"Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Full-Time Tenure Track Faculty"

Job Details

ABOUT US
We are Harper College…the college in your community.

The College was established by referendum in 1965 and opened September 1967. It is named for Dr. William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the first president of the University of Chicago.

Harper College is now one of the nation’s premier community colleges and one of the largest, serving approximately 29,000 students annually in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. The College’s academic programs prepare students for rewarding careers and for transfer to four-year universities. Harper offers associate degree and certification programs, advanced career programs, workforce training, professional development, continuing education classes, accelerated degree options for adults and developmental education programs.

At Harper College, we are committed to fair and equitable compensation for all employees. In compliance with Illinois state law, we prioritize transparency in salary information. Our salary ranges reflect our dedication to attracting and retaining top talent while ensuring equitable pay practices.We encourage open discussions about compensation and invite you to reach out with any questions you may have regarding salary details. Harper College typically offers compensation up to the median market rate for this position. We aim to ensure our pay is competitive while aligning with both the role's requirements and the candidate's experience. To review all benefit information visit us at:
https://www.harpercollege.edu/about/directory/hr/index.php

QUALIFICATIONS
Educational Requirements: Must be a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Physical therapists must hold a Master's Degree in physical therapy, doctorate (DPT) preferred. Physical therapist assistants must hold an Associate's Degree in physical therapist assistant, bachelor's preferred.

Experience Requirements: At least 3 years’ experience as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant including 3 years’ experience in cardiopulmonary/acute/subacute physical therapy practice.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced clinical competency such as fellowship/residency training or ABPTS certification preferred.
• An established record of academic or clinical teaching experience preferred.

Application Review Date: Applications are accepted until the position is filled though priority will be given to applications received on or before December 1st, 2025.

Special Notes:
*You will not be able to complete the application without attaching the following documents:

• Cover letter
• CV/Resume (Does not substitute for completed application)
• Copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts from Regionally accredited institutions
• A one-page single-spaced statement of your teaching philosophy. In your teaching philosophy, please include how you approach classroom management, how you assess students, and how you use instructional technology.

*Official transcripts required upon hire.
*Employment is contingent upon a Criminal Background Check
*Employment Sponsorship is not available
*Harper College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an inclusive learning and working environment where individual differences and identities are respected, valued and embraced. We encourage women, people from historically underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

JOB DESCRIPTION ABOUT THE TEAM
With continuous advancement in patient carer, health care workers with training in the latest technology and best practices are in constant demand. The Harper College Health Careers Division prepares students for a career in a variety of health settings, from hospitals and clinics, to nursing homes and community based organizations.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Physical Therapist Assistant Department invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position, with a background in successful teaching. This is a nine-month appointment with responsibilities consistent with the mission of the PTA program and accreditation standards of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Additional summer course load and responsibilities possible.

Primary responsibilities include teaching 15 contact-hours, including our cardiopulmonary course and maintaining 6 office hours per week for student consultation; maintaining highest possible standards of classroom instruction; applying innovative teaching and learning pedagogies; using physical therapy-related software technologies in the classroom.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program mission is to prepare diverse, active learners to serve their communities by enhancing quality of life as entry-level physical therapist assistants through quality instruction in a supportive environment. The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program has an emphasis on experiential learning, students gain a strong foundation in theory and hands-on training to assist in implementing treatment plans, promote patient safety, improve functional outcomes, and support quality, and cost-effective care across healthcare settings. Instructional technology is integrated throughout the curriculum, including immersive experiences in our state-of-the-art Center for Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation, where students engage in realistic clinical simulation to strengthen critical thinking, teamwork, and patient care skills. Graduates are prepared for opportunities in a wide variety of practice environments, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, home health, and schools. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the A.A.S. PTA degree can be completed in 24 months and includes a curriculum focused on anatomy, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, patient care skills, and clinical education experiences.

The successful candidate will be able to teach a wide variety of courses, including cardiopulmonary physical therapy, to students of diverse backgrounds and varying levels of college readiness using traditional and alternative delivery methods. We encourage interested candidates to familiarize themselves with our course offerings. This position teaches a standard load of fifteen (15) credit hours per semester (30 credits per academic year) physical therapist assistant courses.

Schedule Information: The successful candidate is expected to teach 30 contact hours each year in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. In addition to teaching 30 contact hours per academic year, a full-time faculty member serves on departmental, divisional and institutional committees; holds six office hours per week (some of which must be on campus); and pursues professional development opportunities related to discipline and pedagogy. Evening and weekend instruction or meetings may be required. Instruction may take place face to face, online, blended or flex formats. Most of the PTA courses are in a face to face format.

Weeks per fiscal year: Faculty are covered under a 9-month contract period (August thru May) – We seek a full-time colleague to begin in August 2026. The physical therapist assistant program is a year-round program, additional course load taught during the summer is paid based on our faculty agreement summer pay schedule.

Benefits: Health, Dental, Life & Disability Insurance; Sick and Holiday pay; Personal Business; Educational Assistance: Tuition Waivers at Harper & Professional Expense