Graduate Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Overview

Join a Dynamic Leadership Team at Old Dominion University as Graduate Program Director for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. This is a full-time, 10-month faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor (tenured / tenure-track) or Clinical Associate Professor, depending on qualifications and scholarly achievements. The DPT program resides within the School of Rehabilitation Sciences in the Ellmer College of Health Sciences and graduates approximately 48 students annually. The faculty includes 11 full-time core members and collaborates in an environment that values interprofessional education and research excellence. The Program Director leads the DPT program while maintaining a teaching and scholarship portfolio aligned with their expertise and curriculum needs, mentoring students, contributing to program and university service, and engaging in professional development. We seek an inspirational and forward-thinking leader with collaborative leadership, strategic clarity, and a drive to innovate and grow the program.

Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University is a research-intensive public institution with a strong commitment to community engagement and academic excellence. The School of Rehabilitation Sciences supports collaboration across athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and recreational therapy within a supportive academic community. The university values integrity, creativity, inclusivity, and excellence and the DPT program is positioned for growth, impact, and innovation.

Position Type: Full-Time

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program; oversee academic planning, curriculum alignment, and program advancement.
• Engage in teaching and scholarly activities aligned with areas of expertise and curriculum needs.
• Mentor students and contribute to program and university service.
• Collaborate with interprofessional education initiatives and participate in ongoing professional development.

Minimum Qualifications

• Academic doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent); Eligible for the rank of Associate Professor or Clinical Associate Professor.
• Minimum of six years of full-time higher education experience, including at least three years as a core faculty member in a CAPTE-accredited entry-level DPT program.
• Record of excellence in teaching and mentorship.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Licensed physical therapist in any US jurisdiction and eligible for Virginia licensure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active member of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Knowledge of accreditation processes and CAPTE requirements.
• Experience with physical therapy education, curriculum design, and program evaluation.
• Experience in educational and/or practice administrative and fiscal management.
• Established record of impactful scholarship.
• Clinical expertise in neurorehabilitation, neuroscience, or cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation (Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy; Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy).

Conditions of Employment

All final candidates will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning employment.

Location

Norfolk, VA

Application Process

Job Open Date 08/29/2025 | Application Review Date 10/17/2025 | Open Until Filled Yes

Interested candidates must apply at and attach the following with their online application:

• A letter of application addressing interest in and qualifications
• A current curriculum vitae
• A statement of scholarly interests and accomplishments
• A statement of teaching philosophy and approaches
• Unofficial graduate transcripts
• Names, email addresses and telephone numbers of three references from academic and professional sources

Interested applicants may also contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Ryan McCann, for further information. The positions will remain open until filled.

Equity, Disability, and Pay Transparency

Equity Statement | Reasonable Accommodation Request: If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at (757)683-3141.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to compensation information in the course of their job functions cannot disclose such information to individuals who do not have access, except as permitted by law or policy.

About the College

Old Dominion University is a residential, research-extensive public institution with about 25,000 students (approximately 6,000 graduate students). The university is a minority-serving institution with diverse faculty, students from minority backgrounds, and international students. The primary campus is in Norfolk, VA, within the Hampton Roads region.