Vice Chair of Clinical Education

Position Description

Vice Chair of Clinical Education – Department of Physical Therapy

1. Brief statement of duties and responsibilities:

The Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh, which is ranked number 1 in the US News and World Report, is currently recruiting a faculty member who is committed to teaching, scholarship, and service for a full-time, 12-month, appointment stream position to serve as Vice Chair of Clinical Education for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor depending on the applicant’s experience and credentials. The Department is housed in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS), one of the six Schools of Health Sciences.  We offer an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, and post-professional programs leading to a Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences, and dual DPT-PhD in Bioengineering degrees as well as post-graduate certificates.  

For this position, we are seeking an individual with extensive skills and experience in clinical education and administration. Experience in online course development and instruction is also desirable. The applicant will be expected to teach in his/her area of expertise and in the Professional Development and Leadership course sequence. The Vice Chair for Clinical Education will oversee and provide executive-level management for all aspects of clinical education for both the residential and hybrid options of the DPT program including the following:

• Assessment of clinical education priorities and proposal of enhancements to the clinical education structure, including processes for identification, communication, training, and establishing relationships with clinical education sites;
• Establishment of educational priorities and benchmarks for each clinical education experience;
• Supervision, mentorship, and evaluation of Directors of Clinical Education for the residential and hybrid options of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program;
• Supervision and evaluation of an Administrator for Clinical Education;
• Serving as the liaison to clinical partners and our alumni network to build and strengthen clinical education opportunities to enrich student training;
• Identifying, vetting, selecting, and establishing contractual relationships with clinical education sites;
• Identifying, vetting, selecting, training, and evaluating clinical instructors;
• Collaboration with departmental clinical coordinators in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences;
• Participating as a member of the senior leadership team of the Department of Physical Therapy;
• Educating and orienting students, clinical instructors, and other stakeholders to the Clinical Instruction Evaluation Tool as the standardized grading rubric for clinical education;
• Overseeing processes for placement of students in clinical education sites;
• Establishing and administering policies and procedures that govern clinical education of students in the residential and hybrid options of the DPT program that are consistent with requirements and practices of the University, our clinical partners, and the profession;
• Providing an annual report that summarizes the clinical education component of the residential and hybrid DPT programs with clear academic metrics and plans for improvement;
• Ensuring the clinical education experiences for the residential and hybrid options of the DPT program conform to the CAPTE rules and procedures related to clinical education;
• Contributing to the clinical education component to CAPTE accreditation/reaccreditation reports;
• Convening regular meetings of the clinical education community and stakeholders to ensure the best possible integration of didactic and clinical education;
• Overseeing and supporting clinical service-learning opportunities for students in the residential and hybrid options of the DPT program;
• With the support of the Department Finance Administrator and Chair, develop, monitor, and allocate the annual budget to promote excellence in clinical education.

The University is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their teaching, research, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. The applicant is expected to take full advantage of the Department’s strong and long-standing partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which is a world-class academic medical center in Pittsburgh.  Additionally, to support clinically and geographically diverse clinical education experiences for students in the residential and hybrid options of the DPT program, the Vice Chair for Clinical Education is expected to establish and maintain effective relationships and partnerships with our alumni and clinical partners.  The University of Pittsburgh provides extensive resources and opportunities for independent and multi-disciplinary collaborative funded research. Opportunities to participate in research and other scholarly activities are highly encouraged. In addition to duties related to clinical education and administration for the residential and hybrid DPT programs, the applicant will provide service to the University, profession and community.  Our faculty is committed to working in a collegial environment that values scholarship and professional service.

2. Minimum requirements and preferred qualifications:

Requirements for the position:

• DPT or Ph.D. degree in a rehabilitation-related discipline;
• Licensed as a physical therapist or eligible for licensure in Pennsylvania;
• Prior experience as Director of Clinical Education (or equivalent) for an entry-level DPT program; and
• Relevant administrative experience.

Preferred qualifications for the position:

• A minimum of 5 years of clinical education and teaching experience.

3. Rank and/or title; salary range or minimum:

Appointment at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor is anticipated. The academic rank and salary are competitive and will be commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.

4. Tenure/tenure-stream/appointment stream; full/part-time:

This is a full-time 12-month position in the appointment stream.

5. Proposed starting date:

January 1, 2023.

6. Closing date for receipt of applications:

Until the position is filled.

7. Name, address, and telephone number of the person to contact:

Apply at join.pitt.edu, requisition 22007977, where you will upload your cover letter, CV, and three letters of recommendation.

Please direct specific inquiries to Tara Hankin (tarahankin@pitt.edu ), Chair of the Search Committee. Recruitment and review of applications will continue with full consideration until the position is filled.

8. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled:

The University of Pittsburgh requires all Pitt constituents (employees and students) on all campuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. Visit coronavirus.pitt.edu to learn more about this requirement.

Please direct specific inquiries to Tara Hankin (tarahankin@pitt.edu), Chair of the Search Committee. Recruitment and review of applications will continue with full consideration until the position is filled.