DescriptionThe University of Virginia's School of Education and Human Development invites applications for a founding Director of Clinical Education (DCE) for its developing Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, housed within the Department of Kinesiology. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a founding faculty team and play a central role in shaping a new DPT program at one of the nation's premier public universities. The DCE will work alongside the Program Director to build the clinical education program from the ground up, contributing meaningfully to a program culture and infrastructure that will serve students and the profession for years to come.
This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-ineligible position with the successful candidate appointed to the Academic General Faculty Teaching track at open rank, commensurate with qualifications and experience. We seek a collegial and student-centered educator who thrives in a team environment and finds deep meaning in mentoring the next generation of physical therapists. As a core member of the founding faculty team, the DCE provides leadership, coordination, and oversight of all aspects of the clinical education component of the DPT program, ensuring students receive high-quality clinical experiences. Working closely with the DPT Program Director and collaborating with faculty, staff, and clinical partners, the DCE will promote excellence across both integrated and full-time clinical education experiences. The position carries administrative, teaching, scholarly, and service responsibilities that advance the program's mission, with load set annually consistent with the School's Load Planning policy.
The DCE will join a rich interprofessional academic community within a School that currently houses accredited health sciences programs in Athletic Training, Communication Sciences & Disorders, School & Clinical Psychology, and Counselor Education, and that is committed to establishing new professional doctoral programs in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Together, these programs create a vibrant environment for collaboration, inquiry, and interprofessional growth. The UVA DPT program is built on a foundation of humility, intentionality, and integrity, and aspires to develop graduates who are not only exceptional clinical thinkers, but reflective professionals who integrate evidence, clinical expertise, and the lived experiences of those they serve - committed to inclusive, person-centered care, lifelong learning, and service to their communities. The DCE will be well-positioned to help shape a program distinguished by these values and by the enduring commitment to excellence that defines the University of Virginia.
Duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to teaching, advising, mentoring and participation in program, departmental and school meetings are to be conducted primarily on-Grounds and in-person at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville.
Charlottesville, VA is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is consistently listed among the top cities in the country in national rankings of the most desirable places to live. It brings together the best of many worlds, offering the livability and community of a small city with the amenities and cultural attractions (e.g., regular literary, film, musical, and theatrical festivals) of a metropolis. UVA assists faculty spouses and partners seeking employment in the Charlottesville area. To learn more please visit https://dualcareer.virginia.edu/. For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications- Licensed physical therapist, or eligible for licensure, in the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Earned doctorate in physical therapy or a related field (DPT, PhD, EdD, DSc, or equivalent)
- Minimum of three (3) years of full-time post-licensure clinical practice experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Site Coordinator of Clinical Education (SCCE) and/or Clinical Instructor in physical therapy; OR a minimum of two (2) years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and administration within a physical therapist education program
- Demonstrated contemporary expertise in a defined area of physical therapy practice
- Exemplary interpersonal communication skills in oral and written modalities
Preferred Qualifications- Prior experience as a Director of Clinical Education or Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) in a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist education program
- American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) board certification or completion of a clinical residency or fellowship
- Earned academic doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DSc, or equivalent) in a field related to physical therapy
- Proven record of collaboration with students, faculty, and clinical partners
- Evidence of professional service in physical therapy at the state or national level
- Record of scholarly productivity
- Demonstrated knowledge of CAPTE accreditation standards and the required elements of physical therapist education programs
- Demonstrated commitment to student mentorship, humility in leadership, and collegial engagement across interprofessional boundaries
- APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor status
The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check prior to their first day of employment.
Application Instructions Apply here: https://apply.interfolio.com/190662. Complete this application and upload:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- Vision statement about the importance and impact of clinical education to entry-level physical therapy preparation
- Contact information for three professional references (References will not be contacted until after in-person interviews are conducted.)
As part of your application, please describe your potential contributions to any aspect of this mission. Please focus upon your work skills and experience. In doing so, you may choose to refer to your personal perspective, but the focus of our consideration is on your potential contributions through skills and experience, rather than personal opinions or beliefs. Review of applications will begin in early October, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check prior to their first day of employment.
For questions about the position, please contact the DPT Program Director and search committee chair, Jeff Taylor at [redacted]. For questions about the application process, please contact Raj Seneviratne, Director, Faculty Affairs at [redacted].
