Program Director, Physician Assistant

Job Posting Summary

The School of Health and Natural Sciences at Mercy University invites qualified candidates to apply for a full-time (12-month) faculty position to serve as the program director in Physician Assistant Studies Program in the School of Health and Natural Sciences at Mercy University beginning Fall 2024. Contract type (i.e., tenure track or multiple-year track) and rank (i.e., Assistant or Associate Professor) will be determined based on experience and scholarship. This is an opportunity to join the accredited Physician Assistant Program located in the Bronx NY, home to multiple hospitals which partner with the program to support clinical placements.  The surrounding community and student body are ethnically and culturally diverse, and the program focuses on preparing students for primary care in underserved communities.  The program, and School of Health and Natural Sciences, has a rich history of both local and global community service through our mobile health vehicle and global missions. The PA Program is part of the School of Health and Natural Sciences with 5 accredited graduate health professional programs (communication disorders, occupational therapy, nursing, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies) and undergraduate programs in biology, clinical laboratory science, communication disorders, exercise science, nursing, occupational therapy assistant (AAS degree), and veterinary technology.  We have a strong focus on interprofessional education as well as local and global community service. Salary and rank are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applicants must send a complete application consisting of a cover letter addressing the applicant's qualifications, curriculum vitae, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email contact for at least three professional references. The initial review of completed applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. 

Qualifications
Required Skills & Experience: 

• Responsible for the organization and administration of the PA Program; 
• Provides effective leadership of the Mercy University PA Program;
• Oversees daily functions and operations, in compliance with program and institutional policies;
• Supervises the Medical Director, Assistant Program Director, Academic Coordinator, and Clinical Coordinators;
• Develops an Annual Report with review of goals, achievements, and outcomes for review by the Provost, Dean, and Office of Educational Assessment;
• Oversees PA students enrolled in the Didactic, Clinical, and Graduate Phases of the PA Program; 
• Monitors and oversees principals and instructional (adjuncts); 
• Monitors, supervises and delegates, as required, to program personnel; 
• Recruits and hires, as required, additional principal and/or instructional faculty, with appropriate academic preparation and/or experience;
• Oversees the curriculum (structure, sequence, content, syllabi, objectives outlines, materials) for the didactic, clinical and graduate years of the PA Program; 
• Ensures the program offers appropriate didactic courses and supervised clinical practice experiences that facilitate students’ progression through the three phases of the PA Program;
• Oversees students' achievement of objectives, fulfillment of requirements, progression through the program and preparation for graduation;
• Provides guidance for student recruitment, working collaboratively with the Admissions team;
• Coordinates student selection strategies that assure the selection of qualified applicants who meet the program requirements; 
• Ensures that applicants selected for admission have the necessary prerequisites, academic standards and motivation to achieve program goals; 
• Ensures maintenance of student records and documentation of academic progression, working collaboratively with the Registrar; 
• Provides fiscal management of program budgets; 
• Ensures continuous program assessment, identification of students and areas in need of improvement;
• Recommends ongoing program modifications based on outcome measures; 
• Oversees the preparation of all documents, handbooks, manuals, assessment tools, and surveys;
• Attends national conferences (American Academy of Physician Assistants, Physician Assistant Education Association, and National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistant) keeping abreast of professional trends;
• Represents the PA Program at School Leadership Team meeting;
• Responsible for all related duties as assigned by the Dean and Provost; 

Education Requirements:

• Graduate of an ARC-PA accredited PA Program
• Masters Degree (MS, MPA, MPH) required
• Doctoral degree preferred (EdD, DMSc, or PhD)   

Other Qualifications: 

• Current NCCPA Certification 
• New York State License or eligibility for a NY License as a Physician Assistant 
• A minimum of 5 years of clinical experience
• A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience at time of appointment
• Experience in academic administration, health professions teaching, and faculty development.

Physical/Other Requirements: 

• Must be able to push, pull, move or lift up to 50 lbs
• Must be able to meet all general health requirements for the position as per University policies