Director and Chair, Physician Assistant Studies Program

Salus University, founded as the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1919, today is a diversified, globally recognized professional academic center of learning that offers a wide range of degree programs in the professions of Optometry, Audiology, Physician Assistant, Public Health, Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Biomedicine, Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology. Salus operates four clinical facilities in the Philadelphia area that provide highly specialized vision, hearing and balance, and speech-language pathology services. The University has more than 1,100 students, including PhD candidates, and more than 12,500 alumni worldwide. For more information, please visit www.salus.edu.

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Education, and Rehabilitation, the Director and Chair, Physician Assistant Studies Program must be knowledgeable about and responsible for the Program’s organization, administration, fiscal management, continuous assessment, strategic development, and accreditation process. The Director and Chair, Physician Assistant Studies Program must be assigned to the Program on a 12-month full-time basis with at least 80% of that time devoted to academic and administrative responsibilities in support of the Program. Additional responsibilities include supervising the medical director, principal and instructional faculty and staff in all activities that directly relate to the Program.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participation in the development and refinement of the mission statement and goals of the Program.
• Conduct analysis of program outcomes in meeting the Program’s mission and established goals.
• Provide effective leadership and management for the Program.
• Formulate and revise policies and procedures related to the Program.
• In conjunction with the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Education, and Rehabilitation, Admissions Office, Academic Council, Medical Director, and principal faculty, establish the criteria for student admissions, curricular content, and performance outcomes.
• Serve as a member of the University Academic Council.
• In a concerted effort with the Admissions Committee and Office of Student Affairs, manage the recruitment, selection and orientation of Physician Assistant students.
• Recruit, mentor and retain qualified faculty and staff as well as afford guidance and support for faculty professional development and promotion.
• Directly supervise the medical director, principal and instructional faculty and staff.
• Directly supervise Director of Educational Competency and Strategic Innovation, Associate Program Director, Director of Clinical Education, and Director of Didactic Education.
• Prepare and responsibly manage the annual fiscal budget for the Program.
• In collaboration with the faculty, EPCC and Vice-President of Academic Affairs, manage the organization, design, coordination, implementation, ongoing evaluation, and modification of the Program’s curriculum.
• Teach in areas of expertise and monitor and evaluate student performance.
• Develop and revise program assessment tools.
• Ensure that academic counseling is provided to students.
• Assure the availability of remedial instruction when indicated.
• Verify that each student has successfully met all requirements for graduation.
• Provide oversight of the Program’s ongoing assessment process and maintenance of the continuing accreditation status.
• Support program efforts in the procurement and maintenance of clinical sites.
• Utilize release time to pursue clinical practice, professional development, service, and scholarly activities.
• Engage with alumni and PA advisory board.
• Attend conferences and designated programs pertinent to physician assistant education and clinical practice.

The Program Director must be a physician assistant and possess the following:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited PA program; Doctoral degree or willingness to pursue a doctoral degree preferred.
• Current or emeritus NCCPA certification status and licensure.
• Minimum five years of clinical practice is required.
• Minimum of three years of full-time higher education experience at the time of appointment.
• Minimum of three years administrative experience to include program planning and implementation, personnel management, evaluation, and budget planning.
• Demonstrated experience with student teaching.
• Well-developed team building, leadership, problem-solving, organizational, oral, written and technology skills.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, healthcare professionals and the public.
• Knowledge of the assessment process and requirements of continuing accreditation status maintenance.
• Commitment to inter-professional education and collaborative patient care.
• Ability to network with external organizations and facilities with availability to travel.
• Evidence of interest in research/scholarly activities preferred.
• Active participation/leadership in local, regional, or national PA or other medical organizations preferred.

Salus offers a comprehensive benefits package. Please send your application via: http://www.salus.edu/About/Human-Resources/Employment-Opportunities.aspx   

Salus University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women/Minorities/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, national origin, sex, religion, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.