Doctor of Physical Therapy (Tenure-Track, Assistant/Associate Professor)

Doctor of Physical Therapy (Tenure-Track, Assistant/Associate Professor)

Posting Number: F-0987
College/Unit: The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions
Home Department: Department of Physical Therapy
Employee Group: Tenure-Track Faculty - Academic Year
Employment Status: Full-Time
Position Type: 10 month
Position Classification: Tenure Track Faculty
Position Begin Date: 08/24/2026
Position End Date:

Position Summary:

The Department of Physical Therapy at Central Michigan University invites applications for a full-time, open-rank, tenure-track, 10-month faculty position in our entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program ( DPT ).

We are seeking exceptional educators and scholars who are committed to advancing the physical therapy profession through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based practice. The CMU DPT program fosters a learner-centered environment that prioritizes student success, values diversity and belonging, and promotes interprofessional teamwork. The anticipated start date will be August 2026. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Competitive benefits package is available, and research start-up funds may be available, based on candidate’s scholarly agenda.

New faculty will join the program during an exciting period of growth, including recent investments in state-of-the-art instructional labs for musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation. Faculty research is supported by the Motion Analysis Center, equipped with a 12-camera Vicon motion capture system, AMTI force plates, EMG systems, diagnostic ultrasound, and virtual reality tools. Collaborative opportunities exist across disciplines within the university.

Responsibilities

• Teach doctoral-level physical therapy courses in area(s) of expertise;
• Contribute to the program’s scholarly output through research and publication per CAPTE accrediting standards;
• Participate in service to the department, college, university, and profession, including advising and mentorship of DPT students in academic and research activities;
• Maintain excellence in teaching, research, and service as outlined in the CMU Faculty Agreement and Department of Physical Therapy Bylaws.

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal academic doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DSc, or equivalent); ABD may be considered, provided there is clear and documented evidence of substantial progress toward completion of the degree. First reappointment will be contingent upon degree completion.
• Eligible for Michigan Physical Therapist licensure at time of hire.
• Demonstrated or emerging potential for excellence in teaching and scholarship.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: Musculoskeletal Examination and Interventions; Neuromuscular Examination and Interventions; Motor Control; Biomechanics; Anatomy; Foundational Interventions. Other areas of expertise may be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years full-time clinical experience.
• Commitment to excellence in physical therapy education and scholarship.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in team settings.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists or other residency/fellowship training.
• Academic teaching experience.
• Record of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Active engagement in the physical therapy profession.
• Interest in community engagement through teaching, service, or scholarship.

Message to Applicants:

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.

You must submit an online application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.

Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
About the Department:

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions consists of five academic units (Department of Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, the School of Health Sciences, and the School of Rehabilitation and Medical Science). It offers undergraduate and/or graduate degree programs in athletic training, audiology, communication sciences and disorders, exercise science, environmental health and safety, health administration, physical activity specialist, physical education, physical therapy, physician assistant, public health, school and public health education, speech-language pathology, and sport management, delivered by 100+ faculty/staff. For more information, please visit CMU’s website , the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions website , and the Department of Physical Therapy’s website .

Posting Begins: 09/26/2025
Posting Ends:
Open Until Filled: Yes

About CMU:

Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.

We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master’s, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.

CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.

Central is home to 17 men’s and women’s Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.

CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It’s part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state’s largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.

Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions — Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more — are within easy reach of the city’s central location in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
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CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.

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Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: [email protected]