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Therapy Program Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Director of Operations for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is a full-time, on campus employee. The DPT Director of Operations is responsible for directing and managing the operation of the ...

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The Director of Operations for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is a full-time, on campus employee. The DPT Director of Operations is responsible for directing and managing the operation of the ...

New

The Director of Operations for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is a full-time, on campus employee. The DPT Director of Operations is responsible for directing and managing the operation of the ...

New

Program Director

Memphis, TN · On-site

$50K/yr

Program Director, IDD Services ICF Experience Highly Preferred | Social Science Degree Required $50 ... Recreation Therapy * Occupational Therapy * Physical Therapy * Human Services * Other closely ...

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Showing results 1-20

Therapy Program Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$54.5K

$94.1K

$148.4K

How much do therapy program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for therapy program director in Tennessee is $94,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,800.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Therapy Program Director vs Speech-Language Pathologist?

AspectTherapy Program DirectorSpeech-Language Pathologist
CredentialsMaster's degree in related field, administrative experienceMaster's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, state licensure
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, clinics, healthcare facilitiesClinics, schools, hospitals, private practices
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare organizations, therapy centers, hospitalsHealthcare providers, schools, rehabilitation centers
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on program management and leadershipFocuses on individual therapy and assessment

The main difference is that a Therapy Program Director oversees therapy programs, managing staff and operations, while a Speech-Language Pathologist provides direct therapy services to clients. The Program Director role involves administrative responsibilities, whereas the Speech-Language Pathologist role is clinical and patient-focused.

What does a therapy program director do?

A Therapy Program Director oversees the planning, development, and management of therapy programs within healthcare or rehabilitation settings. They are responsible for supervising staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care. Additionally, they manage budgets, develop program policies, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapy services to continually improve patient outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a therapy program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Therapy Program Director, you need advanced clinical expertise, leadership experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in therapy, counseling, or a related field, along with relevant licensure. Familiarity with electronic health record systems, healthcare compliance software, and program management tools is essential. Exceptional communication, organizational, and team-building skills set successful directors apart by fostering a positive therapeutic environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring effective program delivery, regulatory compliance, and high-quality patient outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by a therapy program director when managing multidisciplinary teams?

A Therapy Program Director often oversees teams comprised of therapists from different disciplines, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. One common challenge is ensuring effective communication and collaboration among team members with diverse expertise and approaches. Balancing caseloads, coordinating treatment plans, and aligning on patient care goals can require strong organizational and leadership skills. Additionally, directors must address potential conflicts and ensure that all team members are supported in their professional development.
Infographic showing various Therapy Program Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,085 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Program Director, Associate/Professor of Physical Therapy

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Lincoln Memorial University rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

523rd of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Program Director, Associate/Professor of Physical Therapy
Department
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Position Category
Staff Full Time
Job Description
Lincoln Memorial University invites applications for a full-time
Program Director for its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This
academic leader will work with department and university leadership to
oversee the program including fiscal management, CAPTE compliance and
accreditation, the development and assessment of curriculum and core
faculty, and other duties as necessary for the success of the program.
The Program Director will work with leadership on the growth,
continuous improvement, and innovation of the program, and contribute
to fostering a culture of positive leadership and collaboration among
faculty and staff. The successful candidate will join at the rank of
Associate or Full Professor, with a start date as early as January 2026
based on the candidate's availability.
This is an exciting leadership opportunity to join a dynamic and caring
team in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Program Director will serve as a
strategic liaison, interpreting and communicating program goals and
administrative decisions to faculty, staff, and students, and
representing the program's work to the broader university community.
The Program Director will foster supportive student learning by
ensuring the curriculum prepares graduates for licensure and
professional excellence.
The DPT Program shares modern, interprofessional learning spaces with
LMU's Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program and fosters collaboration
and contemporary teaching methods. DPT has a 36-month curriculum that
includes 34 weeks of clinical education and is supported by over 150
clinical partnerships and enriched by opportunities for research and
service learning
Required Qualifications
earned degree in Physical Therapy from an institution accredited
by an ED-recognized agency; *holds an active, unencumbered PT
license in any United States jurisdiction and is eligible for
licensure in the state of Tennessee; *earned an academic doctoral
degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., D.Sc.); *minimum of six years of
full-time higher education experience, minimum of three years of
full-time experience as a core faculty member in a
CAPTE-accredited entry-level physical therapist education
program; *holds or possesses the experience and credentials for
the rank of Associate Professor or Professor; *successful
teaching experience in higher education
Preferred Qualifications
prior experience as DPT Program Director; *demonstrated
experience with CAPTE accreditation processes and outcomes
assessment; *demonstrated professional involvement at the state,
national, or international level; *record of at least five years
of full-time leadership experience in higher education
administration.
Physical Demands
Campus
Lmu- West Knoxville
Job Duty
Job Duty
supervises and manages all activities of the program in co
Job Duty
oversees the curriculum content, design, and evaluation process
Job Duty
prepares and oversees required program accreditation applications and reports
Job Duty
attend in-person board meeting each semester and present prepared reports and relevant program information
Job Duty
ensures quality academic programs including alignment with professional organizations and accreditation processes
Job Duty
ensures the program maintains CAPTE accreditation
Job Duty
engages in ongoing strategic and long-term planning and program quality assurance
Job Duty
works with the Department Chair to prepare the annual Outcomes Assessment Report for the DPT program
Job Duty
plans, submits, and oversees an annual fiscal year operational budget for the program
Job Duty
teaching, research/scholarship, and service functions as specified in the Employee handbook and inline with CAPTE requirements
Job Duty
evaluates core faculty performance to achieve departmental goals, provide assistance with performance measurement, and strategic planning
Job Duty
works with the Department Chair to direct the program in the process of curriculum benchmarking, assessment, data-informed continuous improvement, and innovation
Job Duty
serves as a professional and academic role model to students, faculty and staff
Job Duty
employs strategies to promote and support professional development
Job Duty
assist the Department Chair with the development of the course schedule each semester
Job Duty
participate in department meetings
Job Duty
work with Department Chair to provide the Executive Dean with regular reports including but not limited to accreditation, curriculum planning/revision, enrollment, recruitment
Job Duty
conduct an annual evaluation session with each direct report
Job Duty
work with Department Chair to provide the Executive Dean written recommendations regarding renewal of core faculty appointments each cycle
Job Duty
participate in the search process for employees and evaluate the adequacy of credentials
Job Duty
contribute with arrangements for orientation of new faculty and staff members
Job Duty
ensure College compliance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) criteria for accreditation
Job Duty
promote the mission of Lincoln Memorial University to all faculty, staff, students, and to the community at large
Job Duty
promote effective working relationships among faculty, staff, and students
Job Duty
participate on university committees
Job Duty
maintain proper security for all University files and information and follow privacy procedures at all times
Job Duty
complete required institutional, program accreditation, and other reports necessary for the advancement of University programs, both on campus and at extended campus sites
Job Duty
perform other duties as assigned.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S04810P
Job Open Date
08/03/2026
Job Close Date
12/31/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions Summary
About the Institution
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about employment opportunities, contact the Office of Human Resources at 423-869-7112 or humanresources@lmunet.edu.
AA/EEO Statement
Lincoln Memorial University is an Equal Opportunity education institution. Lincoln Memorial University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in all University programs and activities.
Background Check Statement
The University will conduct criminal background checks on all employees. Background checks may include but are not limited to confirmation of the individual's identity, credit information, motor vehicle driving record, review of an individual's criminal conviction record (if any), verification of any license, and certificate or degree required for the position.
Quicklink for Posting
https://careers.lmunet.edu/postings/41887
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary

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