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Program Director, Physician Assistant Program

California State University, Stanislaus invites applications for a bold and visionary leader to serve as the Founding Program Director for a proposed Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. This is a rare opportunity to build a program from the ground up at a university deeply committed to student success, community engagement, and regional impact in California's Central Valley.

Stanislaus State is a student-centered, Hispanic-Serving Institution dedicated to fostering inclusive excellence, expanding access, and transforming lives through education. The University's mission emphasizes personalized learning, academic excellence, and partnerships that enrich the surrounding community, making it an ideal environment to launch a program that addresses critical healthcare workforce needs.

This is a rare opportunity to build a program from inception at a university where leadership is actively advancing healthcare education as a cornerstone of regional transformation. We seek an entrepreneurial, collaborative, and mission-driven leader who is excited to shape a program that reflects these values while preparing highly skilled physician assistants to serve diverse and underserved populations. advancing health equity, workforce development, and educational access.

Position Overview

The Program Director provides visionary leadership, academic oversight, and administrative management for the MPAS program. The Director will lead all aspects of program development, implementation, accreditation, and continuous improvement in alignment with ARC-PA standards and university policies.

As the founding leader, the Director will:

• Provide strategic leadership in developing and launching the MPAS program
• Design and implement a forward-thinking, student-centered curriculum.
• Lead the program through the ARC-PA accreditation process and ensure continuing compliance with ARC-PA accreditation standards.
• Recruit and support a diverse and high-performing faculty and staff team.
• Build and advance pathways for student recruitment, retention, and success.
• Lead program assessment, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Advance interprofessional education and community-based learning.
• Develop and sustain clinical education partnerships.
• Manage program resources and planning effectively.
• Foster a culture aligned with Stan State's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student-centered learning.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current certification by the NCCPA.

• Eligibility for licensure (or current licensure) as a Physician Assistant in California.

• Minimum of a master's degree (doctorate preferred).

• At least three (3) years of full-time higher education experience in a PA program.

• At least two (2) years of experience in a leadership or administrative role in PA education.

• Demonstrated knowledge of ARC-PA accreditation standards and processes.

• Strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Earned doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DHSc, DMSc, or related field).

• Prior experience as a Program Director or Associate Program Director.

• Experience launching or substantially revising a PA program.

• Demonstrated record of scholarship and professional service.

• Experience in interprofessional education and simulation-based instruction.

How To Apply

& Deadline

A complete application must include: an application letter specifically addressing the position description and qualifications; unofficial photocopies of graduate transcripts; a statement of teaching philosophy; evidence of teaching proficiency; a sample of research; professional curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.

To apply for this position, please click the "Apply Now" button on this page.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:

Dr. Jennifer Peltier, Search Chair

School of Nursing

College of Science

California State University, Stanislaus

One University Circle

Turlock, CA

email: jpeltier

Department Website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./nursing

This appointment begins in Fall…