Eric Wilson PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, SCS, CSCS, FAAOMPT

Dr. Eric Wilson, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, SCS, CSCS, FAAOMPT, joined the Augustana University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program in 2025 as an assistant professor and director of student affairs, bringing more than 25 years of distinguished clinical, academic, and leadership experience to the role. A retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Air Force, Wilson has dedicated his career to advancing physical therapy practice, education, and research, with a focus on orthopedic and sports medicine, manual therapy, and tactical athlete performance.

Wilson's academic journey includes a Doctor of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (DScPT) from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (2001), Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Therapy from Regis University (2008), Transitional DPT from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions (2010), and Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) from Virginia Commonwealth University (1998). He is dual board-certified as a clinical specialist in orthopedic and sports physical therapy and holds certifications as a strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), performance enhancement specialist, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists, and a basic certification in electrodiagnostic testing from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

Before joining Augustana, Wilson served as the founding program director for the USAF’s Tactical Sports & Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship and deputy program director for the United States Air Force Physical Therapy Operational Readiness Fellowship, where he led curriculum development, accreditation, and faculty training. His military career included roles as associate athletic director of sports medicine at the USAF Academy, consultant for Special Warfare Physical Therapists, and director of human performance at the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing — earning accolades such as the USAF Physical Therapist of the Year and USAF Civilian of the Year Awards. Before becoming a physical therapist, Wilson was a U.S. Army paratrooper and served as an infantry sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division.

An accomplished educator, Wilson has taught across entry-level, residency, and fellowship programs. His research interests include spinal pain prevention, dry needling safety, and return-to-duty testing, with peer-reviewed publications in Military Medicine, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, and International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. He has presented nationally for the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists and APTA Combined Sections Meeting and served on NASA’s Technical Interchange Committee for Microgravity and Lower Back Pain.

As director of student affairs, Wilson is committed to fostering student success through mentorship, professional development, and advocacy. His leadership in hybrid education and passion for interdisciplinary collaboration align with Augustana’s mission to prepare innovative, compassionate practitioners. Outside academia, he volunteers with Wounded Warrior events and community fitness initiatives.