Assistant Professor / Clinical Instructor

Position Information

Working Title Assistant Professor / Clinical Instructor Department Org 346000 - Physical Therapy Why should you work at UCA?

We are excited that you are considering joining the UCA Family—the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make the University of Central Arkansas a great place to work!

At the University of Central Arkansas, we value our employees striving to maintain a work-life balance. We realize that this affects the overall well- being of employees, while learning to prioritize challenging work and the ability to make a difference. Resources are available supporting professional and personal development through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Academic Leadership and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. The benefits package allows you to customize your benefits to meet your current needs, and the ability to adjust them as your priorities change. This includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, 80% tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, and a retirement program with university contributions of 10% of employee salary. Also available are health and wellness incentives, as well as access to sports and cultural activities on campus for the family, free gym membership (HPER) and equipment rentals.

Position Summary

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.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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.

Skills Considered Essential for Success

-Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education. -Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures. -Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment. -Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team. -Ability to make sound judgments. -Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities. -Civility in all interactions. -Demonstrate effective follow-up.

Required Education and/or Experience

TThe 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.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

Background in implementation of experiential learning and interprofessional education is considered an asset.

License(s)/Certifications (Required or Preferred)

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.

University, Campus, and Community Description

Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas. 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.

Desired start date 08/16/2023

Posting Detail Information

Background Check Statement

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

UCA EEO Statement

The University of Central Arkansas is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution dedicated to attracting and supporting a diverse student, faculty and staff population through enhanced multicultural learning environments and opportunities. In keeping with its nondiscrimination policy in employment, admissions and other functions and programs, the university considers employees and students on the basis of individual merit and will not discriminate against a person on the basis of gender, race or color, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, familial status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs, intellectual perspective, genetic information, military status, or other factors irrelevant to participation in its programs.

Open Date 02/13/2023 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

The University of Central Arkansas is recruiting a full-time faculty member to join our dynamic, student-focused Department of Physical Therapy. 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 Department of Physical Therapy is housed within the UCA College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of athletic training, exercise science, health sciences, nursing, nutrition & family sciences, occupational therapy, psychology & counseling, and speech-language pathology. 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.

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 three universities and is located in central Arkansas, with easy and convenient access 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.

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