Program Director, Physical Therapist Assistant Program

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Program Director is a member of the faculty (rank commensurate with experience) who also holds a key administrative role overseeing all aspects of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA program. This individual is expected to provide effective and responsive leadership to ensure the program consistently meets student learning outcomes and graduate competencies.

The Program Director is responsible for maintaining compliance with CAPTE Accreditation Standards through continuous programmatic assessment, critical analysis, and quality improvement. The role includes supervision and support of all program faculty and staff.

Key responsibilities include program organization and administration, fiscal oversight, and effective communication. The Program Director participates in classroom instruction, daily program operations, student support, and recruitment and retention of qualified instructors who align with the University’s mission.

In partnership with the Campus Director, Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations, the Program Director shares responsibility for the program’s fiscal health, including ongoing budget evaluation and communication of any unanticipated financial needs.

The Program Director must integrate the South University philosophy into all aspects of the role, delivering quality service, fostering employee growth and recognition, upholding sound economic practices and maintaining an environment that encourages innovation collaboration and continuous improvement.

KEY JOB ELEMENTS:

• Teaches 12 classes per academic year or the equivalent.
• Assures compliance with CAPTE accreditation Standards and Required Elements within two years of being determined to be out of compliance.
• Ensures timely and accurate submission of internal and external reports (e.g., accreditation documentation, credentialing, course observations, and annual faculty/staff evaluations), programmatic fees, and university processes as necessary.
• Notifies all necessary individuals of expected or unexpected substantive change(s) within the program and of any change in institutional accreditation status or legal authority to provide postsecondary education.
• Effectively develops and administers the PTA program, including student and administrative file maintenance, student registration, and advisement.
• Oversees faculty coordination by effectively managing teaching assignments, clinical site development, and faculty workload in alignment with university policies and procedures and accreditation requirements.
• Directs the daily operations of the program.
• Leads recruitment, hiring, and retention of program faculty and staff.
• Demonstrates effective leadership through responsiveness to issues related to personnel, strong communication skills, and proactive problem solving in accordance with to South University policies and procedures.
• Oversees the Program Advisory Council (PAC) including member selection and facilitation of biannual meetings.
• Participates in governance and short and long term planning of the program and the university.
• Supports university policies and programs (e.g., quality enhancement plan, academic success center, and career services) designed to assist students and achieve programmatic outcomes.
• Ensures PTA equipment is appropriately maintained, tested, and calibrated on an annual basis (and as needed).
• Fulfills all administrative, instructional, and leadership responsibilities to prepare and graduate competent, entry-level physical therapist assistants who work under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
• Collaborates with academic program directors on-campus and across campuses, the Campus Director or Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations, and the Department Chair regarding scheduling; faculty utilization; curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation; student assessment; programmatic outcomes; and program, campus, and university policies and procedures.
• Contributes to a positive campus culture by participating on curriculum and system task forces, supporting local campus events such as orientation and graduation, and participating in various professional development workshops and program-based meetings.
• Participates in faculty development as required by the university and to maintain state licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Campus Director/Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations, the Dean of the College of Health Professions, or the PTA Department Chair.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a regionally accredited university strongly (preferred). Master’s degree from a regionally accredited university with significant clinical experience and college-level teaching experience (required).
• Minimum of five (5) years (or equivalent), full-time, post licensure experience that includes a minimum of three (3) years (or equivalent) of full-time clinical experience, including experience in the PT/PTA relationship.
• Current licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant through the appropriate licensing agency in the state in which the PTA program resides.
• Experience in classroom, lab, or clinical teaching experience.
• Experience in a variety of areas of teaching (e.g., academic, clinical, continuing education, in-service), preferably in post-secondary or college institutions.
• Professional development or education (minimum of 60 contact hours) compromising exclusively and comprehensively the four content hours of: educational theory and methodology, instructional design, student evaluation, and outcome assessment.
• Understanding of contemporary physical practice and its relation to PTA education.
• Two years of leadership experience in higher education or another organization within the program’s discipline is required.
• Experience in administration, management, and leadership is required (Experiences derived from the clinic are acceptable.)
• Service on behalf of physical therapy education, the community, and/or the profession.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The individual must be able to travel out of the local area with an occasional overnight stay to participate in a variety of conferences and meetings. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds. The vision requirements include ability to adjust focus and close vision.

South University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures and perspectives can thrive.

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Master’s Degree