Program Director, Physician Assistant; MSPA Program- Arizona

Department: Master of Science:
Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program

Location: Tempe, AZ

FLSA: Exempt

Supervisor: Heather Heggem, Dean, College of Medical Science

This full‑time position is primarily responsible for academic and administrative oversight of the MSPA program located in Tempe, Arizona. This individual is responsible for maintaining compliance with ARC‑PA standards through program organization, program administration, fiscal management, continuous programmatic review and analysis, program planning, program development, completion of ARC‑PA required documents, and adherence to the Standards and ARC‑PA policies. The position requires responsiveness to personnel issues, strong communication skills, and proactive problem solving.

• Develop, review, and revise the program’s mission statement, vision, and goals in collaboration with the Dean and MSPA program
• Participate in selecting applicants for admission to the PA program and in applicant interviews
• Provide student instruction and academic counseling as needed
• Meet the academic needs of enrolled students and provide remedial instruction
• Design, implement, coordinate, and evaluate the curriculum and program evaluation
• Teach assigned courses in accordance with Program Learning Outcomes, Course Learning Outcomes, and Instructional Objectives
• Use appropriate teaching strategies and methods (e.g., formal lecture, case studies, small group discussions, active learning, laboratory activities, self‑directed instruction)
• Modify teaching methods based on assessment results and best practices in teaching and learning
• Assess student learning through various assessment forms and submit student grades and course reports as required
• Attend and actively participate in department and university meetings
• Remain current in the discipline and update course content as needed
• Work in a team and committee environment in a courteous and professional manner
• Maintain all necessary licenses and certificates for employment eligibility
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
• Attend the White Coat Ceremony and Graduation in person
• Participate in all aspects of the regional and program‑specific accreditation process

• Provide program leadership through program organization, administration, fiscal management, and continuous programmatic review
• Oversee all principal faculty, medical director(s), instructional faculty, adjunct faculty, and administrative support
• Ensure adherence to ARC‑PA standards and policies
• Plan and manage program development and academic counseling
• Select, train, develop, and evaluate program staff and faculty
• Collaborate with university administrators and deans to promote interprofessional education
• Develop and oversee clinical internship processes and relationships
• Collect and report statistics, demographics, retention, attrition, and exam pass rates
• Lead curriculum design, implementation, coordination, and evaluation
• Attend in‑person events including the White Coat Ceremony and Graduation
• Facilitate all aspects of the accreditation process

• Lead instructor for courses

• Academic Council
• Admissions Committee
• MSPA Accreditation Steering Committee
• PANCE Preparedness Committee
• Student Progress Committee

• Oversee all MSPA program personnel, including principal faculty, instructional faculty, adjunct faculty, and administrative support

• PA who holds current or emeritus NCCPA certification status and eligibility for state licensure as a PA
• Master’s Degree or higher in Physician Assistant Studies or a related field (Doctorate preferred)
• Minimum of at least three years of full‑time higher education experience at the time of appointment
• Minimum of three years of experience as a clinical PA
• Experience in inter‑professional education and incorporating technology, including simulation, into teaching and practice; proficiency in hands‑on clinical skills required
• Computer skills: MS Office 365, MS Teams, SIS system

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence,…