Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

The DPT Program Director (PD) holds a comprehensive leadership position within the division, carrying oversight responsibility for all aspects of the DPT program.

Reporting directly to the Division Director, the DPT Program Director provides executive leadership and supervision to dedicated core program faculty and staff while exemplifying and supporting the Division values of Excellence; Justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (JEDI-B), Community, and Discovery. This role requires an academic strategist capable of managing faculty workloads, ensuring competent student progression, navigating university governance, maintaining fiscal integrity, and driving forward-thinking initiatives.

Accreditation, Governance, & Program Oversight

• Maintain primary accountability and oversight for continuous CAPTE accreditation compliance, self-studies, site visits, progress reports, and annual reporting.

• Lead all internal program communication and governance, including organizing and facilitating regular DPT faculty meetings and annual faculty retreats.
• Represent the DPT program in institutional leadership meetings and serve as the primary program advocate to the state APTA chapter, ACAPT, clinical partners, and professional stakeholders.
• Serve as the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), ensuring alignment with institutional and graduate school policies.

• Provide executive leadership across all standing DPT program committees (e.g., Admissions, Student Affairs, etc.).

Faculty Workload, Supervision, & Professional Development

• Manage DPT faculty workload allocations across core academic, clinical, and tenure-track faculty to ensure equitable and compliant coverage of all program needs.

• Directly supervise and evaluate the Director(s) of Clinical Education to ensure CAPTE quality standards.
• Provide direct supervision, mentoring, annual performance reviews, and promotion guidance for program-dedicated faculty and administrative staff.

• Lead recruitment and hiring processes for academic-track DPT core faculty, collaborating with department leadership on clinical-track and tenure-track appointments.

Curriculum Delivery & Student Outcomes

• Provide executive leadership of the DPT curriculum committee relative to design, evaluation, and evolution of the DPT curriculum, ensuring effective and inclusive delivery by qualified instructional personnel.

• Provide executive leadership and support for the Director of Student Affairs and Student Affairs Committee regarding the establishment, monitoring, and ensuring all DPT-specific academic and professional policies are equitably developed and applied.
• Foster student engagement and student life within the program, including conducting semester-by-semester student cohort meetings.

• Provides strategic direction for optimization of key program outcomes, including student retention, graduation rates, national licensure (NPTE) pass rates, and post-graduation employment.

Strategic Planning, Budget, & Program Expansion

• Provide data-informed budgetary input to the Division Director / Department Head on program resource requirements (cohort sizing, budget allocations for personnel/equipment, and tuition), and manage all DPT operational expenditures within allocated budgets.

• Drive strategic visioning for the program in alignment with department values and goals, including evaluating sustainability and executing long-term growth opportunities such as:
  • A 3+3 program educational model.
  • Hybrid learning pathways or satellite campus expansions.
  • Joint/dual-degree programs (e.g., DPT/ATC, DPT/PA).
  • Clinical residencies, mini-residencies, and fellowships.

  • Undergraduate pathway programs and strategic clinical employment partnerships.

Additionally, the Program Director maintains relationships across the program lifespan from networking to alumni, promoting the program, and collaborating with division leaders while representing the unique interests and needs of the DPT education program.

50-60% of the overall position will be dedicated to Program leadership and development as described above.

30-40% of the role is anticipated to contribute to teaching, mentoring, and professional service.

10-20% of the role will be dedicated to scholarship.

• Academic Credentials:

  • Earned academic doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.Sc., or equivalent terminal research degree) from an accredited institution.
  • Active record of scholarly activity, peer-reviewed publications, and external service.
  • Demonstrated qualifications for appointment as an Academic Track Associate Professor or Professor in the University of Minnesota Medical School.
• Licensure: Holds an active, unencumbered PT license in any United States jurisdiction and is in compliance with the practice act in Minnesota to be eligible for Minnesota licensure.
• Academic & Faculty Experience: Minimum of 6 years of full-time higher education experience, including at least 3 years of full-time core faculty service within a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
• Expertise:
  • Operational understanding of CAPTE accreditation standards and continuous assessment methodology.
  • Documented expertise/experience/professional development in administration, management, and leadership (may be from the clinic).
  • Professional development and/or education in all of the following: educational theory and methodology, instructional design, student evaluation, and outcome assessment.
  • Experience in fiscal management. Experience derived from the clinic is acceptable.

  • Experience or formal training in program evaluation, assessment, and curriculum development.

Leadership Capabilities: Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, demonstrated ability to manage personnel, allocate workloads, and oversee program budgets.

• Professional Membership: Active membership in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

• Demonstrated Commitment: Evidence of commitment to inclusive teaching, student development, and program values of Excellence, JEDI-B, Community, and Discovery..

• Prior experience in administrative leadership for an accredited DPT Program.

• Demonstrated experience navigating complex matrixed supervision (managing shared faculty across tenure, clinical, and academic tracks).

• Proven track record in program innovation (e.g., developing programs).

The Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Minnesota is an academic unit with 21 core faculty lines, numerous associated faculty, and an 85-year history within the School of Medicine. Regarding quality graduates, scientific productivity, and professional leadership, the University of Minnesota upholds a strong national reputation. Degree programs include a DPT and DPT/PhD joint degree. The Division, integrated with the Rehabilitation Science program, also offers a PhD/MS and houses an accredited Geriatric Clinical Residency, as well as collaborations with other advanced physical therapy residencies and fellowships. As a major public research institution, the University of Minnesota has substantial opportunity for collaborative work across the University, in the local community, and with national and international institutions. The University offers substantial resources, including the Center for Educational Innovation, a system-wide resource offering opportunities in curriculum, pedagogy, technologies, educational research, and faculty development to advance effective teaching and engaged learning.

Pay Range: $147,475 faculty salary depending on education/qualifications/experience + $20,000 augmentation for Director role

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

An application must include:

1. A cover letter, including the names and contact information for three references.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. A single document that contains statements of the applicant's teaching philosophy including past experiences and goals.
4. An inclusive excellence statement relevant to their professional role(s), experiences, and commitment to the success of learners.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

For further information, please contact Dawn Lowe, PhD, Search Committee Chair, at lowex017@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).