LATC - Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director

Lake Area Technical College; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake Area Technical College is seeking a full-time Physical Therapist Program Director to oversee program direction, manage finances, and ensure accreditation compliance. The ideal candidate must have a master's degree and a valid PT license with at least five years of clinical experience. Responsibilities include supervising faculty, implementing program policies, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. This role is vital for fostering a supportive educational environment for students and faculty alike.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited physical therapist program.
• Active, unencumbered PT or PTA license in South Dakota.
• Minimum of 5 years post-licensure experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage program finances and maintain accreditation.
• Supervise program instructors and clinical education coordinator.
• Develop and implement program policies in accordance with standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Counseling skills

Independent thinking

Education

Master's degree

Physical therapist licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction

Job description

Applications will be accepted beginning Tuesday, April 21, 2026 12:00 AM (Central Standard Time)

LATC - Physical Therapist Program Director

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION OVERVIEW

The program director holds a full‑time instructional position and has administrative and academic duties. This individual is responsible for academic instruction and supervision of the Coordinator of Clinical Education (CCE) and other program instructors, management of the finances, maintenance of accreditation, marketing & recruitment, and management of the program within the guidelines of LATC policy.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A physical therapist who has graduated from an accredited program.
• Holds an active, unencumbered PT or PTA license/certification in any U.S. jurisdiction and in compliance with the state practice act in the jurisdiction of South Dakota.
• Minimum of 5 years or equivalent, full‑time post‑licensure experience that includes a minimum of 3 years or equivalent of full‑time clinical experience.
• Minimum of a master’s degree.
• Clinical experience with the physical therapist/physical therapist assistant relationship.
• Experience in the classroom, lab, or clinical teaching experience.
• Experience in administration, management, and leadership.
• Preferred professional development in educational theory and methodology, instructional design, student evaluation and outcome assessment, or the ability to obtain 60 contact hours of professional development in all four areas.
• Contemporary knowledge in the practice areas of neurologic physical therapy, cardiopulmonary physical therapy, and integumentary and lymphatic physical therapy.
• Strong communication, organization, interpersonal, and counseling skills.
• Current knowledge of information technology.
• Independent thinker.
• Current member or eligible for membership in the American Physical Therapy Association and the APTA Academy of Education.
• Prior on‑campus and online teaching experience in a post‑secondary environment preferred.
• Ability to be flexible in course assignments.
• Excellent people skills and an affinity for working with young adults and coworkers in a team environment to support students.

REPORTS TO

Dean of Academics, Vice President of Lake Area Technical College

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain fiscal responsibility by assessing the needs of the program, preparing a budget, expending funds, and making recommendations to the administration.
• Develop and implement policy and procedures within the department in accordance with LATC policy, federal & state laws, and accreditation standards.
• Select, employ, supervise, and evaluate qualified program faculty.
• Develop, implement, and conduct ongoing evaluation of the program (curriculum, staff, policy & procedures, graduates, clinical sites, physical resources) which will meet or exceed program guidelines established by the accrediting agencies.
• Recruit, evaluate, and select qualified students.
• Establish an equitable student selection process.
• Collect and maintain statistical records and data for the program as well as for specific outside research requests (CAPTE, SD Dept of Education/Board of Technical Education).
• Establish and coordinate an Advisory Committee.
• Secure and maintain safe laboratory equipment, including providing an annual biomedical equipment check and maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Maintain the program to be compliant with the evaluative criteria for accreditation and expend funds as necessary, including but not limited to:
  • Maintenance of accurate information on the program website about accreditation.
  • Timely submission of required fees and documentation.
  • Following the policies and procedures of CAPTE.
  • Timely notification of expected or unexpected substantive changes.
  • Coming into compliance with accreditation standards and required elements within 2 years of being deemed out of compliance.
• Perform instructional duties in designated classes and labs while utilizing contemporary educational methodologies.
• Advise students regarding the PTA program and curriculum.
• Act as a facilitator for communication between the students, staff, program, advisory board, administration, and other interested parties.
• Develop and implement student guidelines for performance and behavior, as well as model these behaviors.
• Maintain professional licensure as well as engage in appropriate professional education.
• Maintain teaching certification, as well as show progress in the professional development plan.
• Participate in national and state physical therapy associations and related activities.
• Serve on committees with goals consistent with those of the department and as designated by LATC administration as being relevant to the program and/or institution.
• Evaluated by the Dean of Academics, Academic staff, and students enrolled in the program.
• Delegates duties to the Instructional staff, Administrative Staff, and Work‑study staff.

CV SUBMITTED

In support of this element must at a minimum include:

• Full‑time work experience and/or part‑time or PRN work.
• Position.
• Employer.
• Dates worked with annotations for a break in service of longer than 30 days.
• Average number of hours worked per day or week (for all part‑time/PRN work).

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary and benefits set by the Watertown School Board. 206‑day contract starting Fall 2026 (August). Compensation set by the Watertown School Board in accordance with the state postsecondary technical instructor salary formula.

200 9th St NE
PO Box 730
605-882-6312
605-882-6327