Steve Bitticker, PT, PhD is Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. Before joining PNWU in 2023, Dr. Bitticker taught for 17 years as a core faculty member in physical therapy education. Prior to beginning his academic career, he was a full-time physical therapy clinician for 22 years. His research interests include topics related to human anatomy, the biological and clinical effects on human performance related to musculoskeletal physical therapy intervention, and the impact of values, ethics and professionalism on the behavior of physical therapists. He has served as Departmental Director of Rehabilitation Services overseeing physical therapists, occupational therapists, their assistants, and speech/language pathologists. Dr. Bitticker has experience in Interprofessional Education involving both Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students in Human Gross Anatomy lecture, Human Gross Anatomy laboratory, Critical Inquiry, and Administration and Management courses. In addition, he has extensive experience in teaching musculoskeletal rehabilitation and Health Care System and Policy courses, and he has taught in an Organizational Learning and Leadership Doctor of Philosophy program. He also has engaged in active research with combined teams of OT and PT students and has supervised numerous student research projects.
Degrees and institutions: PhD – Gannon University (Organizational Learning and Leadership); MS – Cleveland State University (Health Science); BS – The Ohio State University (Physical Therapy).
Primary roles at PNWU: Student Success: advising, mentoring, and classroom teaching. Service on Department Outcomes, Research, Curriculum, Personnel, Student Progress and Faculty Search Committees, and the University Research Committee.
Content expertise: Organizational learning and behavior; Leadership; professional ethics; health care system; human gross anatomy and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
Methodological expertise: Qualitative and mixed methods research.
Outside interests: Motorcycle touring, downhill and cross country skiing, backpacking, vehicle restoration, and visiting family.