Part-Time Physical Therapy Program Development Consultant

National Louis University (NLU) is embarking on an ambitious journey to build a cutting-edge portfolio of healthcare professions programs that address critical healthcare disparities and the growing shortage of skilled clinicians. A cornerstone of this initiative is the launch of the University’s Physical Therapy (PT) program pathways, a priority area given the field’s vital role in restoring movement, improving quality of life, and ensuring access to high-quality patient care. With its strong foundation in health sciences and commitment to innovation, NLU is well-positioned to develop a program that attracts diverse, service-oriented students and delivers a competency-based curriculum aligned with CAPTE standards.

We seek to engage a qualified part-time consultant to support the planning and development of a new Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) and/or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program(s). The consultant will lead:

1. a comprehensive needs assessment in accordance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) guidelines and
2. facilities and equipment planning to inform program design, space planning, and capital investment. This engagement will help NLU demonstrate feasibility, alignment with workforce needs, and readiness to support high-quality PT programs.

This project is estimated to take approximately 10-15 hours per week for approximately 10-12 weeks.

• Conduct all data collection, analysis, and stakeholder outreach required for the needs assessment and facilities planning.
• Coordinate with NLU’s Provost, Vice Provost for Academic Programs & Accreditation, and designated stakeholders, as needed.
• Provide regular progress summaries outlining activities completed, emerging findings, and upcoming tasks.
• Attend Progress Update meetings with Provost and/or Vice Provost, as needed
• Present findings in one final presentation to NLU leadership.

• Earned academic doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, ScD, etc.) or a CAPTE-granted exemption required. 
• Holds an active, unencumbered PT license in any United States jurisdiction and is in compliance with the practice act in the jurisdiction where the program is located. 
• Minimum of six (6) years of full-time higher education experience, with a minimum of three (3) years of full-time experience as a core faculty member in a CAPTE-accredited entry-level physical therapist education program.
• Experience with CAPTE accreditation requirements.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued.  We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU part-time staff are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, and Paid Time Off. Additional information regarding part-time staff benefits can be found here.

Depending on the nature of the engagement, this role may be offered as a part-time employee position or as an independent consultant opportunity. 

While compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate, the expected pay range for this role as an employee is $50.00 to $60.00 per hour.  Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity.  Independent contractors will be compensated at a comparable rate based on the scope of work.

Please include the following along with your application:

• Resume (Required)