Assistant Professor of Practice - MEPN - #261082

Western Carolina University • Cullowhee, NC

54d • Onsite

About The Position

The School of Nursing (SON) invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Practice in its MEPN program. This is a 12-month fixed-term position. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. The anticipated begin work date is August 2026 and this position is located on-site in Cullowhee, NC. Faculty in the Master's Entry into Nursing Practice (MEPN) program contribute to the education of prelicensure master's students through teaching, scholarship, service, and clinical engagement. Faculty support student success through rigorous, inclusive instruction and contribute to the development of a strong, practice-ready workforce equipped to meet the needs of diverse and rural populations.

Requirements

• Graduate degree in Nursing required (MSN, DNP, or PhD); doctoral degree preferred for tenure-track lines.
• Unencumbered RN license in North Carolina or eligibility to obtain.
• Recent clinical experience in relevant practice areas (e.g., adult health, public health, psychiatric-mental health).
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching or clinical instruction.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing respectful, patient-centered care across varied populations, and contributing to a well-rounded, skilled healthcare workforce.

Nice To Haves

• Prior teaching experience in graduate or prelicensure nursing programs.
• Familiarity with simulation-based education, distance learning, or high-impact practices.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and/or rural healthcare systems.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses within the MEPN curriculum based on area of expertise.
• Provide academic and professional advising to students.
• Collaborate on curriculum design, course development, and evaluation.
• Maintain active involvement in clinical practice, scholarship, or service, as appropriate to the faculty line.
• Contribute to School of Nursing committees and initiatives, including student recruitment and outreach.
• Support integration of simulation, interprofessional education, and evidence-based teaching strategies.
• Engage in professional development and mentorship activities.

Benefits

• Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance.
• Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
• Optional disability plans are also available.
• Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.
• Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
• Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
• WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees