Clinical Assistant Professor - Physical Therapy

The School of Rehabilitation and Performance Sciences in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Northern Illinois University invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, Clinical Assistant Professor in Physical Therapy. This Clinical Assistant Professor will serve as clinical education faculty as defined by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) at Northern Illinois University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

NIU is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University-High Research Activity located in DeKalb, IL. The main campus is in DeKalb, which is a diverse and growing community, 65 miles west of Chicago’s “Loop” and 40 miles southeast of Rockford, with education centers in Rockford and Naperville. DeKalb County, with a population of about 100,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands, as evidenced by it being the site of the first manufacturing of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn.

NIU faculty and students live in communities throughout Northern Illinois, including the western Chicago suburbs, city of Rockford, and small towns within driving distance from the university. The recently revitalized downtown city of DeKalb offers shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Business investment is evident in DeKalb’s Chicago West Business Center, whose residents include companies such as Facebook/Meta, Ferrara Candy, and Kraft/Heinz.

This is a full-time, twelve-month, non-tenure-track Clinical Assistant Professor position. The faculty member is responsible for all aspects of educating entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy students through direct patient care at the Northern Illinois University Physical Therapy Clinic and classroom instruction. We seek a faculty member who demonstrates a commitment to NIU’s mission by supporting access to high-quality education and engaging students in evidence-based inquiry and community-based learning experiences.

• Academic or clinical doctorate or master’s degree with Clinical Certification
• Licensed physical therapist in Illinois
• Clinical practice in physical therapy for a minimum of 3 years or equivalent experience
• Experience as a Clinical Instructor for a DPT student

• Proficiency in instructional and computer technology in course delivery, supervision, and mentorship of students in clinical settings
• Knowledge of academic assessment and accreditation processes
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, patients, and clinical partners

• Academic or clinical teaching experience in higher education settings
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness and course development in areas or clinical experience within the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, with a focus on integrating real-world clinical experience into the academic curriculum
• ABPTS Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialty
• History of engagement and service to the physical therapy profession at the local, state, and/or national level