Faculty Position

The University of Central Arkansas is recruiting a full-time faculty member to join our dynamic, student-focused Department of Physical Therapy to begin August of 2023.  Application available here.  Dr. Kevin Garrison, Chair of the Department, will be attending CSM San Diego from February 21-24 and is willing to schedule an appointment with prospective applicants. Email: kgarrison@uca.edu 

The University of Central Arkansas clinical instructor or assistant professor is a core faculty member who engages in teaching, research and service in the Department of Physical Therapy, which offers the DPT and PhD degrees and a pediatric residency program. This position is a 9-month tenure or non-tenure track appointment with a summer option. Rank and salary are commensurate with candidate education and experience.

Teaching responsibilities include DPT-level course content commensurate with education and experience. Knowledge and expertise in areas such as spinal cord injury, amputation, inpatient care, medical screening, and differential diagnosis in physical therapy would be assets. The ability to mentor students in research would also be a strength.

Proficiency is expected in effective teaching, scholarly productivity, and university/community service or the substantiated potential for developing in these areas. UCA’s Center for Excellence in Teaching & Academic Leadership (CETAL) offers opportunities for faculty to participate in interprofessional pedagogy and other evidence-based practices in instruction.

Numerous opportunities exist for collaborative research and clinical teaching within the department, college, and at area institutions. We value teamwork and the ability to effectively gather, analyze, synthesize, and present information to audiences in meaningful and engaging ways. We welcome and value applicants with diverse experiences and professional backgrounds and encourage those candidates to apply for this opportunity.

The assistant professor rank requires a terminal academic degree in physical therapy, rehabilitation science, or a related field.  Candidates without the terminal academic degree may be considered for a non-tenure-track appointment at the rank of clinical instructor. Candidates are required to have experience in teaching or to demonstrate the willingness to become proficient in course preparation, course delivery, and student assessment.

Background in implementation of experiential learning and interprofessional education is considered an asset. Faculty candidates must be licensed or eligible for physical therapist licensure in Arkansas. ABPTS Board Certification or other advanced certification in a related field will be considered an asset.

The UCA Department of Physical Therapy has a long and rich history of educating ethical, caring, compassionate, and highly skilled physical therapists. Students have a choice of various career pathways and educational opportunities including the DPT program, a PhD in PT program, and a Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency.

The Interprofessional education is an integral component of student learning experiences, where physical therapist students engage in a myriad of activities with other students pursuing a degree in a health-related field.

The Integrated Health Science Building is a recently built 80,000 square-foot facility dedicated to interprofessional educational opportunities.

This facility houses the Interprofessional Teaching Center and the Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation which provide unique opportunities for students to engage in patient care, community-based wellness programs, and interprofessional collaboration.

Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000, of which more than 15% are graduate students. The university offers more than 90 undergraduate and 60 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines.

The undergraduate student body consistently scores above the national average on the ACT exam. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities. UCA seeks to attract students and employees that are dedicated to building a culture of diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equity.

Employment in the UCA Department of Physical Therapy means being part of a team that values education, research, service, and clinical practice. The DPT faculty is accomplished, friendly, and supportive. UCA is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. We seek candidates with varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.

UCA is located in Conway, Arkansas, a community that is one of the fastest growing cities in the state. Conway is home to Hendrix College, Central Baptist College and the University of Central Arkansas.

Conway is located in central Arkansas with three college campuses and is convenient to a wide variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment.   Arkansas is known as the “Natural State”, with a reputation of having some of the best parks, trails, and outdoor adventures in the nation.