POSITION SUMMARY:
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Instructor is responsible for providing high-quality instruction, student advising, curriculum development, assessment, and program support within the Physical Therapist Assistant program. The instructor prepares students for successful careers as physical therapist assistants through classroom, laboratory, and clinical education while maintaining compliance with institutional and accreditation standards. This position collaborates with faculty, staff, clinical partners, and administration to promote student success and continuous program improvement.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide high-quality classroom, laboratory, simulation, and clinical instruction using evidence-based educational practices.
• Develop, update, and maintain course syllabi, instructional materials, learning activities, and course assessments.
• Evaluate student learning and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades, and student progress.
• Advise and mentor students regarding academic progress, professional behaviors, and career opportunities.
• Foster a supportive learning environment that promotes student engagement and success.
• Model professional behaviors expected within the physical therapy profession.
• Participate in student recruitment, retention, and graduation initiatives.
• Collaborate with faculty to develop, review, revise, and assess curriculum to ensure alignment with industry standards and accreditation requirements.
• Assist in collecting and analyzing student learning outcomes and program assessment data.
• Participate in program review, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Support preparation of reports and documentation required for institutional effectiveness and accreditation.
• Assist in maintaining instructional laboratories and equipment to ensure a safe learning environment.
• Maintain familiarity with current clinical practice and integrate contemporary professional standards into instruction.
• Maintain current South Dakota physical therapy licensure.
• Participate in continuing education to remain current in clinical practice, instructional methodology, and educational technology.
• Participate in professional organizations and activities that support instructional excellence and the physical therapy profession.
• Maintain teaching credentials and professional development consistent with institutional expectations.
• Participate in college committees, faculty meetings, commencement, recruitment activities, advisory committee meetings, and other institutional events.
• Collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, administration, and clinical education partners.
• Support the mission, vision, values, and strategic initiatives of Lake Area Technical College.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support student success and institutional effectiveness.

 

REPORTS TO: PTA Program Director, Dean of Academics, Vice President

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program.
• Minimum of five (5) years of post-licensure experience, including at least three (3) years of full-time clinical practice.
• Master's degree or higher.
• Clinical experience working within the physical therapist/physical therapist assistant relationship.
• Experience in classroom, laboratory, or clinical instruction.
• Contemporary knowledge of neurologic, cardiopulmonary, integumentary, and lymphatic physical therapy.
• Strong communication, organization, interpersonal, and student mentoring skills.
• Current knowledge of physical therapy instructional technology and educational software.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively within a collaborative team environment.
• Current member of or eligible for membership in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the APTA Academy of Education.
• Ability to teach both didactic and laboratory courses as assigned.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an affinity for working with students, faculty, clinical partners, and colleagues.
• Previous teaching experience in a post-secondary environment (on-campus and/or online) a plus.
• Professional development in educational theory, instructional design, student evaluation, and outcomes assessment.
• Bilingual a plus.

 

SALARY:
$46,853.40 - $62,904.48

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
186-day contract. Salary and benefits set by the Watertown Board of Education in accordance with the state postsecondary technical instructor salary formula.

Competitive benefits package including health, dental, generous leave policy, and South Dakota Retirement System eligibility through the Watertown School District.