UC Campus Directory Information for Christopher A. Covert, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

• 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

Publications

1. Covert CA, Alexander MP, Petronis JJ, Davis DS. Comparison of ballistic and static stretching on hamstring muscle length using an equal stretching dose. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Nov;24(11):3008-14.

Peer Reviewed Poster Presentations

1. Covert CA, Lesh SG, Greenwood R. DPT Students Managing Patients with Persistent/Chronic Pain: A Qualitative Analysis of Clinical Instructor Perceptions. Poster Presentation. Educational Leadership Conference, Academy of Education, Kansas City, MO, October 17, 2025.
2. Covert CA, Greenwood R, Lesh SG. Teaching Strategies Utilized by Clinical Instructors Supervising Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Students During Clinical Education Experiences. Poster Presentation. Annual Conference, APTA West Virginia, Charleston, WV, September 7, 2025.
3. Prickett M, Covert CA, Smith M, Greenwood R. Stress and Loneliness in Health Science Students: Correlations with Coping Strategies and Implications for Physical Therapy Education. Poster Presentation. Annual Conference, APTA West Virginia, Charleston, WV, September 7, 2025.
4. Obregon C, Greenwood R, Hodges NV, Covert C. Assessment and Treatment Approaches of Physical Therapists Treating Runners. Poster Presentation. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA, May 30, 2025.
5. Greenwood R, Obregon C, Hodges NV, Covert C. Confidence, Knowledge, and Beliefs of Physical Therapists Treating Runners with Chronic Pain. Poster Presentation, American College of Sports Medicine Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA, May 29, 2025.
6. Covert C, Greenwood R, Lesh SG. Examination of Pain Related Confidence, Knowledge, and Beliefs of Physical Therapy Clinical Instructors. Poster Presentation. United States Association for the Study of Pain Annual Scientific Meeting, Chicago, IL, April 29 – May 2, 2025.
7. Greenwood R, Covert C, Lesh SG. Practice Patterns of Physical Therapy Clinical Instructors based on Pain Science Continuing Education. Poster Presentation. United States Association for the Study of Pain Annual Scientific Meeting, Chicago, IL, April 29 – May 2, 2025.

Peer Reviewed Platform Presentations

1. Lesh SG, Covert CA, Greenwood R. Using Item Analysis Metrics to Guide Content Reviewed In-Course for Comprehensive Examination Preparation. Platform Presentation. Educational Leadership Conference, Academy of Education, Kansas City, MO, October 17, 2025.

Peer Reviewer

• American Council of Academy Physical Therapy (ACAPT) and American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Academy of Education —
  Education Leadership Conference (ELC) 2024 —
  Educational Session/Abstract Reviewer

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Academy of Education —
  APTA National Conference —
  Combined Sections Meeting 2025 —
  Peer Reviewer of Session Proposals

Memberships

2024- Present:

• APTA Academy of Education
• Interprofessional Education and Practice SIG
• Clinical Education SIG

2024- Present:

• Appalachian College Association Online Teaching and Learning Group

2020- Present:

• Member and Chair, APTA-WV Practice Committee

2010- Present:

• American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

2008 – Present:

• American Physical Therapy Association (WV Chapter)

Sports

Chris Covert, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT was born in Red House, WV.   He completed his Exercise Physiology degree at WVU in 2005 and his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2008 at WVU.   He obtained board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) in 2010 and became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) in 2015.   He completed certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation in 2018.  Chris is certified in Functional Dry Needling, ASTYM, FMS, & SFMA.  Chris has completed Level 1 and 2 of the APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program.

Prior to his role as DCE at the University of Charleston, Chris had been mentoring physical therapy students and new graduate physical therapists in a clinical setting since 2010 and also working as a site coordinator of clinical education (SCCE) from 2010-2024.   He has collaborated with numerous universities to work towards optimal clinical education experiences between universities and clinics.

Chris has taught in multiple continuing education courses including EIM Functional Dry Needling courses, Rocabado TMJ and Cervical Spine courses, and created a course for rehabilitation of BPPV.   Furthermore, he has been involved with adjunct teaching at several DPT programs teaching musculoskeletal, vestibular, and professional development content.

Dr. Covert is serving as the first Director of Clinical Education (DCE) for the University of Charleston’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program where he will work to optimize clinical education opportunities for UC DPT students.  Chris will also assist in teaching various content areas including orthopedic, vestibular, professional development, manual therapy techniques and dry needling.

Dr. Covert is passionate about optimal teaching methods for physical therapy and other health science students.  His research agenda will focus on optimizing the clinical education experience for DPT students, clinical instructor development, interprofessional education (IPE), promoting student success, and pain neuroscience topics.

Dr. Covert has worked with PT colleagues at APTA-WV regarding various legislative issues in WV, including co-pay parity, dry needling scope of practice, and access to PT services related to chronic pain.

He practices in an outpatient physical therapy setting part-time seeing general orthopedic, vestibular, cervicogenic dizziness, sports concussion, and geriatric patients.