Position Type:   Full-Time Faculty (1.0 FTE)
Reports to: Department Chair/Program Director
Purpose: Oversee and coordinate the Didactic and Summative Phases of the Program (in addition to teaching)
 

Note: Other clinical ranks can be discussed, depending on experience and the polices set forth in our faculty handbook.

Essential Functions:
In consultation with the Department Chair/Program Director, the Director of Didactic Education will:

• Coordinate and oversee the implementation and progression of Didactic Phase activities.
• Direct the development, evaluation, editing, and updating of Didactic Phase course descriptions; course topics, goals, outcomes, learning and instructional objectives; course syllabi.
• Assist other principal faculty in the development of course specific rubrics and examinations/evaluations and assess those for appropriateness and effectiveness.
• Oversee processes, faculty and student training, and use related to the College’s Learning Management System (e.g., Moodle) and serve as the departmental ‘expert’ on this system.
• Oversee processes, faculty and student training, and use related to assessment/examination management platforms (e.g., ExamSoft) and serve as the departmental expert on these platforms.
• Map the Didactic Phase curriculum to ARC-PA Standards of Accreditation and MPAS Program Goals and Outcomes and ensure appropriateness and effectiveness of all didactic phase courses in accordance with Program and student needs and ARC-PA accreditation standards.
• Regularly assess the Didactic Phase curriculum for effectiveness by: seeking student and faculty input; developing, implementing, and monitoring course and program evaluations; reviewing student grades/evaluations on course examinations and overall course grades; implementing and evaluating ‘end-of-year’ PACKRAT examinations and ‘end-of-program’ program summative examinations/ evaluations.
• Facilitate curriculum enhancement and implement curricular improvements.
• Develop and revise, as appropriate, the MPAS Program Student Handbook.
• Continually review compliance with ARC-PA ‘B1’ and ‘B2’ accreditation standards. 

In addition to the above, specific responsibilities will include:

• Engage in teaching, scholarship, and service activities as defined in the Faculty Manual.
• Participate in teaching selected classroom and laboratory classes.
• Participate in clinically related activities as designated by the Department Chair/Program Director.
• Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of the curriculum for physician assistant education that conforms to College, School of Health Sciences, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, and the MPAS Program policies and procedures.
• Participate in the development, initiation and incorporation of instructional experiences within the curriculum designed to achieve and maintain compliance with ARC-PA standards.
• Ensure the development of core knowledge, skills and attitudes requisite to the development of competencies required for the successful completion of board examinations and safe practice at the time of entry to the profession.
• Participate in curriculum design and program development to include, but not limited to, program manuals, instructional materials and learning objectives.
• Assist the Department Chair/Program Director in the MPAS Program’s continuous self-study processes.
• Maintain accurate and appropriate records, assist with periodic accreditation reports, accreditation site visits, and ongoing program evaluation.
• Also serves as Principal/Full-Time Faculty member
• Serve as an “ambassador” for the College, School, Department and Program through participation in service activities

Program Assignments:

• Course Director for courses as assigned
• Committee Member:
  • Graduate Curriculum Committee
  • Academic and Professional Performance Review Committee (APPRC)
  • SHS Inter-professional Committee
• Admissions
• Program Assessment

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair/Program Director.

Qualifications and Experience:

• If a physician, current unrestricted license as an allopathic or osteopathic physician in the state of Virginia and certification by an ABMS- or AOA- approved specialty board and knowledge about current PA practice standards and the PA role
• If a PA, current NCCPA certification and eligible for VA state licensure
• Academic preparation and/or experience in graduate level clinical education, including being knowledgeable in course development and strategies promoting faculty and student effectiveness. Examples of such preparation would include:
  • Having completed PAEA Faculty Skills Development 101 minimum, and one or more of the following:
    • Creating an Effective Student Assessment Workshop
    • Remediation Workshop
    • Best Practices on Active Learning Series Workshops
• Previous clinical medical experience and understanding of the medical environment (minimum of 5 years in primary care or specialty experience preferred)
• Effective communication skills and able to use various communication tools
• Able to effectively work independently on numerous projects/tasks
• Ability to effectively work in a team environment.
• Experience as preceptor of students in health care related clinical rotations preferred
• Master’s degree required, doctoral degree preferred

To Apply, Submit Your:

• Cover Letter
• Updated CV with contact information for three professional references
• Unofficial transcripts from all attended institutions of higher education for all degree levels
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Finalists may be asked to submit confidential letters of recommendation for their references