Director of Clinical Education in Physical Therapy

Moravian College - Bethlehem, PA

Full-time - Senior

Bethlehem, PA

Educational Services

About the position

The School of Rehabilitation Sciences in the College of Health at Moravian University is seeking a Director of Clinical Education in Physical Therapy. This twelve-month position offers a flexible start date, ideally during the Fall 2024 semester. The successful candidate may be appointed in a tenure-track or clinical faculty role, depending on their qualifications and experience. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program, which received its initial accreditation in 2023, is supported by strong administrative backing and consistent enrollment. It is designed to foster an interprofessional education approach, allowing for innovative clinical education opportunities for students. The Director will play a crucial role in overseeing the clinical education component of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This includes managing communication with Site Coordinators of Clinical Education (SCCEs), Clinical Instructors (CIs), and students to monitor progress and assess student performance. The Director will also provide guidance and support to address any issues that arise during clinical education experiences, ensuring that students meet the necessary criteria for successful completion of their clinical learning experiences. In addition to administrative responsibilities, the Director will engage in faculty duties, including teaching clinical education courses and participating in academic program meetings. The role requires collaboration with clinical faculty to promote interprofessional practice and advance student involvement in clinical education. The Director will also be responsible for maintaining compliance with accreditation standards and institutional policies, as well as developing and implementing policies and procedures for clinical education. Moravian University is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals who can contribute to the diversity of the community. The School of Rehabilitation Sciences is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including the newly renovated Sports Medicine Rehabilitation Center, providing an optimal environment for student education and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with and oversee communication with Site Coordinators of Clinical Education (SCCEs), Clinical Instructors (CIs), and students to monitor progress and assess student performance.
• Provide ongoing communication with clinical educators at each clinical education site regarding the academic program's philosophy, curriculum, and policies.
• Guide and support problem-solving discussions with students, CIs, and SCCEs as needed.
• Place, supervise, and communicate with students during clinical education experiences.
• Evaluate clinical education sites through student feedback and site visits, sharing information with academic and clinical faculties.
• Provide feedback to clinical educators based on student evaluations and direct observations.
• Monitor and document student academic performance to ensure successful completion of clinical learning experiences.
• Review and record student evaluations from CIs and determine final grades for clinical education courses.
• Utilize intervention strategies for students who excel or demonstrate difficulties during clinical education experiences.
• Develop remedial experiences for students as necessary, in consultation with faculty and the Program Director.
• Collect and organize information from clinical education sites for curriculum review processes.
• Prepare reports and engage in discussions with faculty regarding student progress in clinical education.
• Keep faculty informed about the clinical education program and changes influenced by accreditation.
• Monitor changes in the health care delivery system and advise relevant parties on potential impacts.
• Develop and administer information and education technology systems supporting clinical education.
• Manage administrative responsibilities consistent with CAPTE and institutional policies.
• Maintain clinical education records for the academic program.
• Facilitate the acquisition of clinical education agreements and ensure compliance with health care practices.
• Develop and implement policies for the clinical education component of the curriculum.
• Establish and maintain clinical education sites to meet educational needs and program outcomes.
• Provide clinical education site development opportunities through evaluation and assessment.
• Collaborate with clinical faculty to promote and provide development opportunities.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited doctor of physical therapy professional program.
• Licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of Pennsylvania.
• Minimum of 3 years experience as a licensed physical therapist.
• Minimum of 2 years of clinical teaching and/or clinical coordination experience.
• Strong communication, organization, interpersonal, problem-solving, and mentoring skills.
• Current knowledge and skill in the use of information and computer technology.
• Knowledge of legislative, regulatory, legal, and practice issues affecting clinical education and the profession of physical therapy.
• Ability to maintain an active scholarly agenda as required by CAPTE.
• Record of scholarship and ongoing/proposed scholarly agenda to meet tenure and promotion requirements (for tenure-track position).
• Ability to initiate, administer, assess, and document clinical education programs.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate work with colleagues and peers.
• Ability to travel as needed for clinical education oversight.

Nice-to-haves

• An academic terminal degree from a regionally accredited body recognized by the US Department of Education.
• Board certification as a clinical specialist from the ABPTS, preferably in a specialty other than Orthopedics.
• Earned status as an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor.
• Prior teaching experience in a physical therapist academic or residency program.
• Experience with syllabus and course development, use of learning management systems, and student support.
• Prior experience with placement of students for clinical education.
• Administrative experience in clinical practice.
• History of peer-reviewed publication and/or professional presentation.
• Experience using clinical education tracking software.