Jessica Dunn, DPT

Director of Clinical Education
Department of Physical Therapy

Creating an environment that facilitates learning and engagement is something that has helped me advance as a clinician and in the academic setting. I have been a physical therapist that has practiced mostly in the post-acute environment for the last 21 years. For the last eighteen years, I have served in a variety of leadership positions for a national post-acute care company. One of my many roles included, Site Clinical Coordinator of Education (SCCE) in which I was responsible for creating a vision and structure for the student program in the ever-changing post-acute environment. Not only was I responsible for developing several resources to support clinical instructors with student orientation and supervisory responsibilities, I also created systems to ensure an organized, challenging and fulfilling student education experience. In addition, I personally guided countless clinical instructors and students work through supervisory and/or performance challenges during the experience.

My clinical expertise and passion are ignited by working with individuals with multiple medical complexities. I have had the pleasure to present at a number of universities as well as several national and state conferences on several topics related to best practices including: fall risk management for older adults, health literacy and interprofessional practice, ageism, and understanding the medical, ethical, and professional implications in geriatric practice. I received my Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 2000 and Master of Science at Northeastern University in 2001. After practicing across the post-acute continuum, I furthered my studies at Arcadia University and received my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2010. In 2012, I became a board-certified clinical specialist in Geriatrics with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Besides being an ambassador for clinical excellence within the post-acute setting, I have been involved supporting important clinical education initiatives as a member of the National Consortium of Clinical Educators (NCCE). I have presented at APTA's Education Leadership Conference and Combined Sections Meeting several times on important topics related to using the collaborative learning model in the post-acute setting and how to inspire students to pursue a career working with the geriatric population. Encouraging others to become involved at a state and/or national level within APTA is something I'm passionate about and actively recruit members to pursue leadership opportunities by acting as APTANJ's Central District Nominating Committee Chair. Besides serving as Nominating Committee Chair, I am a Chapter delegate for the State of New Jersey at the APTA's House of Delegates.