Director of Clinical Education - Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Director of Clinical Education - Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

College: College of Health and Human Services - 315 College
Dept/School: School of Health & Applied Human Sciences - 31530
Vacancy Number: 16F-824
Position Number: 741
Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The School of Health and Applied Human Sciences (SHAHS) within the College of Health and Human Services at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) seeks an outstanding colleague for a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure track position at the rank of Clinical Assistant Professor or Clinical Associate Professor in the School’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This position is expected to start Spring 2027.

Rank at appointment is dependent on qualifications relative to University and College standards. Clinical Track faculty are initially appointed on a contract for between 3-5 years, renewable based on performance. Clinical Track faculty are eligible to apply for promotion to higher Clinical Track ranks. Moreover, depending on rank and yearly workload allocation, the successful candidate may conduct research, publish articles, write grants, mentor students, and engage in service to the program, school, college, university, community, and profession.

The Director of Clinical Education (DCE) is a faculty member responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of the clinical education component of a physical therapy program. The DCE develops, coordinates, and evaluates clinical learning experiences; manages partnerships with clinical education sites; places and supports students during clinical rotations; and serves as the primary liaison between the academic program and clinical partners. The position also involves assessing student performance, maintaining accreditation and compliance requirements, supporting curriculum development, and ensuring the availability of high-quality clinical learning opportunities. In addition, the DCE provides leadership in clinical faculty development, clinical site management, program assessment, and continuous improvement of the clinical education program.

This is a non-remote position. The candidate will work in a collaborative interdisciplinary academic setting.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Must hold, or be eligible for, licensure as a physical therapist in the State of North Carolina and maintain active licensure throughout employment.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and be available for travel as required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a licensed physical therapist.
• Earned Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) or be a licensed PT (with an entry-level BSPT or MSPT) and possess a terminal degree (tDPT, PhD, DSc, EdD).

Note: Applicants who are ABD at the time of application will be considered. Individuals who are engaged in terminal degrees ABD must earn their terminal degree, prior to the program’s AFC submission in 2030.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

In addition to the minimum qualifications, preference will be given to candidates who possess the following:

• Prior experience as a Director of Clinical Education, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Site Coordinator of Clinical Education, or comparable leadership role in clinical education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of clinical education models, clinical placement processes, student assessment, site development, and regulatory/accreditation expectations relevant to physical therapist education, including CAPTE standards.
• Experience developing, administering, assessing, and documenting clinical education programs.
• Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and student-support skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty, clinical partners, students, administrators, and community stakeholders.
• Knowledge of legislative, regulatory, legal, ethical, and professional practice issues affecting clinical education, students, clinical sites, and the physical therapy profession.
• Prior teaching experience in a physical therapist education program and/or administrative leadership experience in clinical practice.
• Current or prior participation in clinical practice, particularly in roles that inform clinical education, clinical mentoring, or student supervision.
• Completion of the APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program or comparable clinical education training.
• Advanced clinical expertise, such as completion of a residency or fellowship, ABPTS board certification, or other evidence of advanced clinical competence.
• Earned academic doctoral degree or evidence of progress toward doctoral-level preparation in a relevant field.
• Record of scholarly productivity, professional service, and/or leadership commensurate with academic rank.
• Interest or experience in designing and conducting independent or collaborative scholarship related to clinical education, physical therapist education, or related areas.
• Active involvement in professional activities at the local, state, regional, or national level.
• Membership in the American Physical Therapy Association or another relevant professional organization.
• Knowledge of educational, management, assessment, and adult learning theories and their application to clinical education.
• Proficiency with information systems and technology used in clinical education, assessment, communication, data management, and program administration, such as Exxat, Qualtrics, learning management systems, databases, word processing, and email.
• Ability to meet faculty expectations consistent with CAPTE requirements, program needs, and applicable UNCW faculty policies.
• Experience using emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to support teaching, assessment, clinical education management, documentation, or professional practice.

Required Certifications or Licensure

• Must hold, or be eligible for, licensure as a physical therapist in the State of North Carolina and maintain active licensure throughout employment.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and be available for travel as required.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a 30-month professional program designed to prepare graduates for licensure and clinical practice across the lifespan as physical therapists. Through a competency-based curriculum grounded in best practice, students develop the evidence-based knowledge, clinical skills, and professional judgment needed to deliver patient-centered physical therapy services across healthcare settings, including rural communities in North Carolina. The year-round curriculum requires a total of 111 credits: 90 credits of foundational and professional didactic education, 2 credits (60 hours) of integrated clinical education (ICE), and 19 credits (38 weeks) of full-time clinical education. ICE placements help students understand the range of physical therapy practice settings. Full-time clinical education follows a scaffolded model that progressively builds competence and proficiency in delivering evidence-based, hands-on, patient-centered care across the lifespan. These experiences total approximately 1,520 hours and are completed under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. Clinical placements are available throughout the continental United States, allowing students to explore both clinical interests and geographic preferences. The eight-semester cohort begins each summer and provides a structured sequence of coursework, laboratories, and cumulative practical examinations that prepares students for advanced clinical training. The DPT program is currently housed in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences (SHAHS).

The DPT program is currently housed in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences (SHAHS). The SHAHS has six undergraduate degree programs:

• Public Health
• Exercise Science
• Healthful Living and Fitness Education
• Tourism, Recreation, & Sport
• Recreation Therapy
• Respiratory Therapy (Face-to-face and fully online option)

The SHAHS also has graduate degrees in:

• Athletic Training
• Healthcare Administration (100% Online program)
• Gerontology with 4+1 options:
  • (Bachelors / Masters) with Public Health / Gerontology
  • Recreation Therapy / Gerontology
  • Exercise Science / Gerontology
  • Physical Therapy (in preparation)

The SHAHS also supports:

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) through the Watson College of Education
• Master of Education concentration in Physical Education and Health through the Watson College of Education

Minors are offered in:

• Gerontology
• Health & Wellness Coaching
• Whole Health & Wellness Studies
• Tourism, Recreation, & Sport
• Yoga Studies
• Assistance Dog Training

The SHAHS is also home to the Physical Activity and Wellness (WPA/L) program which delivers courses that fulfill University Studies requirements. The SHAHS is located in Veterans Hall which includes many state-of-the-art instructional and lab spaces utilized by the Exercise Science program.

College/School Information

The College of Health and Human Services was created in July 2010 to provide UNCW with a new mechanism to link and focus its health-related research, professional continuing education, and health knowledge dissemination and application. In the formative stage of development, the CHHS is currently home to three professional schools: School of Health and Applied Human Sciences, School of Nursing, and School of Social Work. This is an outstanding opportunity to join a dynamic College that seeks to be nationally recognized for its inter-professional collaboration, community engagement and impact, and implementation science. The faculty, staff and students of the CHHS are committed to the pursuit of excellence and enhancing health and quality of life across the lifespan for individuals, families and communities in southeastern North Carolina and beyond.

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research, and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation.

A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Number of Openings

Single Incumbent

Special Notes to Applicants

Prior to the official appointment to the university, the candidate(s) selected for hire must be able to demonstrate eligibility to teach assigned courses by successfully meeting the credentialing requirements based on official transcripts and other documentation as required.

See below for required materials and instructions:

• Curriculum Vita
• Cover Letter (3-4 pages in length; please address how you meet the minimum requirements and the preferred qualifications for this position)
• List of 3 Professional References
• Combined Unofficial Graduate Transcripts (official transcripts will be required prior to employment)

Position Type

Permanent

Job Posting Date

10/27/2026

Job Close Date

11/26/2026