Jill D Jumper

Jill Jumper, PT, DPT, PhD, GCS (Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy) is the Program Director of the Hardin-Simmons University Department of Physical Therapy. Her primary teaching responsibilities are in Introduction to Clinical Diagnosis I and II, the Professional Seminar I and IV courses, and assisting in lab for Cardiopulmonary and Anatomy II courses.

Dr. Jill Jumper graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Abilene Christian University (1995). As an alumnus of the HSU Department of Physical Therapy, Dr. Jumper graduated with a Master of Physical Therapy Degree (2002) and a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (2008).  Recently, Dr. Jumper completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in August of 2022, focusing her dissertation on “Factors Influencing Intent to Stay in Physical Therapy Faculty.” Her research interests are focused on the advancement of physical therapy education and treatment approaches for people with Parkinson’s Disease.

Dr. Jumper has 20 years of experience as a physical therapist in a variety of settings, including outpatient orthopedics, acute care, and home health.  After developing a love for older adults, she became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy in 2017.  Dr. Jumper has served as an active member of the Internal Review Board at HSU, as the governmental liaison for the TPTA Midwest District, and as a member of the Abilene Healthy Parkinson’s Community through the Davis Phinney Foundation.