Colleen Chancler 260x300

Colleen E. Chancler, PT, MHS, PhD

  • Assistant Professor
Media Expertise:
  • Health Sciences

Affiliated Programs

Education

  • PhD, Health Sciences (2017)
    Seton Hall University (NJ)
  • MHS, Health Sciences (2005)
    Drexel University (PA)
  • BS, Physical Therapy (1986)
    University of Scranton (PA)

About Me

I graduated from the University of Scranton in 1986 with a BS in Physical Therapy, from Drexel University in 2005 with a Master’s in Health Services and from Seton Hall University in 2017 with my PhD. I have been an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Pennsylvania (APTA PA) since 1982 and have served in many positions at the district, state and national level. I have served on APTA committees and task forces and have been elected to serve in the House of Delegates (HOD) since 1997. I am the recipient of the APTA Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Practice Award (2011) and the Lucy Blair Service Award (2022), the Widener Outstanding Service Award (2011). I have had the opportunity to present at state and national conferences. 

Areas of Expertise

I have spent the majority of my clinical career in acute care and neurorehabilitation. My knowledge and expertise is management of clients with medically complex conditions which is enhanced by years of experience in health systems operational management. I have been fortunate to work in environments supportive of interprofessional collaborations.

Research Interests

My research interest includes analyzing the effects of hospitalization and discharge on older adults from a biopsychosocial perspective.  Specifically, I am interested in the social determinants of health as related to the ability to return to a full and active lifestyle after acute illness for older adults. Additionally, since joining the Widener PT faculty, I have developed an interest in teaching pedagogy and how to share classroom and lab experiences for improved learning.

Publications

  • DuBois, B, Clemmer T, Chancler C, Paterson M, STurgill L, Black JD. A Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic's Pandemic Pivot to Telehealth and its Impact on Student Readiness for a First Full-Time Clinic Experience. The internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2023 Jan 04;21(1). Article 7
  • Chancler, C & Dillon, H. (2006).  Neurologic and Neurosurgical Diseases and Disorders in Malone, DJ and Lindsay, KLB (eds): Physical Therapy in Acute Care: A Clinician’s Guide. Thorofare, NJ, Slack, Inc., pg #317-pg#384.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association, Pennsylvania

Awards

  • Lucy Blair Service Award (2022)
  • Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Award, American Physical Therapy Association (2011)
  • Outstanding Service Award, Widener Physical Therapy Program (2011)

Noteworthy

  • Widener Shows Support at Black Doctors Consortium Walk-a-Thon

    Members of the Widener community participated in this year's Next Step: From Freedom to Equity Walk-A-Thon and Health Fair hosted by the Black Doctors Consortium and the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity. The event drew supporters to the two-mile march up Broad Street in North Philadelphia to bring awareness to local racial health disparities. Rhonda Hazell, associate professor and coordinator of clinical anatomy, organized the Widener team and was joined by Katie Hershede, vice president for strategic initiatives and chief of staff, Anali Falcon '23, Lori Felker, director of the Institute for Physician Assistant Education, Ijjae Hill '25, Jill Black, associate dean of College of Health & Human Services and director of Institute for Physical Therapy, and Colleen Chancler, assistant professor. 

    (Photo left to right: Katie Hershede, Anali Falcon, Rhonda Hazell, Lori Felker, Ijjae Hill, Jill Black, and Colleen Chancler.)

    Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-shows-support-black-doctors-consortium-walk-thon

     

  • Physical Therapy Professor Honored with a Service Award

    Colleen Chancler, assistant professor in the Institute for Physical Therapy Education, is the recipient of the Lucy Blair Service Award from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a professional organization representing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy. This award honors Chancler for her exceptional contributions to APTA.

    Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/physical-therapy-professor-honored-service-reward