Assistant/Associate Professor – Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Position Description                                                                                          

Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences at Mary Baldwin University invites applications for the Physical Therapy Primary Faculty position beginning in August 2025.

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is fully accredited, and the dynamic faculty teaches within a unique interprofessional curriculum. We invite individuals with exceptional skills and experience in contemporary physical therapy practice, teaching, and administration to apply for a 12-month full-time faculty position.

Primary responsibilities include teaching the management of pediatric physical therapy, and additional topics based on expertise. Candidates should be dynamic  and dedicated educators who will facilitate classroom and applied learning activities while fostering an inclusive and caring learning environment. Additional responsibilities include academic advising, research/scholarship, service and supporting the interprofessional education curriculum. The successful candidate is expected to develop or have in place an active  research or scholarship agenda with the potential for integrating students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Teaching:                             

• Teach a course load focusing on pediatric physical therapy and additional topics related to your expertise.
• Plan and organize instruction to maximize student learning objectives to facilitate student preparation for clinical practice.
• Implement contemporary teaching and learner-centered educational strategies.
• Modify, as needed, instructional approaches to create an inclusive learning environment.
• Learn and use technology to enhance teaching and demonstrate value for innovation (i.e., the internet, institutional learning system (Canvas), online education, and other interactive technology).
• Facilitate the development of communication and clinical reasoning skills.
• Contribute to the selection and development of instructional materials in accordance with course objectives and the curricular design.
• Incorporate specific CAPTE criteria into coursework syllabi and content.
• Develop and maintain course syllabi in a timely manner in accordance with program policies.
• Manage classrooms and labs to ensure equipment is maintained and current.
• Provide purposeful mentoring and advising for student doctoral projects as assigned.

Teaching outcomes:

• Develop and explain methods that fairly assess student progress toward learning outcomes and specific course objectives.
• Evaluate student performance fairly and consistently and return student work promptly to promote maximum learning.
• Identify students at risk for not meeting performance criteria to assist students with engaging the appropriate resources for success.
• Maintain accurate documentation of student progress and submit final grade rosters to program director/administrative staff each semester according to established deadlines.
• Meet with advisees at least once per semester and maintain accurate documentation of issues or progress discussed.

Support of Program Policies and Procedures:

• Post and maintain regular office hours to ensure accessibility for advisement and consultation.
• Provide meaningful advising within the current program/college advisement system as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information. (i.e., FERPA, HIPAA, etc.)
• Substitute for other instructors within field or discipline in case of an absence.
• Exercise stewardship (fiduciary responsibility) of college facilities and materials.
• Participate in peer evaluation of faculty, including observations and reviews as required.
• Recruit students by supporting and participating in official college recruiting functions, visitation, and hosting of visiting groups as well as participation in interviews, vetting, and decision making of potential admissions to the program. (Admissions)
• Participate in the continuous quality improvement of the DPT program including course/programmatic changes. (Academic Affairs)
• Facilitate and participate in connections with programs (community, medical, and other organizations) to enhance the DPT program.
• Participation as a committee member with responsibilities as assigned for national programmatic accreditation.
• Representing the College/School/Department in community events relative to the DPT Program.

College and Program Activities:

• Serve on College, School, and Department committees as assigned.
• Participate in meeting and events required by the college and program administrators.
• Respond in a timely fashion to information requests from college and program administrators.
• Support both part-time and full-time colleagues.
• Contribute to College, School, and Department curriculum development processes.
• Participate in graduation ceremonies.
• Use strong interpersonal skills in communication with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators as an individual or as a part of a team.
• Maintain familiarity with College, School, and Department goals, mission, and long-range plans.
• Contribute to planning and development processes through appropriate systems.
• Participate in professional activities that contribute to the educational goals of the department college, and its constituents.
• Perform professional responsibilities in accordance with pertinent goals, missions, and plans of the college and programs.

Scholarship:

• Each faculty member will have responsibilities associated with scholarship.
• Scholarship agendas will be determined/negotiated on an individual basis annually with the program director.
• Research space and IRB information can be found in the college policies and procedures  as to qualifications and usage.

Professional Behaviors:

• Serve as a role model for faculty members, students, and staff in the department and college.
• Stay current in subject matter through professional development, involvement in professional organizations, or attending professional meetings, conferences, or workshops.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to student needs and circumstances.

Administrative:

• As stated in teaching requirements for program coursework. No authority or responsibility for the supervision of others, project direction, or program administration unless assigned by the program chair.

Required Qualifications

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree or terminal academic degree (Ph.D., D.Sc., Ed.D. or equivalent).

Licensed or eligible for PT licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia

A minimum of 3 years clinical experience as a physical therapist

Strong communication, teamwork, & interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

American Board of Physical Therapy Specialization (ABPTS) certification as a clinical specialist is preferred, but not required

Prior teaching experience in an entry-level DPT program is preferred, but not required

About Mary Baldwin University

Founded in 1842, Mary Baldwin University has a proud legacy of innovating to best serve our students as the world changes.
MBU is a small, coeducational university offering a range of degrees from bachelor to doctoral. We serve a diverse student population on our historic Staunton campus in the heart of downtown Staunton, Virginia, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences in nearby Fishersville, and online.
MBU offers unique opportunities for our students to become leaders in the classroom, community, workplace, and in their own lives.

About Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences    

Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences (MDCHS) was opened in 2014, with the intention of addressing health care workforce needs and the complex health issues of the region. The college accomplishes this through clinically focused professional programs in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistants programs that concentrate on addressing regional health care needs. We believe that community health issues are best solved by professionals who value interprofessional collaboration and thrive in a culture that embraces inclusivity and equitable access to health care. Our vision is to be recognized as the primary regional partner to develop community-oriented interventions for the education of and provision of services to the public, thereby improving health and life outcomes.     

Application Process

Mary Baldwin University is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff, and faculty. The university does not discriminate on the basis sex, gender, nor does the university discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, age, disability, religion, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

Send the following information to Search Committee Chair, C/O Mrs. Tara Miller at HS-Apply@marybaldwin.edu :

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position including a statement that reflects your commitment towards supporting a culture of Equity and Inclusion Excellence.
2. Updated CV
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by May 15, 2025, will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled. Projected start date is anticipated for Fall 2025.