Instructor, Physical Therapy Assistant

Inside Higher Ed; Rancho Cucamonga (CA); On-site; USD 91,216 - 132,571; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Retirement coverage through STRS

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A community college in California is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant Program Instructor. This role requires a Master's degree, active license, and strong clinical experience. Successful candidates will contribute to an equitable learning environment, demonstrating cultural competence. The college values diversity and the ability to connect with various student backgrounds. Responsibilities include developing inclusive curricula and providing effective instruction in different formats. This full-time position offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of post-licensure clinical experience in physical therapy.
• Two years of experience as a Clinical Instructor or Site Coordinator.
• Sensitivity and understanding of diverse backgrounds in a community college environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction in accordance with course outlines and district standards.
• Develop and maintain culturally-sensitive learning environments.
• Participate in curriculum design and community outreach.

Skills

Cultural competence

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Empathy

Education

Master's degree or higher in physical therapy

Active Physical Therapist or Assistant License

Job description

Overview

Chaffey College

Salary: $91,216.00 - $132,571.00 Annually
Job Type: Faculty
Job Number: 25-26/00085
Location: Fontana, CA
Department: Health and Wellness Academic & Career Community
Closing: 3/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Position Description

MUST POSSESS ABILITY TO SERVE AS CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF THE PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM

Chaffey College is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. We are particularly interested in faculty who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve; the benefits of equity, diversity, and inclusion in a professional and educational setting; and the value of bringing people together, empowering diverse voices, and supporting a sense of belonging. Situated on the ancestral homeland of the Tongva Peoples, Chaffey College is one of the oldest community colleges in California and serves a variety of communities, workforce partners, and students. We commit ourselves to remaining on the front edge of transformational practices, which requires a continuous investment in faculty and their growth. We depend on faculty to co-design and lead the implementation of initiatives that positively impact students and advance the completion of their goals. Further, we remain closely tied to our community and are seeking faculty who will join us in our quest to provide responsive and supportive programming to engage and improve the communities we serve. The entire campus community aspires to consistently fulfill the vision that Chaffey College improves lives through education. Chaffey College is seeking faculty who will join in the fulfillment of our vision through commitment to continuous improvement and student achievement for all. Chaffey College celebrates the diverse communities we serve. As a federally recognized Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Chaffey's student population includes over 64% identifying as Latinx, 13% White, 7% African-American/Black, 6% Asian, multi-racial/other (5%) and smaller percentages of Filipino and Pacific Islanders (2%), Native American (0.40%), or decline to state (2.6%). Furthermore, 40% of our students are first-generation college students, and approximately 62% of students are eligible for some form of financial aid. The current student population identifies as 59% female and 38% male with smaller percentages who either decline to state or identify as non-binary. Approximately 5% of Chaffey's students utilize Disabled Programs and Services for support. To support the diverse needs of these populations and their intersections, the College has developed a variety of robust equity-driven efforts in and out of the classroom including the Center for Culture and Social Justice, Panther Care, Rising Scholars, Success Centers, Guiding Panthers to Success (GPS) Centers, and Bringing Light to Ourselves and Others Through Multiculturalism (BLOOM) training. Given the differences in the students' backgrounds and life experiences, faculty must be poised to provide culturally-responsive instruction and support for all of our students' needs and goals. We strive to continuously enlarge and improve our efforts to advance student success. As a result, new faculty are currently being sought to contribute to the continuous transformation of the College.

Responsibilities

• In addition to the professional responsibilities identified under 18.2.3 of the faculty agreement, this assignment includes (but is not limited to) the following:
• Provide instruction in a manner consistent with the District's standards and in accordance with the approved course outlines of record;
• Effectively develop and maintain culturally-sensitive and equity-minded learning environments;
• Beyond the learning environment, demonstrate cultural competence, sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff as these factors relate to the need for equity minded practice;
• Provide a safe and positive educational environment conducive to effective learning;
• Provide instruction and student support in a variety of formats and deliveries such as online, in-person, hybrid, hyflex, fast-track, accelerated, etc.;
• Maintain current knowledge in the discipline and engage in innovative methods of effective in-person and online education;
• Maintain professional and ethical standards;
• Consistently use effective educational techniques to promote learning and achievement;
• Participate in department and community meetings, engage in college meetings and committee work, curriculum and program design and development, development and assessment of student learning outcomes, community outreach, development of complementary instructional activities for use in the Success Centers, department website development, student advisement, program review, and other duties necessary for the benefit of the students, the college, the community, and the profession;
• Positively engage students, promote development of critical thinking skills, collaboration, and empathy;
• Participate in activities such as professional development, seminars, mentoring, club advising, committees, academic senate, as well as engagement in department, and academic and career communities; and
• Day, evening, and/or weekend assignments at any of the College campuses may be a part of the regular contract.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree from an accredited institution AND six (6) years of related experience; OR
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND two (2) years of related experience; OR
• Possession of a valid California Community College credential authorizing service as an instructor in Physical Therapy Assisting; OR
• The equivalent (equivalency questions are included in the Faculty Application for Employment); AND
• Demonstrated evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds in a community college environment.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Active, unencumbered Physical Therapist (PT) or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license in any U.S. jurisdiction, in compliance with the California practice act.
• Master's degree or higher in physical therapy, health sciences, education, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of full-time (or equivalent) post-licensure clinical experience, including at least three (3) years of direct patient care.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Clinical Instructor (CI) and/or Site Coordinator of Clinical Education (SCCE) or in teaching, curriculum development, and administration within a PTA education program.
• Strong communication, organizational, and professional judgment skills appropriate for academic and clinical education leadership.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years of recent teaching experience in a related discipline;
• Teaching experience in a variety of formats and deliveries such as online, in-person, hybrid, hyflex, fast-track, accelerated, etc.;
• Evidence of commitment to practicing culturally-responsive instruction, providing students with a plurality of perspectives, engaging in holistic, equity-based efforts;
• Evidence of commitment to supporting students on all academic pathways/journeys;
• Evidence of successful experience with the student populations included in the Chaffey College Equity Plan;
• Experience using ZTC/OER materials and/or a willingness to do so;
• Prior experience as a Director of Clinical Education, ACCE, SCCE, or core faculty member in a CAPTE-accredited PTA or PT program;
• Professional development in educational theory, instructional design, student evaluation, and outcomes assessment;
• Experience with CAPTE accreditation standards, clinical education compliance, and academic program administration;
• Interest in academic leadership and advancement, including potential progression to Program Director.

Additional Information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Based upon the minimum and/or desirable qualifications stated in this position announcement, the initial salary placement range is $91,216 (minimum qualifications) to $132,571 (doctorate) (Fall 2025 salary schedule). Placement is based on the regular full-time faculty salary schedule and is dependent upon verification of relevant experience and coursework from a regional or nationally accredited institution of higher learning.

Being able and ready to work onsite at a Chaffey facility or location is an essential function of this job. Being able and ready to work in-person with Chaffey students, Chaffey employees, or other members of the Chaffey community/Chaffey partners/Chaffey contractors is an essential function of this job.

Exceptional Benefits Package

Health care, dental program, and vision services for employees and eligible dependents; employee life insurance; sick leave; and retirement coverage through the State Teachers' Retirement System (STRS).

Application Process

Chaffey College utilizes an online electronic application system. The application package must include an online district employment application, filled out in detail and clearly reflect that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications as set forth in the position announcement. In addition, the following documents must be uploaded and included with the online application submission:

• Cover Letter (State briefly how the applicant meets the qualifications)
• Resume (should not exceed five pages)
• Professional Reference List (Include names, current addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses)
• Copy of Transcripts (Transcripts must indicate degree earned/conferred - photocopies or computer printouts are acceptable. Transcripts of all degrees applicable to meeting the minimum qualifications for this position must be included. Copies of diplomas/degrees are NOT acceptable in lieu of transcripts. Official sealed transcripts will be required upon hire.)
• Supplemental Attachments (Please upload copies of licenses and certifications by clicking on "Add supplemental attachment.")
• Requests for Equivalency (If you are requesting equivalency of the stated minimum qualifications for the position, please click here for Faculty Equivalency Information and carefully review the instructions. Upload the requested equivalency materials as supplemental/other. Equivalency requests submitted without the required materials may result in your application being marked incomplete.)

Please do not include any additional documents other than the documents indicated above. If you upload documents that are not required, your application may be disqualified. Please do not submit letters of recommendation or documents that contain your photograph.

International transcripts must be transcribed and evaluated in English by a bona fide evaluation service. Educational requirements must be met on or before the closing date.

Completed application and related materials must be submitted no later than the application deadline indicated at the top of this announcement. Failure to submit all required application materials may result in the applicant not being considered for the position.

Submission of application and related materials is the applicant's responsibility. The District reserves the right to re-advertise the position or to delay indefinitely the employment of a person for a position if it is deemed that applicants for the position do not constitute an adequate applicant pool.

Applicants should promptly notify the Office of Human Resources of any change of address and/or phone number. All application materials are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge from employment.

The Selection Process

A screening committee will conduct all minimum qualification appraisals as set forth on the announcement and reserves the right to limit the number of interviews granted. Meeting the minimum qualifications for a position does not assure the applicant an interview. Applicants selected for an interview will be notified of the time and place of the interview. Interviews are usually held on the Chaffey College campus or in an online format and are conducted by an Interview Committee. Additional interviews may be required. Reasonable accommodations are provided to persons with disabilities. Should an applicant have a need for an accommodation due to a disability, the applicant should contact the Office of Human Resources. Travel costs related to an interview are borne by the applicant.

About The College

The College established in 1883, Chaffey College is one of California's first colleges. Its campuses in Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana and Chino serve students from the Inland Empire. A fully accredited two-year institution by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Chaffey College offers associate degrees and vocational and transfer programs. Chaffey College remains committed to its mission of improving the lives of its students, faculty, and staff through education.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/chaffey/jobs/5197233/instructor-physical-therapy-assistant