Adjunct Faculty - Part Time Physical Therapy Assistant

Location: Herkimer, NY Category: Faculty Job Type: Part-time Posted On: Tue Aug 18 2026 Job Description:

Position Title: Adjunct Faculty - Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program

Department: Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Division: Business, Health, Science, and Technology

Reports To: PTA Program Director

Position Type: Part-Time, Adjunct Faculty

Appointment: Per course/semester, based on program need

Location: Herkimer County Community College

Position Summary

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Herkimer County Community College seeks qualified adjunct faculty to provide high-quality instruction in didactic, laboratory, and/or clinical education courses within the PTA curriculum.

The Adjunct PTA Faculty member contributes to the preparation of students for entry-level practice as physical therapist assistants by providing instruction grounded in contemporary physical therapy practice, evidence-informed care, professional standards, and the scope of practice of the physical therapist assistant.

The faculty member is responsible for creating and/or delivering effective learning experiences, evaluating student achievement, maintaining current knowledge and skills within assigned teaching areas, and collaborating with the PTA Program Director and faculty to support program and student outcomes.

This position is consistent with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 2024 Standards and Required Elements for PTA Education Programs, particularly Standard 2D3 and Standard 4C, which address the expertise, teaching effectiveness, and evaluation responsibilities of associated faculty.

Essential Responsibilities

Instruction and Course Delivery

• Teach assigned PTA courses in accordance with approved course descriptions, learning outcomes, curriculum requirements, institutional policies, and program expectations.

• Provide instruction in classroom, laboratory, and/or other assigned learning environments.

• Present course content using teaching methods appropriate for adult learners and the level and scope of PTA education.

• Facilitate active, inclusive, student-centered learning experiences.

• Demonstrate and teach psychomotor skills in a manner consistent with current physical therapy practice and the PTA scope of practice.

• Integrate clinical reasoning, safety, communication, professionalism, ethical practice, and evidence-informed practice into instruction.

• Relate theoretical concepts to contemporary clinical practice and patient/client care.

• Maintain appropriate faculty presence and availability for students through scheduled office hours, communication, or other program-approved methods.

Student Assessment and Evaluation

• Develop, administer, and evaluate examinations, quizzes, laboratory practical examinations, assignments, projects, and other assessments as assigned.

• Use valid and reliable assessment methods appropriate to the course and learning outcomes.

• Provide timely, constructive, and substantive feedback to students.

• Document student performance and grades accurately and in accordance with institutional policies.

• Identify students who are experiencing academic or psychomotor difficulties and communicate concerns to the PTA Program Director in a timely manner.

• Participate in remediation activities when assigned.

• Evaluate student achievement of course and laboratory competencies using established program criteria and rubrics.

• Maintain appropriate documentation of student performance and evaluation.

Curriculum and Program Responsibilities

• Follow the approved course syllabus, course objectives, instructional materials, grading policies, and assessment procedures.

• Collaborate with the PTA Program Director and faculty to ensure assigned instruction supports the program's curriculum and expected student outcomes.

• Ensure course materials, instructional activities, examinations, assignments, readings, and learning experiences reflect current knowledge and skills within the assigned teaching area.

• Participate in course and curriculum assessment activities as requested.

• Contribute feedback regarding course content, student achievement, instructional effectiveness, and opportunities for program improvement.

• Participate in faculty meetings, orientation, training, and program activities as appropriate to the appointment.

• Maintain required course records and submit grades and other documentation within established deadlines.

Professional and Clinical Responsibilities

• Maintain contemporary expertise in assigned teaching areas through continuing education, professional development, clinical practice, professional service, evidence-based review, or other appropriate activities.

• Incorporate current professional standards, clinical guidelines, evidence, and best practices into instruction.

• Model appropriate professional behaviors expected of entry-level physical therapist assistants.

• Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to the PTA scope of practice, applicable laws and regulations, ethical standards, institutional policies, and program policies.

• Maintain patient/client confidentiality and comply with applicable privacy and safety requirements.

• Promote a learning environment characterized by respect, professionalism, equity, inclusion, belonging, and academic integrity.

• Participate in professional development related to teaching, student evaluation, instructional strategies, technology, and contemporary physical therapy practice as appropriate.

CAPTE-Aligned Faculty Qualifications

• Candidates must demonstrate contemporary expertise in the teaching area(s) to which they are assigned and effectiveness in teaching and evaluation of student learning, consistent with CAPTE 2024 Standard 4C.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications

• Hold an active, unencumbered PT or PTA license/certification in a United States jurisdiction; and

• The faculty member must meet all applicable New York State requirements governing the practice and professional activities of the individual's license category.

• Appropriate academic preparation and/or professional credentials for the assigned teaching area.

• Demonstrated contemporary expertise in the subject matter to be taught.

• Demonstrated clinical and/or professional experience relevant to assigned course content.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate clinical and academic concepts to PTA students.

• Demonstrated ability or potential to effectively teach and evaluate student learning.

• Ability to work collaboratively with the PTA Program Director and faculty.

• Commitment to student learning, professional development, and contemporary physical therapy practice.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous teaching experience in a PTA, PT, allied health, or health sciences program.

• Previous experience teaching laboratory or psychomotor skills.

• Experience developing or evaluating student assessments.

• Experience using learning management systems and instructional technology.

• Experience incorporating evidence-based practice into clinical instruction.

• Experience with student mentoring, remediation, or academic advising.

• Membership in professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association or relevant specialty organization.

• Specialty certification, residency, fellowship, advanced clinical training, or other education related to the assigned teaching area.

• Evidence of Contemporary Expertise

• Consistent with CAPTE 2024 Standard 4C, evidence of contemporary expertise may include, but is not limited to:

• Academic education or post-professional coursework.

• Continuing education and professional development.

• Clinical expertise and current clinical practice.

• Specialty certification, residency, fellowship, or advanced clinical training.

• Professional consultation or service related to the teaching area.

• Professional presentations or scholarly activity.

• Publications or other professional contributions.

• Independent study and evidence-based review.

• Formal mentoring or professional development.

• Current course materials demonstrating contemporary knowledge and skills.

CAPTE specifically identifies these types of evidence when programs document the contemporary expertise of associated faculty.

Teaching Effectiveness:

• The adjunct faculty member is expected to demonstrate or develop effective teaching practices, including the ability to:

• Clearly communicate course concepts and clinical applications.

• Facilitate student engagement and active learning.

• Demonstrate and teach psychomotor skills safely and effectively.

• Provide appropriate supervision during laboratory activities.

• Use assessment strategies that accurately measure student achievement.

• Provide meaningful feedback that promotes student learning.

• Recognize and respond appropriately to differences in student learning needs.

• Maintain appropriate academic and professional expectations.

• Evaluate student performance objectively and consistently.

• Evidence of teaching effectiveness may include student evaluations, peer evaluations, course evaluations, assessment results, teaching observations, or other program/institutional evaluation processes.

Faculty Evaluation and Development:

• Adjunct faculty will participate in the program's established faculty evaluation process consistent with institutional policies.

Evaluation may include the following:

• Teaching effectiveness.

• Student evaluation and feedback.

• Assessment and grading practices.

• Course organization and preparation.

• Professional responsibilities.

• Compliance with program and institutional policies.

• Contribution to student and program outcomes.

Identified faculty development needs will be addressed through appropriate mentoring, orientation, professional development, continuing education, or other resources. CAPTE 2024 Standard 4E specifically requires evaluation of associated faculty and development activities to address identified needs at the program level.

Working Relationships:

The Adjunct PTA Faculty member works collaboratively with:

• PTA Program Director

• Core PTA Faculty

• Associated/Adjunct Faculty

• Clinical Education Faculty

• Clinical instructors and clinical education sites

• College faculty and staff

• Students

• Other health professions faculty, as appropriate

Physical and Laboratory Requirements:

Depending upon the assigned course, the position may require the faculty member to:

• Demonstrate therapeutic interventions and physical therapy procedures.

• Participate in laboratory instruction and student skill practice.

• Assist with positioning, transfers, mobility, exercise, physical agents, and other PTA skills.

• Maintain appropriate safety procedures during laboratory activities.

• Safely perform or demonstrate physical activities required by assigned instructional responsibilities.

Institutional Responsibilities:

The faculty member is expected to:

• Adhere to all Herkimer College policies and procedures.

• Follow PTA Program policies and procedures.

• Maintain confidentiality of student and patient/client information.

• Complete required institutional and program training.

• Meet all deadlines for attendance, grades, course materials, assessment documentation, and other required records.

• Maintain professional conduct consistent with the expectations of higher education and the physical therapy profession.

• Support the mission, goals, and expected outcomes of the College and PTA Program.

Position-Specific Performance Expectations:

• Successful performance in this position will be demonstrated through the faculty member's ability to:

• Deliver assigned course content accurately and effectively.

• Demonstrate contemporary expertise in assigned teaching areas.

• Facilitate safe and effective laboratory learning experiences.

• Accurately evaluate student achievement.

• Provide timely and constructive student feedback.

• Maintain current knowledge and professional competence.

• Collaborate effectively with program faculty and the PTA Program Director.

• Follow institutional and program policies and procedures.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of student learning and program effectiveness.

• Model the professional behaviors expected of an entry-level physical therapist assistant.

Additional Information: