Position Summary
The University of Detroit Mercy is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on May 1, 2027. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status.
The University of Detroit Mercy is seeking a leader to become the Associate Director of our developing entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program. This is a unique opportunity to help lead a transformative program grounded in the Mercy and Jesuit traditions, dedicated to preparing compassionate and competent physical therapists. As the associate director, you will play a pivotal role in working with the department chair to achieve initial accreditation, manage the program, and foster a culture of excellence and innovation. This full-time, tenure-track faculty position offers the chance to make a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the broader community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Accreditation and Quality Improvement
The associate director will collaborate with the founding chair to:
- Lead the Entry-level program accreditation process, ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and accrediting body standards and regulations.
- Develop the program’s budget, curriculum, and admissions processes.
- Oversee the program’s outcome analysis, develop improvement plans, and implement curricular and teaching strategies.
- Collaborate with department chair and faculty to develop, implement, and assess a DPT program strategic plan that aligns with the goals of the Program and University.
Leadership & Administration
The associate director will collaborate with the founding chair to:
- Oversee the DPT program operations
- Oversees student recruitment and admissions, fostering collaborations within the university and with external partners.
- Recommend faculty and staff workload and course schedules.
- Supports and mentor faculty’s teaching, scholarship, and service.
- Works with marketing, university representatives, and Admissions to review enrollment admissions standards and procedures for the DPT program.
- Collaborate with the founding director to effectively allocate and share resources.
Faculty Responsibilities
- Provide exemplary teaching.
- Advise and mentor students.
- Evaluate students’ academic, clinical, and behavioral performances, following University and Program policies.
- Participate in research and scholarship productivity.
- Engage in service to department, college, university, and the community.
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform other faculty duties and administrative duties as assigned by the dean.
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctoral degree in physical therapy (PhD, DSc, EdD, or equivalent) from an accredited institution. Candidates with a DPT plus advance certification, program accreditation, and teaching experience will be considered.
- Current unrestricted license to practice physical therapy or eligibility for licensure in Michigan.
- At least six (6) years of documented experience in physical therapy, including clinical practice.
- At least three (3) years of PT academic teaching experience.
- Experience with CAPTE accreditation processes.
- Administrative experience in program planning, implementation, personnel management, and evaluation.
- A record of scholarship, professional service, and leadership.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in curriculum development and innovation.
Physical Requirements
The job may require lifting lightweight objects (1 to 15 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping.
Work Environment
Regular exposure to a standard office and classroom conditions. Environment subject to change pending semester workload and inclusion/exclusion of clinical site to consideration of environment.
Salary/Pay Information
Commensurate with experience
Anticipated Schedule
TBD
Additional Information
The College of Health Professions (CHP) provides a transformative education grounded in the Mercy and Jesuit traditions. We are committed to preparing compassionate and competent health professionals, who are dedicated to serving and leading while respecting diversity and human differences, valuing social justice, and advocating for equitable healthcare within a global society. UDM is ranked 43rd in the country and 2nd in the state of Michigan by the Wall Street Journal America’s Best Colleges 2025.
The values that guide this work are:
- Learning: We commit to academic excellence that fosters integrity, intellectual rigor, personal development, and student-centered learning in an environment that values reflection and inclusivity.
- Mercy: We commit to heartfelt solidarity with those suffering and in need, and to engage in transformative acts of mercy and justice; love, compassion, forgiveness, caring, and kindness.
- Justice: We commit to confronting oppressive systems as we recognize all persons’ innate dignity and uniqueness reflected in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and the Mercy and Jesuit traditions.
- Service: We commit to selfless service and advocacy in recognizing and responding to the needs of all with a focus on the disadvantaged, underserved, and vulnerable populations.
- Community: We commit to collaborating with others at a local, national, and global level, whose mission is to improve health equity, eliminate health disparities, and enhance health outcomes.
1. The DPT Associate Director reports to the Associate Dean of the SHRS and the Dean of CHP.
2. Rank and salary will be commensurate with experience. The university has excellent benefits, including medical and dental insurance, retirement plan with match and tuition benefits for employees and their dependents.