Physical Therapy Faculty Jobs - Academic Careers & Positions

Explore academic career paths in Physical Therapy within Health Science. Opportunities range from faculty positions at universities to research roles in leading institutions, offering a chance to influence the future of healthcare through education and innovation.

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
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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 RankAvg US Salary (2023)Top Location Example
Assistant Professor$82,000 - $98,000NY ($105k)
Associate Professor$95,000 - $115,000CA ($120k)
Full Professor$110,000 - $145,000MA ($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

Frequently Asked Questions

💼What qualifications are needed for Physical Therapy faculty jobs?

A DPT is essential, plus 3-5 years clinical experience; PhD preferred for research roles. Check faculty jobs and salaries on AcademicJobs.com.

💰How much do Physical Therapy professors earn?

Assistant profs average $90k, full profs $120k+; higher in CA/NY. See trends at professor salaries. Factors include grants and publications.

🎓What should students study for Physical Therapy careers?

Bachelor's in exercise science, then DPT. Rate programs via rate Physical Therapy professors. Explore scholarships for funding.

🔄Are there adjunct Physical Therapy teaching jobs?

Yes, flexible adjunct professor jobs ideal for clinicians. Many at community colleges; check higher ed jobs.

🚀What trends shape Physical Therapy academia?

Telehealth, VR rehab, and sports concussion protocols. Fringe: space PT research. Get career advice from AcademicJobs.com.

📍Where are top Physical Therapy programs located?

USC, Pitt, Emory lead. High demand in California university jobs. Rate faculty at rate my professor.

How to rate Physical Therapy instructors?

Use Rate My Professor for insights on teaching style. Helps students and job seekers network.

📈Is Physical Therapy job growth strong?

Yes, 15% growth per BLS. Academia needs faculty amid shortages. Browse research jobs and lecturer jobs.
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