Program Director, Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Education

Position Title
 Program Director, Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program – (Nashville)

Description
At Chattanooga College, Division of Allied Health team members help implement our strategy of “Where a small school can make a BIG difference!”

The Program Director, Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program will provide academic leadership, program development, and instructional oversight to support student success and program accreditation at our Nashville location. This role leads the development and implementation of a new PTA program, ensuring alignment with industry standards, accreditation requirements, and institutional goals. Responsibilities include curriculum development, accreditation preparation, instructional delivery, community engagement, and advisory committee leadership. Ideal candidates must have excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and leadership skills and be able to manage multiple priorities in a developing program environment. 

This is a full-time, instructional position supporting the Division of Allied Health. The role requires significant interaction with students, faculty, staff, and external clinical partners through online instruction, meetings, experiential learning activities, and community outreach. The Program Director is expected to possess extensive knowledge of physical therapy practice, PTA education standards, and accreditation processes. The ability to interpret individual student needs, provide personalized support, and work effectively with individuals who may be stressed or navigating academic challenges is essential.

Employees in this role can expect to advise and support students regarding academic progress, clinical expectations, and professional development, assist with programmatic decision-making, and guide students toward successful completion and workforce readiness. This position requires maintaining confidentiality and accurate records to ensure compliance with accreditation standards, institutional policies, and federal regulations (including FERPA). The role may also support institutional events such as Orientation, Graduation, advisory committee meetings, and outreach activities. A strong commitment to equity, access, and success for diverse and at-risk student populations is essential.

Note: This position supports a developing program. The first year will focus primarily on program development and accreditation preparation and includes an online teaching load. Chattanooga College allows retention of full-time clinical employment as a Physical Therapist Assistant or Physical Therapist during the first year. Upon CAPTE approval, salary will be renegotiated and external commitments re-evaluated for a more robust full-time role with enrolled students. Candidates must be able to travel to Atlanta and Chattanooga for on-site experiential learning once program approval is obtained.

Salary Range
 Commensurate with experience and program development phase

Responsibilities

1. Provides academic leadership and program oversight to PTA students, including regular contact regarding progress and performance.
2. Leads development and implementation of the PTA program in alignment with institutional goals and accreditation standards.
3. Oversees curriculum development, course scheduling, and instructional delivery (online and experiential).
4. Chairs the PTA Program Advisory Committee to ensure program relevance and alignment with workforce needs.
5. Collaborates with healthcare providers and community partners to enhance experiential learning and employment pathways.
6. Educates students on program expectations, professional standards, and institutional policies and resources.
7. Implements technology and educational systems to promote efficiency, access, and student success.
8. Completes required professional development and accreditation-related training annually.
9. Supports division-wide and student services initiatives.
10. Maintains accurate documentation and records in compliance with institutional, accreditation, and federal requirements.
11. Collaborates with colleagues to increase engagement, retention, and completion, especially for at-risk populations.
12. Provides appropriate referrals for personal, social, and/or academic concerns that may impair student success.
13. Upholds confidentiality and complies with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and federal regulations.
14. Assists with planning and coordination of Orientation, Graduation, advisory committee meetings, and outreach activities.
15. Remains current on state and federal guidelines, emerging best practices, and research related to PTA education and practice.
16. Collaborates with Division leadership and institutional administration.

Please note: This job description is not exhaustive, and additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, leadership, communication, and public presentation skills
 • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external partners
 • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in verbal and written formats
 • Knowledge of PTA education, clinical practice, and accreditation processes
 • Ability to use technology to support instruction and program operations, including Microsoft Office, learning management systems, and student information systems

Education & Experience

Education or Training:
 • Master’s degree required

Experience:
 • Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) or Physical Therapist (PT), with clinical experience preferred
 • Teaching experience at the post-secondary level (classroom, lab, or clinical) required
 • Program leadership or management experience preferred (clinical leadership experience acceptable)

Other Requirements

• Current and valid PTA or PT license in Georgia
 • Ability to travel to Atlanta and Chattanooga for on-site experiential learning as required
• Please submit a 2-5 minute video to careers@chattanoogacollege.edu summarizing your experience, interest in the role and why you believe you are the best fit for the role

Applications that do not include the required materials will not be reviewed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Chattanooga College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Chattanooga College encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and is dedicated to providing equal access to employment opportunities.

 NOTE: Position Start Date: August 2026