Tenure Track Assistant/Associate Professor and an Associate Director - Physical Therapy Program

University of Detroit Mercy•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The University of Detroit Mercy is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on May 1, 2027. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. The University of Detroit Mercy is seeking a leader to become the Associate Director of our developing entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program. This is a unique opportunity to help lead a transformative program grounded in the Mercy and Jesuit traditions, dedicated to preparing compassionate and competent physical therapists. As the associate director, you will play a pivotal role in working with the department chair to achieve initial accreditation, manage the program, and foster a culture of excellence and innovation. This full-time, tenure-track faculty position offers the chance to make a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the broader community.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in physical therapy (PhD, DSc, EdD, or equivalent) from an accredited institution. Candidates with a DPT plus advance certification, program accreditation, and teaching experience will be considered.
Current unrestricted license to practice physical therapy or eligibility for licensure in Michigan.
At least six (6) years of documented experience in physical therapy, including clinical practice.
At least three (3) years of PT academic teaching experience.
Experience with CAPTE accreditation processes.
Administrative experience in program planning, implementation, personnel management, and evaluation.
A record of scholarship, professional service, and leadership.
Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in curriculum development and innovation.

Responsibilities

Accreditation and Quality Improvement.
Lead the Entry-level program accreditation process, ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and accrediting body standards and regulations.
Develop the program’s budget, curriculum, and admissions processes.
Oversee the program’s outcome analysis, develop improvement plans, and implement curricular and teaching strategies.
Collaborate with department chair and faculty to develop, implement, and assess a DPT program strategic plan that aligns with the goals of the Program and University.
Leadership & Administration:
Oversee the DPT program operations
Oversees student recruitment and admissions, fostering collaborations within the university and with external partners.
Recommend faculty and staff workload and course schedules.
Supports and mentor faculty’s teaching, scholarship, and service.
Works with marketing, university representatives, and Admissions to review enrollment admissions standards and procedures for the DPT program.
Collaborate with the founding director to effectively allocate and share resources.
Faculty Responsibilities
Provide exemplary teaching.
Advise and mentor students.
Evaluate students’ academic, clinical, and behavioral performances, following University and Program policies.
Participate in research and scholarship productivity.
Engage in service to department, college, university, and the community.
Additional Responsibilities:
Perform other faculty duties and administrative duties as assigned by the dean.

Benefits

Medical -
Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network
Dental -
Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life
Dental Care is available at the School of Dentistry to the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents (dependents shall be as defined for Internal Revenue Service purposes).
The fee for such services shall be waived for the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents, up to a cap of $3,000 per individual per calendar year. Beyond the $3,000 cap amount, employees will be responsible to pay 25% of any remaining fees for the balance of that year.
Vision -
Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage
Vision benefits available at Detroit Mercy Eye Institute
$35 Comprehensive Eye Exam
Contact Lens Exam starting at $7o
50% off Optical Frames
25% off Sun Frames
30% off Prescription Lenses
20% off Prescription Contact Lenses
Cannot be combined with insurance
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
Employee Assistance Program -
Provided to everyone in your household
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Life and AD&D -
One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars
Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance
Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children
Retirement Plan -
Employees have a choice of the following:
Employees who contribute 3% shall receive an Employer contribution of 9%, employees who contribute 5% in the plan shall receive an Employer contribution of 10%.