Jessica S. Watson, PT, DPT, GCS
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Jessica S. Watson, PT, DPT, GCS is an Assistant Professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She is an APTA board-certified geriatric clinical specialist and a credentialed clinical instructor. She is a proud DeSales University alumni earning both a Bachelors of Science in Sport and Exercise Science and Doctorate in Physical Therapy. During her collegiate career she led several community service initiatives and events including the Raub Middle School Healthcare Field Expo and PT Day of Service. These achievements led to her being awarded the "Salesian Spirit Award" by her classmates. She went on to continue her service to DeSales University as a lab instructor for Foundations of Patient Care (PT 520 and PT 620) in addition to serving as a Virtual Clinical Mentor for Arcadia University’s DPT Pro Bono Clinic. She also serves on the DeSales Alumni Pro Bono Board.
Dr. Watson has diverse clinical experience in the acute and acute care rehabilitation settings throughout her career. She has worked for multiple established and respected health networks, including Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, and continues to practice clinically for St. Luke’s Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network. She has a special interest in working with the burn patient population from her experiences at a Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Regional Burn Center.
Dr. Watson values evidence-based practice as reflected through her continued work in research. She has presented peer-reviewed posters and platform presentations at both the local and national level as well as co-authored a publication in the Journal of Hand Therapy. She currently serves on Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Rehabilitation Research Advisory Board, to advise and assist colleagues with internal process improvement and project development.
She has been an APTA member throughout her career and currently is a member of the Acute Care, Geriatrics, and Pelvic Health sections. She is an active participant in the APTA Acute Care Membership Committee.
Outside of the classroom Dr. Watson enjoys serving as an Assistant Coach for Special Olympics Lehigh County and remaining active through pickleball, rock climbing, and Crossfit.
