Associate Program Director- IL- Physician Assistant Studies

Midwestern University • Downers Grove, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Midwestern University’s College of Health Sciences, Downers Grove, Illinois, invites applications for the position of Associate Program Director and Assistant or Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Studies. The mission of the Midwestern University Physician Assistant (PA) Program is to develop competent, compassionate, and professional physician assistants who will make a positive impact on their patients, community, and the PA profession. The MWU PA Program values the unique life experiences and perspectives each student contributes to our program. We believe cultural humility improves patient outcomes, and we are committed to ensuring our students are well-equipped to provide patient-centered care to all the populations they may serve. Health equity and education on health care disparities are integrated into the Program curriculum to prepare students to serve diverse populations and address the health care needs of all patients. The Associate Program Director works under the direction of the Program Director to provide leadership and oversight for the PA Program’s didactic curriculum, assessment processes, and continuous quality improvement efforts, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards. This role collaborates closely with the faculty to evaluate and strengthen curriculum and student assessment, mentor faculty, coordinate key academic processes, and support accreditation and self-study activities. The Associate Program Director also provides administrative leadership in the Program Director’s absence and represents the program at institutional and professional meetings as appropriate. This faculty member is expected to demonstrate high standards in teaching excellence, clinical experiences, service, and research productivity. The position reports directly to the Program Director. This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment. Academic rank is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Requirements

• Graduate-level degree in physician assistant studies.
• Current NCCPA certification and current or eligible for an Illinois PA license.
• Must have 3 years of full time experience in PA education.

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree in a related field preferred.
• Experience in academia, clinical practice, and a record of scholarly activity is preferred.
• Demonstrated abilities in teaching, service, and mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Assume the duties of Acting Director in the absence of the Program Director.
• Organize and moderate faculty meetings in the absence of the Program Director.
• Conduct an annual overview of the curriculum to ensure it aligns with the current PANCE blueprint.
• Make recommendations for curriculum change to the PA Program Director and the PA Education Committee as needed.
• Oversee the mid-year and summative examinations.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of ongoing/future assessments.
• Provide oversight and monitoring of the program’s assessment and evaluation processes.
• Work with course coordinators to assess the performance of implemented assessments.
• Mentor faculty in the development of formative and summative assessments.
• Review course syllabi and objectives on a quarterly basis.
• Review course textbooks.
• Review recommendations for changes in textbooks recommended for all PA courses.
• Review and approve quarterly block schedules.
• Conduct orientation to block schedules with didactic year students at Program Meetings.
• Review and provide guidance on the clinical-year curriculum in partnership with the Medical Director and Director(s) of Clinical Education.
• Represent the PA program at administrative meetings as deemed appropriate by the Program Director.
• Represent the Midwestern University PA program at national AAPA and PAEA conferences as deemed necessary by the Program Director.
• Assist the Program Director in performing an annual review and update of the MWU Catalog and the Clinical Year Handbook.
• Assist in the Program’s self-study and accreditation process, ensuring that accreditation standards related to the Program curriculum are appropriately addressed, and assist in compiling and completing documentation for the accreditation process.
• Work, communicate, and collaborate effectively with faculty and staff.
• Lecture in areas of expertise/interest/need within the PA curriculum.
• Teach in small group settings to enhance students’ clinical reasoning and professional development.
• Assist in the construction, grading, and analysis of assessments used to evaluate students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes.
• Develop, organize, and implement curricula as a Course Director.
• Assist in student advising and mentoring.
• Develop and publish scholarly work that enhances knowledge in areas that are consistent with the needs of the Program and/or the Profession.
• Serve on Program, College and/or University committees to support various needs or projects within the University.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• life insurance
• short/long-term disability
• pet insurance
• flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and a child/dependent care account
• competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days
• 403(b) retirement plan
• tuition reimbursement
• child care subsidy reimbursement program
• identity theft protection
• employee assistance program
• wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level