Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Physical Therapy

Job Title

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor Tenure-Track of Physical Therapy

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Physical Therapy Program

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Assistant/Associate/Full Professor Tenure-Track of Physical Therapy in the College of Health & Clinical Professions. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

________________________________________________________________________

Important Immigration Information:

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee. 

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate. 

________________________________________________________________________

At Tarleton State University Division of Health Sciences, we are committed to educating individuals who will become competent leaders dedicated to advancing wellness in the communities they serve. As we embark on the development of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, we invite applications for core faculty at the Assistant/Associate/Full Professor Tenure-Track of Physical Therapy. Applicants who are board-certified clinical specialists in orthopedics, neurologic, or cardiovascular pulmonary physical therapy will be prioritized.

Reporting to the Director of the Physical Therapy Program, faculty members will teach courses and content within their areas of expertise, and build and maintain authentic, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and demonstrate a well-defined scholarly agenda through active engagement in scholarship and dissemination of scholarly work that contributes to the profession. The successful candidate will actively engage in mentoring and guiding doctoral students through their academic and research endeavors, fostering a supportive and enriching environment within our DPT program. Service expectations include participating in program, departmental and university-wide committees, and other appropriate activities related to the profession, academic discipline, or community.

This is a 12-month faculty appointment based on Tarleton’s main campus in Stephenville, TX. Work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work and teaching requirements indicate. This position will be 100% administrative until the first cohort matriculates. May be assigned to teach at various campus locations or through approved instructional modalities, as determined by the institution based on operational needs. Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

100% Administration – Prior to Student Matriculation:

• Contribute to the overall development, implementation, assessment, and success of the DPT program and ensure that the Tarleton State University Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum challenges students while facilitating their professional development.

• The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching and mentoring doctoral healthcare students.

• Provide high-quality course instruction that aligns with the candidate's qualifications and program needs.

• Evaluate student performance, and in cooperation with other faculty, determine student readiness to progress within the curriculum.

• Attend professional development opportunities to maintain knowledge of current trends, issues, and best practices in clinical practice and physical therapist education.

• Serve on Tarleton State University Doctor of Physical Therapy program committees and/or other committees within the institution.

• Demonstrate commitment to excellence in Physical Therapy education, scholarly activities (maintain research agenda), and leadership in rural health disparities.  

• Adhere to the Core Values and Ethics of the Physical Therapy Profession.

• Must take an active role in accreditation-related tasks and other institutional service activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Upon Student Matriculation:

60% Teaching and Service:  

• Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students, which may include general education core curriculum. 

• Develop course syllabi, select instructional materials, and design assessments such as exams, quizzes, papers, etc. 

• Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate student learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements. 

• Engage students in active learning, foster critical thinking skills, and provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning. 

• Provide academic support and guidance to students through office hours, feedback on assignments, and mentoring. 

• Adhere to university policies, academic integrity standards, and accreditation requirements related to teaching responsibilities. 

• Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.  

• Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current in the field, improve teaching skills, and explore new instructional strategies.  

• Collaborate with colleagues, departmental faculty, and university staff to coordinate course offerings, share resources, and contribute to program development and improvement. 

• Participate in institutional service roles including but not limited to, college committees, advisory committees, student/faculty recruitment, and mentoring of new and part-time faculty. 

40% Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity:  

• Maintain an active agenda for research, scholarship, or creative activity appropriate to the applicant’s academic discipline.  

• Make original contributions to the advancement of knowledge/creative expression in the applicant’s discipline through scholarly publication, presentation, or exhibition. 

• Demonstrate potential for external funding, national impact, or professional recognition. 

Required Education and Experience:

• A terminal academic degree (PhD, EdD, ScD, etc.) in a related field or current enrollment in a post-professional degree program.

• Candidates who are physical therapists must have an earned doctoral degree in Physical Therapy.

• Unrestricted license (or eligibility for licensure) as a Physical Therapist in Texas if a physical therapist.

• 3 years of clinical experience; however, an individual with less than 3 years of experience with outstanding academic performance (e.g., enrolled in Ph.D. or similar degrees) or clinical achievement (e.g., board-certified) will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous teaching experience for a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist education program.

• Board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialization (Orthopedics, Neurology, or Cardiovascular and Pulmonary).

• Experience in professional presentations or publications.

• History of extramural grant funding.

• History of social responsibility, investing in local, regional, and global health, and addressing contemporary societal needs through advocacy.

• Active engagement in the physical therapy profession.

• Knowledge of competency-based physical therapist education.

Academic Rank:

• Rank will be determined by reviewing the faculty member’s record of years of experience and professional achievements in teaching, service, and research consistent with the Texas A&M system guidance.

  • Must have a distinguished record that warrants a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.

  • Tenure upon arrival will be granted pending approval from The Texas A&M University System.

  • Credit towards tenure will be assessed and offered at hire.

In addition to possessing the qualifications listed above, ideal candidates will demonstrate the following qualities:

• A deep commitment to student success and a genuine passion for teaching.

• A strong commitment to ethical practices in physical therapist education.

• High levels of empathy and emotional intelligence enabling you to understand and support students effectively through the challenges of physical therapist education.

• Enthusiasm for physical therapist education and a dedication to helping students excel.

• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving, and mentoring skills.

• Promotes a culture of collegiality, collaboration, and positive role modeling.

***Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience***  

Application Procedure: 

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents, and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via the "Submit" action. 

Employment applications must include (required): 

• Completed online application 

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications  

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume 

• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information 

• Unofficial transcripts 

• Applicants with degrees earned outside the United States must submit transcripts translated into English, along with an official credential evaluation from a recognized service. 

• Philosophy Statement related to Teaching, and Research – no more than 1500 words.  

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  "See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date Spring/Fall 2026. 

Official transcripts must be received directly from each degree‐granting institution prior to a letter of appointment being issued. 

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.