Open to opportunities

Nicholas Hess

@nicholashess

Clinic Director and Doctor of Physical Therapy with 7+ years improving outcomes through data-driven healthcare operations.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m seeking to transition into a non-clinical role focused on healthcare operations, strategy, or program development—where I can apply data-driven decision making to improve patient outcomes, streamline processes, and lead performance-oriented programs.

I’m a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Clinic Director with 7+ years leading operations, optimizing patient outcomes, and collaborating across healthcare systems. I manage high-volume orthopedic caseloads while streamlining patient flow, scheduling, and care delivery to improve efficiency, throughput, and functional results. I also coordinate with insurance providers to secure treatment authorizations, navigate coverage limitations, and ensure continuity of care.

I design and implement measurable performance and rehabilitation programs for diverse populations, including youth, collegiate, and professional athletes (NBA, NFL, MLB). Through biomechanical and functional assessments, I support data-informed decisions for return-to-work and athletic readiness, and I apply evidence-informed sports medicine techniques to strengthen execution in real-world settings.

I’m also an educator and program leader, developing and delivering curriculum across multiple doctoral-level courses and using structured, data-driven assessments to evaluate learners. I mentor staff and students to strengthen clinical reasoning and problem-solving, and I’m now seeking to transition into a non-clinical role focused on healthcare operations, strategy, or program development.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Adjunct Professor (Doctoral)

Current

University of Dayton

Aug 2017 - Present (8 years 11 months)

Developed and delivered curriculum across multiple doctoral-level courses, translating complex medical concepts into accessible learning experiences. Designed structured, data-driven assessments and supported a sports residency program while mentoring students in clinical reasoning and applied anatomy.

Curriculum Design Medical Education Assessment Design Data Driven Evaluation Applied Anatomy Instruction Program Coordination

Current

Clinic Director & PT

Current

Orion Sport Medicine

Jun 2017 - Present (9 years 1 month)

Directed daily clinic operations, managing patient flow, scheduling, and care delivery for a high-volume orthopedic practice. Optimized care processes and designed measurable rehabilitation and return-to-play programs for youth, collegiate, and professional athletes.

Healthcare Operations Patient Flow Management Scheduling Biomechanical Assessment

Adjunct Professor (Applied Anatomy)

University of Cincinnati

May 2021 - Aug 2022 (1 year 3 months)

Delivered graduate-level applied anatomy instruction emphasizing practical application and critical thinking. Created and implemented course materials, assessments, and evaluation frameworks.

Applied Anatomy Teaching Graduate Instruction Assessment Creation Evaluation Medical Curriculum Support Critical Thinking

Physical Therapy Aide

Orion Physical Therapy Specialists

May 2011 - Aug 2012 (1 year 3 months)

Supported patient care by preparing modalities and assisting with treatment setup for physician-referred and direct-access visits. Helped determine insurance information and communicated patient coverage responsibilities.

Patient Support Modality Preparation Patient Intake Coordination Orthopedic Clinic Support Utilization Workflow Awareness