Director, Physical Therapy Program

Maryville University of Saint Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryville University seeks a visionary Program Director for the Physical Therapy Program to lead academic and curriculum leadership, accreditation compliance, and program growth. You will collaborate with college leadership to shape strategic direction and ensure student success.

The role involves overseeing program planning, assessment, and faculty development, while maintaining high standards of excellence and compliance with CAPTE accreditation requirements.

Qualifications

• Doctoral-level credential in physical therapy or related field.
• Minimum six years teaching in higher education.
• Minimum three years as core faculty in CAPTE-accredited program.
• Experience in leadership, curriculum development, and program administration.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Physical Therapy Program.
• Lead curriculum development and alignment with accreditation standards.
• Oversee program assessment, licensure outcomes, and effectiveness metrics.
• Direct accreditation activities and site visit preparation.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, mentor, and evaluate faculty.
• Lead student recruitment, retention, and success initiatives.
• Oversee scheduling, budgeting, and resource management.
• Engage with external partners and professional organizations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Curriculum development

Program administration

Academic leadership

Mentoring faculty

Communication

Education

Academic doctorate degree

Job description

Program Director of Physical Therapy Program

Full-Time Faculty Leadership Position

Lead the Future of Physical Therapy Education

At Maryville University, we power dreams—not just degrees.

As an innovative leader in higher education, Maryville University is committed to preparing healthcare professionals who are ready to transform lives and strengthen communities. The Walker College of Health Professions invites applications for the Program Director of the Physical Therapy Program.

We seek an accomplished educator, leader, and clinician-scholar who is passionate about advancing physical therapy education, supporting faculty excellence, and fostering student success. This leadership position offers the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a growing program while ensuring academic excellence, compliance with accreditation standards, and exceptional student outcomes.

What You’ll Do

Academic & Curriculum Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for the Physical Therapy Program.
• Lead the ongoing review, development, and continuous improvement of curriculum.
• Ensure curriculum aligns with accreditation requirements, industry trends, and best practices in physical therapy education.
• Guide curriculum proposals through university governance processes and maintain accurate program documentation.
• Collaborate with college leadership to support long-term academic planning and program growth.

Program Planning & Assessment

• Lead program assessment efforts and utilize outcomes data to drive continuous improvement.
• Monitor student achievement, licensure outcomes, and program effectiveness metrics.
• Develop and implement strategies that support student success and program excellence.

Accreditation & Compliance

• Serve as the primary liaison to accreditation agencies and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all accreditation standards and reporting requirements.
• Lead accreditation self-studies, site visit preparation, annual reporting, and program review activities.

Faculty Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, mentor, and evaluate full-time and adjunct faculty.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous professional growth.
• Provide leadership in faculty development, performance management, and succession planning.
• Support teaching excellence through observation, coaching, and ongoing feedback.

Student Recruitment, Retention & Success

• Provide leadership for student recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Participate in admissions-related activities and recruitment events.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for program-level academic and professional conduct matters.
• Oversee recommendations regarding admissions, progression, graduation, and academic standing.

Program Operations & Resource Management

• Oversee course scheduling, faculty assignments, and instructional resources.
• Develop annual budget requests and manage program resources effectively.
• Collaborate with university partners to identify grants, donations, contracts, and other external funding opportunities.
• Ensure operational decisions support program priorities and institutional goals.

Internal & External Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with healthcare organizations, clinical partners, professional associations, and alumni.
• Collaborate across the Walker College of Health Professions and the broader university community.
• Represent the program within professional organizations and the physical therapy profession.
• Serve on college and university committees as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• An academic doctorate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum of six years of teaching experience in higher education.
• Minimum of three years of full-time experience as core faculty in a CAPTE-accredited entry-level physical therapist education program.
• Demonstrated experience in academic leadership, curriculum development, and program administration.
• Knowledge of current issues, trends, and accreditation standards within physical therapy education.
• Ability to teach within the Physical Therapy curriculum and area of expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience serving as a Program Director, Associate Program Director, Department Chair, or similar academic leadership role.
• Experience leading accreditation activities, self-studies, and site visits.
• Experience managing budgets, personnel, and strategic initiatives.
• Established professional network within the physical therapy profession.
• Record of scholarship, service, and professional engagement.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership and decision-making
• Faculty mentoring and development
• Accreditation and regulatory compliance
• Curriculum design and assessment
• Budget and resource management
• Relationship building and collaboration
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Why Maryville?

Maryville University is recognized for innovation, student-centered learning, and a commitment to preparing graduates who make meaningful contributions to their professions and communities. As Program Director, you will have the opportunity to influence the next generation of physical therapists while shaping the future of an established and respected academic program. Join a university community dedicated to helping students learn deeply, serve boldly, and lead with heart.