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Physical Therapy Professor Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapy Professor information

See Indiana salary details

$8

$28

$55

How much do physical therapy professor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical therapy professor in Indiana is $28.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.32 and $35.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a physical therapy professor do?

A Physical Therapy Professor teaches courses related to physical therapy at colleges or universities. They are responsible for developing curriculum, delivering lectures, conducting research, and mentoring students. In addition to teaching, they may supervise clinical training and contribute to advancements in the field through scholarly research. Physical Therapy Professors often collaborate with healthcare professionals and may be involved in professional organizations to stay current with industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physical therapy professor?

To thrive as a Physical Therapy Professor, you need advanced knowledge in physical therapy, a doctoral degree (often a DPT or PhD), and experience in clinical practice and academic teaching. Familiarity with educational technology, course management systems like Canvas or Blackboard, and relevant licensure or certifications is typically required. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and organizational skills make someone stand out in this academic role. These competencies ensure effective teaching, student engagement, and the ability to advance both research and clinical standards in physical therapy education.

What are some common challenges faced by physical therapy professors in balancing teaching and research responsibilities?

Physical Therapy Professors often find balancing their teaching commitments with research expectations to be challenging. Managing lecture preparation, grading, and mentoring students can be time-consuming, leaving limited hours for conducting research and publishing findings. Many professors address this by developing efficient time-management strategies, seeking collaborative research opportunities, and leveraging support from teaching assistants. Institutions typically encourage ongoing professional development to help faculty excel in both areas and foster their academic careers.

What is the difference between Physical Therapy Professor vs Physical Therapist?

AspectPhysical Therapy ProfessorPhysical Therapist
Required CredentialsDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), academic credentials, teaching experienceDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Master’s, state licensure, clinical experience
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsClinics, hospitals, outpatient facilities, private practices
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, healthcare educationHealthcare providers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals
Primary FocusTeaching, research, academic mentorshipPatient care, rehabilitation, treatment planning

While both roles require a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, a Physical Therapy Professor primarily focuses on teaching and research within academic settings, whereas a Physical Therapist provides direct patient care in clinical environments. The roles differ in daily responsibilities but share foundational credentials and industry relevance.

How to become a physical therapy professor?

To become a physical therapy professor, one typically needs a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, followed by relevant clinical experience and a strong record of research or scholarly work. Many institutions also require a faculty position to hold a terminal degree such as a PhD or EdD in a related field, along with teaching experience and professional licensure in physical therapy.
Infographic showing various Physical Therapy Professor job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,359 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Manchester University, Inc.
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Job description


Position: Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy

Department: Physical Therapy

Campus: Fort Wayne, IN

Target Hire Date: May 2026


Are you looking for a meaningful opportunity to shape the next generation of physical therapists? Manchester University invites applications for a full-time, 12‑month, non‑tenure‑track Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy to join our collaborative and growing Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program on the Fort Wayne campus. This position offers the chance to make a lasting impact through teaching, mentorship, scholarship, and service while contributing to the continued development of a mission-driven academic program.


What You'll Do: 

  • Teach and develop didactic and/or clinical courses within the DPT curriculum.

  • Contribute to curriculum design, assessment, and program development.

  • Mentor and advise students, fostering a culture of success.

  • Engage in scholarly activities, including research and dissemination of findings.

  • Provide service through faculty governance, professional organizations, and community engagement.

  • Maintain professional effectiveness through clinical practice and continuing education.


What You'll Need: 

  • Earned Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree; a PhD, EdD, DSc, or equivalent is preferred.

  • Eligibility for Indiana physical therapy licensure.

  • 3 years of clinical experience preferred.

  • Teaching experience in a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program preferred.

  • Evidence of scholarly activity and a commitment to research strongly preferred.

  • Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.


Why Manchester University? At MU, we: 

  • Inclusive, Values-Driven Culture – We respect every individual and foster integrity, compassion, and service.
  • Work-Life Balance – Generous paid time off, holidays, and flexible scheduling.
  • Competitive Pay & Benefits – Comprehensive health coverage, retirement contributions, and tuition remission.
  • Professional Growth – Tuition-free classes, development opportunities, and scholarly engagement.
  • Wellness & Perks – Free PERC membership, caregiver leave, and employee assistance programs.


For more information about the position, please review the job description attached to this posting.

To apply, please select the "Apply" button to begin the application process and submit a cover letter, curriculum vita/resume, teaching philosophy, and evidence of effective teaching.

Manchester University is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to respecting the infinite worth of every individual. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.