Program Director

About the Role

North Carolina A&T State University (N.C. A&T) seeks a visionary, dynamic, and passionate leader to serve as Program Director to lead the continued development and success of a high-quality Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program. This is an exciting opportunity to bring a newly developed Physician Assistant program to life and shape every aspect of its future. The Program Director will build the team, design engaging didactic and clinical curriculum, develop strong clinical partnerships, guide the program through the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) accreditation, and create a collaborative learning environment where faculty, staff, and students can thrive.

Part of the John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences (HCHHS), the Department of Physician Assistant Studies is answering the call to lead in an area of intensive need and growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 12,000 PA job openings annually over the coming decade. The position of Program Director is a 12-month tenure-track faculty position (open rank commensurate with experience) with significant administrative responsibilities. The Director of the PA Program is responsible for the organization, administration, fiscal management, continuous review and analysis, planning and ongoing implementation of the Physician Assistant Program. This includes consistent review of the curriculum, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards established by ARC-PA, oversight of the development of clinical sites, supervision of faculty and program staff, coordinating program assessment, and maintaining accreditation. The Director will also work closely with N.C. A&T's admissions, marketing and communications offices to recruit students to the program. The position reports directly to the Dean of Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences.

Responsibilities

Administrative (50%):

• Provide effective leadership, guidance, and academic support to the PA program, and be responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of the academic program.
• Manage the program budget, recruit, hire and retain faculty, and ensure and maintain high academic standards and program quality.
• Develop short and long-range planning objectives for the PA program, including program growth, employee retention, and development of new relationships with clinical partners.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the professional community to maintain clinical sites.
• Develop annual self-study reports with a review of goals, achievements, and outcomes for the Dean's review.
• Prepare ARC-PA related reports and accreditation documents, including self-study materials.
• Oversee the maintenance of appropriate records and conduct annual data-driven reviews of program processes and student progression.
• Supervise all program faculty and staff. Prepare annual performance reviews, helping facilitate individual goals and growth with appropriate professional development opportunities and recommendations.

Instructional Design (40%):

• Oversee the program's clinical component to include managing clinical curriculum and those faculty supporting this curriculum.
• Oversee the development of new curricula and courses, course syllabi, and outlines; revise courses, evaluate curricula, and make recommendations to the Vice Dean for Medical Education for expansion and/or termination of program components as appropriate with the program faculty.
• Oversee the program's didactic component to include managing didactic curriculum and those faculty supporting the PA curriculum.
• Oversee the review and revision of the PA curriculum as necessary to comply with the ARC-PA Standards.

Customer Service (10%):

• Foster an environment that promotes inter-professional and interdisciplinary scholarly endeavors and collaboration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in physician assistant studies or a related field.
• Knowledgeable about physician assistant program director responsibilities required by ARC-PA and the demands of maintaining ARC-PA accreditation.
• Must be knowledgeable about: program organization, program administration, fiscal management of the program, continuous programmatic review and analysis, program planning, program development, completion of ARC-PA required documents, and adherence to the Standards and ARC-PA policies.
• Must hold current or emeritus National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification and be eligible for physician assistant license in the State of North Carolina.
• Must have a minimum of three years of full-time higher education experience at the time of appointment and three years of health care experience.
• Commitment to inclusive education and developing cultural competencies among graduate students with a lens toward social justice education.
• Experience with being efficient and responsive to issues related to personnel.
• A team-oriented, collaborative decision maker with effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Doctoral degree in a health, education, or administrative discipline.
• Experience in curriculum development, evaluation, instruction, program administration, academic advising required.
• Demonstrated cultural competence, sensitivity to, and understanding of students, faculty, and staff's diverse academic, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Commitment to a team-oriented, student-centric environment.
• Strong interpersonal abilities with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

About the College of Health and Human Sciences

The John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences (HCHHS) is the largest academic college at North Carolina A&T, offering numerous educational and career paths so that students reach their goals and have a positive impact on the lives of others. Graduates become clinical healthcare professionals, working in direct patient care as well as other professions that improve and enhance the community. Through innovative programs, high impact, and student-centered pedagogy, faculty in the college foster an inter-professional learning environment for undergraduate and graduate students. Social justice and promotion of health equity are integral components of the mission of the college. Consistent with this mission, the college welcomes applicants representing the full diversity of intellectual perspectives, life experiences, social-demographic, and political-cultural-backgrounds. Learn more about HCHHS here.

About North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) is a top-flight research university, the largest historically Black university (HBCU) in the country, the #1 producer of degrees awarded to African Americans in North Carolina as well as nationally recognized for their excellence in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) education. With an enrollment of 15,275 students (12th consecutive year of growth), and more than 2,000 employees, the University offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 11 doctoral degree programs and 35 master's degree programs within eight academic colleges. The University is one of the sixteen constituent units of the University of North Carolina (UNC) and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). Learn more about N.C. A&T here.

Why Consider This Opportunity

• Have an impact and lead with broad influence. This opportunity offers significant impact on program development, faculty recruitment, clinical partnerships, accreditation, academic quality, and student success.
• Build something meaningful. The Program Director will have the opportunity to lead a newly launched Physician Assistant program to success through establishing its vision, culture, curriculum, and foundation for long-term success.
• Make a lasting mark. Supported by an established portfolio of health-related programs, this leader will shape an innovative PA program designed to prepare future clinicians and strengthen the university's influence on the communities it serves.
• Join a dynamic location. The largest HBCU in the country, North Carolina A&T is located in Greensboro, part of North Carolina's growing Piedmont Triad region, offering access to healthcare organizations, educational partners, cultural amenities, and a strong quality of life.