Director of Clinical Education – Physical Therapist Assistant; PTA

Director Of Clinical Education

The Director of Clinical Education (DCE) is responsible for the organization, administration, continuous review, planning, development, and overall effectiveness of all clinical education experiences for students enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. The DCE serves as the primary liaison between the College, the Program Director, and affiliated clinical education sites to ensure the quality, consistency, and compliance with accreditation standards of clinical learning experiences.

The DCE reports to the Program Director and holds a faculty appointment consistent with institutional policy and CAPTE requirements. This position is expected to teach up to nine (9) credits per semester in addition to assigned administrative and clinical education coordination responsibilities.

Ability to demonstrate LSSC's core values of Caring, Communicating, Collaborating, and Celebrating when interacting with students, employees, visitors, and community members.

Include, but are not limited to the following:

• Cooperate with the Program Director to ensure that instruction in affiliated clinical education sites is coordinated, consistent with curriculum objectives, and aligned with CAPTE accreditation standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the College, the Program Director, and affiliated clinical education sites, including communication with Center Coordinators of Clinical Education (CCCEs), Clinical Instructors (CIs), and site administrators.
• Develop, organize, and maintain clinical education policies, procedures, and manuals for students and clinical partners, in accordance with institutional policy, CAPTE requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Establish, evaluate, and maintain an adequate number and variety of clinical education sites to support student learning needs across settings, patient populations, and the continuum of care.
• Coordinate student clinical placements, including scheduling, site assignments, and dissemination of clinical education information to students and clinical partners.
• Monitor and evaluate student performance during clinical education experiences, in collaboration with clinical faculty and the Program Director, and maintain performance and proficiency records for all students.
• Provide guidance, support, and intervention as needed to students, Clinical Instructors, and CCCEs to address performance concerns, learning needs, and professional conduct issues.
• Conduct site visits, communications, and evaluations of clinical education sites and clinical faculty to assess quality, appropriateness, and ongoing suitability of learning experiences.
• Develop and coordinate clinical faculty development activities and resources, including orientation materials, in-service education, and communication tools to support effective clinical instruction.
• Ensure that students entering the clinical phase of the program have met all required program and site prerequisites, including but not limited to health requirements, background checks, drug screening, immunizations, liability coverage, and CPR/BLS certification.
• Maintain accurate and current clinical education records, including databases of clinical sites, clinical faculty, student placements, contractual agreements, and site utilization.
• Assist the Program Director in the preparation of accreditation documentation, outcome assessments, and required reports related to clinical education.
• Participate in curriculum development, review, and revision by providing input based on clinical education outcomes, employer feedback, and student performance data.
• Teach didactic and/or clinical education courses as assigned, including preparation of syllabi, assessments, student records, course evaluations, and grade reports in compliance with LSSC policies and master course syllabi.
• Assist the Program Director with program operations, including budget planning related to clinical education, recruitment activities, maintenance of laboratory equipment, ordering of consumable supplies, and student advising.
• Serve on College committees, program advisory committees, and participate in College events such as career days, recruitment activities, and community outreach.
• Maintain current knowledge and professional competence through continuing education, professional development activities, and participation in relevant professional organizations.
• In the absence of the Program Director, assumes delegated duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Demonstrated effectiveness in clinical teaching and mentoring, and in developing, conducting, and coordinating clinical education experiences.

Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice, clinical education principles, and accreditation standards relevant to PTA education.

Ability to meet faculty qualification requirements as defined by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education…