Marcia C Downer, PT, DPT, NCS

Instructor
Department of Physical Therapy

I have been practicing as a licensed Physical Therapist since 1991. I became a Certified Neurological Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2007. I worked primarily in the acute care setting at a level I trauma center where I was promoted to the Lead Physical therapist position. In addition to administrative and clinical duties, my passion for teaching led to my appointment as the Center Coordinator for Clinical Education. I was afforded the opportunity to explore teaching at the university level when in 2010, I joined the SHMS Department of Physical Therapy as an adjunct professor for the Clinical Skills series of courses. In 2014, I transitioned to academia full time when I joined the program’s core faculty as an instructor. I continue to practice as an acute care PT in order to maintain content expertise in current acute care management of medically complex, neurologic, and cardiopulmonary patients and clients.

I co-teach the Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis (CADS) courses, I lead Clinical Diagnosis and Management (CDM) I, and coordinate CDM VII. I believe in making courses as active and engaging as possible and use innovative methods like integrated clinical experiences, online electronic documentation, and high fidelity simulations with and without standardized patients. My teaching effectiveness is evidenced by SHU students consistently surpassing national averages in cardiopulmonary and clinical assessment content areas based on aggregate data from the National Physical Therapy Exam.

In terms of scholarship, I am currently working towards a PhD in Higher Education, Leadership, Management and Policy from the College of Education and Human Services at Seton Hall University, with an anticipated graduation in the fall semester of 2022. I have an interest in simulation based education in physical therapy, diversity in academic programs, international education, and interprofessional healthcare education.