness benefits and programs
• Free use of our state-of-the-art Wellness Center

Part-time employees earn pro-rated holiday, vacation and sick leave. To learn more about our Benefit Package, visit our Human Resources page.