Academic Program Director Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

POSITION DESCRIPTION: A faculty member for the Physician Assistant (PA) Program has general program responsibilities as assigned and delegated by the Program Director or his/her designee to assist principally with the coordination and development of this academic program, as well as within the College of Health Sciences. These responsibilities generally include teaching and course/curriculum development; competent, formal classroom instruction; course evaluation and revision; student testing and evaluation; identification of education/learning objectives, competencies and outcomes; serving as a student preceptor; assisting with the student admission process; assisting with the development of the clinical education program; assisting in the preparation of the annual program self-study; assisting with the preparation and submission of program accreditation documents; active service on program, college and university committees, as appointed; assisting with student orientation and student advising/mentoring, professional role-modeling, participating actively in the professional activities of regional and national organizations of the PA profession; and participating in scholarly activities that lead to new knowledge in areas that are consistent with the needs of the program and profession and involve the interests of the faculty member.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Must have strong communication and a willingness to serve as a professional role model for students;
2. Must have good interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with students, clinical staff, faculty, administrators and staff of the program, college, and university;
3. Must have academic/clinical experience commensurate with a ranked faculty appointment;
4. Must have good writing skills and be willing to learn and accept additional responsibilities that will assist with the education of physician assistant students, and as applicable, other health sciences’ students;
5. Should have knowledge and vision about the future of the profession and a strong commitment to achieve the missions of the Physician Assistant Program and the College of Health Sciences;
6. Must hold a Master’s degree or higher, be a graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant Program and a certified physician assistant (PA-C);
7. Must be knowledgeable in the use of computers and information management systems;
8. Must have strong counseling skills and ability to mentor students;
9. Must have a strong commitment to student instruction, scholarly activity, and program/college/university service.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists the Program Director/ Directors of Didactic and Clinical Education and the Office of Admissions in reviewing program promotional/application materials for prospective student recruitment and admission;
2. Participates in the student admission process through involvement in student interviews and/or on the program’s Admissions Committee;
3. Assists with the recruitment of qualified students by networking within the profession and by establishing an applicant referral base through community, state-wide and regional initiatives;
4. Assists the Program Director/Directors of Didactic and Clinical Education in developing extracurricular activities (e., professional, and social organizations) for students enrolled in the program that enhance the quality of student life on-campus;
5. Assists with the planning, organizing, monitoring, and evaluating of the academic program (e., curriculum development, courses, sequencing, subject matter, evaluation, etc.) in consultation with the involved departments and faculty members;
6. Teaches and provides instruction of high quality and actively participates in the course or courses of the educational program that involve the area of expertise of the faculty member as assigned by the Program Director/ Directors of Didactic and Clinical Education;
7. Demonstrates a spirit of scholarly inquiry through innovative teaching methods, new and effective testing materials, and/or the production of scholarly works;
8. Engages in professional self-development and improvement through participation in continuing education programs and academic skills development workshops accessible to the faculty member;
9. Assists with the development of programmatic goals and objectives and ensures that they are consistent with the educational mission of the College of Health Sciences;
10. Assists the Program Director/Directors of Didactic and Clinical Education in the formulation of minimum course requirements that must be satisfied to earn course credit, including attendance, minimum competencies, performance outcome expectations, academic achievement standards, etc.;
11. Reviews course syllabi and schedules for all approved courses in the program to ensure continuity with the established programmatic goals and objectives;
12. Recommends outside lecturers/preceptors for programmatic support services;
13. Assists with the preparation of the program’s annual self-study and re-accreditation documents;
14. Participates actively in on-site accreditation activities;
15. Serves, if requested, as a resource-person for the orientation program for incoming students;
16. Serves as a student mentor/advisor;
17. Participates actively in the professional activities of regional and national organizations of the PA profession;
18. Participates on appropriate committees of the Program and the College that involve academic or programmatic matters (e., the curriculum committee, program student academic review committee, college student promotion and graduation committee, admission’s committee, etc.); and
19. Performs additional program-related duties as assigned by the Program Director/Directors of Didactic and Clinical Education.
20. Assist Clinical Coordinators in site and student evaluations during the clinical component of the curriculum.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulation. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.