Christine Childers, PT, PhD

Dr Childers trained as a Physiotherapist at the University of East Anglia, and practiced in the UK for two years prior to moving to the United States and being licensed to practice in Utah.  In Utah, Dr. Childers practiced primarily in the skilled nursing arena as director of rehabilitation and in 2005, she completed her MS in Gerontology from the University of Utah and passed her board certification as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist.  Dr. Childers subsequently moved to California where she continued to lead rehabilitation departments in skilled nursing facilities while starting teaching in an adjunct faculty role.  In 2012, Dr. Childers entered full time academia and in 2016 was promoted to Associate Director for a hybrid DPT program and in 2019 achieved the rank of associate professor.  In 2018, Dr. Childers completed her PhD with a dissertation focused on determining motivation and limits to physical activity in the older adult in the assisted living environment.  In 2021, Dr. Childers was hired by the University of Arizona to develop the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and guide it through the accreditation process.  

Dr. Childers has worked extensively for the Federation of State boards of Physical Therapy as an item writer and exam development committee member for both the PT and PTA exams.  Dr. Childers has served as a site team clinician member and team leader for the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education and has served on the geriatric specialty council for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists.  Dr. Childers is currently the director for the Advanced Competency in Home Health certification for the APTA Home Health Academy.