Christopher A. Covert

Christopher A. Covert, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT serves as Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Director of Clinical Education at the University of Charleston's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. A Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) and board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), he directs clinical education initiatives while maintaining active certifications in Vestibular Rehabilitation, Functional Dry Needling, ASTYM, FMS, and SFMA.

His educational background includes:

• 2024: Faculty Certification in Academic Excellence, Evidence in Motion
• 2015: Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship, Sports Medicine of Atlanta
• 2010: Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency, Evidence in Motion
• 2008: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), West Virginia University
• 2005: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University

Dr. Covert's research centers on optimizing clinical education for physical therapy students, clinical instructor development, and pain neuroscience integration. His work examines therapist confidence in managing chronic pain, interprofessional education strategies, and evidence-based approaches for runner rehabilitation. Recent studies analyze how pain science continuing education influences clinical practice patterns and student outcomes.

His 2025 publications reveal a strong trend toward translational pain science research, with multiple studies investigating therapist beliefs and treatment protocols for runners with chronic pain. These works emphasize practical applications of pain neuroscience education in clinical instruction and highlight evolving assessment methodologies for musculoskeletal conditions.

Professional recognition includes:

• Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), 2015

As Director of Clinical Education, Dr. Covert mentors DPT students and coordinates university-clinic partnerships for optimal clinical experiences. His leadership extends to developing continuing education courses in vestibular rehabilitation and dry needling, while serving as peer reviewer for APTA national conferences and educational sessions.

He collaborates with Program Director Dr. Steven Lesh and Assistant Program Director Dr. Rebecca Greenwood to advance the DPT curriculum, while maintaining active roles in the APTA Academy of Education's Clinical Education SIG and as Chair of the APTA-WV Practice Committee.