Unlock Your Future in Physical Therapy: Thriving Academic Careers Await!
Physical Therapy faculty jobs represent a dynamic intersection of clinical expertise, education, and research in higher education. As the U.S. population ages, demand for physical therapists surges, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 15% job growth through 2032—faster than most fields. Academic roles let educators train future DPT professionals while pioneering innovations like robotic-assisted rehab or vestibular therapy for balance disorders. Students eyeing this path start with a bachelor's in kinesiology or biology, then pursue accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs (3 years post-baccalaureate), culminating in the NPTE exam. Top programs at USC, Pitt, and MGH Institute boast 95%+ licensure pass rates. Before enrolling, rate Physical Therapy professors to select inspiring mentors. For job seekers, tenure-track positions, adjunct gigs, and lecturer roles abound in universities with robust rehab sciences departments. Salaries shine, especially in high-cost states. Dive into professor salaries for benchmarks. Fringe quirk: niche programs train PTs for space travel rehab at NASA-partnered schools like University of Houston. Parents and staff, discover prestige and stability. Higher ed career advice abounds. Start your journey: Browse Higher Ed Jobs
Why Pursue Physical Therapy in Academia?
Academia offers prestige, research funding, and work-life balance rare in clinics. Faculty shape policies on telehealth PT, exploding post-COVID. Unique anecdote: At Emory University, PT faculty developed aquatic therapy for pediatric spinal bifida cases, blending fringe hydrodynamics with evidence-based practice. Link patient care to teaching via clinical research jobs. Job seekers, target lecturer jobs for entry.
Student Pathways to Physical Therapy Careers
Aspiring PTs, focus on CAPTE-accredited DPTs; prerequisites include anatomy and physics. Career paths: clinical (median $97k), academia, or admin. Use scholarships for funding. Check SAT scores for undergrad entry. Rate courses via rate my Physical Therapy professor at target schools. Graduates land roles fast—98% employed within 6 months per APTA data.
Key Steps to DPT
- Bachelor's GPA 3.5+
- 1,000+ observation hours
- NPTE pass rate 90%+
Top Physical Therapy Faculty Opportunities
From adjunct to full professor, openings span public unis and privates. High demand in California and Texas due to population booms. Explore adjunct professor jobs, professor jobs, and faculty positions. Quirky locale: Alaska unis seek PT faculty for rural tele-rehab expertise.
Hot Job Types
- DPT Program Director
- Sports PT Lecturer
- Research Asst Prof
Physical Therapy Professor Salaries & Earnings
Earnings vary by rank, location, and institution type. Community colleges pay $70k-$90k; R1 unis top $130k for tenured. Trends: 4% annual raises amid shortages. California PT assoc profs average $115k; Midwest $92k. Detailed data at professor salaries and university salaries. Boost resume with free resume template.
| Academic Rank | Avg US Salary (2023) | Top Location Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $82,000 - $98,000 | NY ($105k) |
| Associate Professor | $95,000 - $115,000 | CA ($120k) |
| Full Professor | $110,000 - $145,000 | MA ($135k) |
Trends and Fringe Opportunities
AI diagnostics and wearable tech redefine PT education. Fringe: equestrian PT at Colorado State, or concussion rehab at military academies. Rate innovative faculty on rate my professor Physical Therapy. Remote options via remote higher ed jobs. Stay ahead with career advice.
Associations for Physical Therapy
World Physiotherapy
An international organization representing over 600,000 physiotherapists worldwide, focused on advancing the profession through global standards, education, and research.
American Physical Therapy Association
A national professional organization dedicated to advancing the physical therapy profession in the United States through advocacy, education, and research.
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
The professional body and trade union for physiotherapists in the United Kingdom, providing support, professional development, and advocacy for its members.
Canadian Physiotherapy Association
A national organization that promotes excellence in physiotherapy practice, education, and research across Canada.
Australian Physiotherapy Association
The peak body representing physiotherapists in Australia, offering professional development, advocacy, and resources to enhance patient care.
Physiotherapy New Zealand
The national membership organization for physiotherapists in New Zealand, focused on supporting professional standards, education, and advocacy.
International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists
A global organization promoting excellence and international standards in orthopaedic manipulative physical therapy through education and research.




