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Physician Associate Program - Director of Curriculum Innovation and Program Asse

Alvernia, Reading, PA, United States


Physician Associate Program - Director of Curriculum Innovation and Program Assessment

Alvernia University , in partnership with the national search firm

Scott Healy & Associates , invites applications and nominations for the position of

Physician Associate Program - Director of Curriculum Innovation and Program Assessment . This is a full-time, non-tenure track faculty position that will report directly to the PA Program Director. The program is located at Alvernia's John R. Post Center in Reading, Pennsylvania. Provisional accreditation has been granted by ARC-PA for the program at the Reading campus. The Director will be responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously assessing the didactic and clinical curriculum, as well as overseeing data management, analysis, and reporting to ensure compliance with all ARC-PA, PAEA, and regional accreditation standards. This principal faculty role is integral to the day-to-day operations of the Physician Associate Program and the education, mentoring, and advising of its students, while also fostering collaboration among faculty and supporting program growth. Duties and Responsibilities: Principal Faculty Teach assigned didactic courses within the PA curriculum, consistent with expertise and program needs. Participate in course coordination and instructional planning, including development of syllabi, learning activities, and assessments. Evaluate student performance and provide timely, constructive feedback to support student learning and professional development. Engage in student advising and mentoring, particularly during the didactic phase. Participate in faculty meetings, program retreats, and collaborative curriculum discussions. Contribute to scholarship, service, and professional development, consistent with institutional and ARC-PA expectations for principal faculty. Model professionalism and support a collegial, inclusive learning environment.

Curriculum Leadership & Coordination Collaborate with the Program Director to coordinate and oversee the didactic curriculum, ensuring alignment with program outcomes and ARC-PA Standards. Support integration and sequencing of coursework across the didactic phase, including clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and professional competencies. Participate in ongoing curriculum review and improvement, informed by assessment data and stakeholder feedback.

Faculty Collaboration & Support Work collaboratively with principal and instructional faculty to support effective teaching, course alignment, and curricular consistency. Assist the Program Director with orientation and ongoing support of didactic faculty, promoting shared ownership of the curriculum. Foster a team-based approach to teaching and curriculum delivery. Assessment & Accreditation Support Partner with the Program Director to monitor student learning outcomes and performance trends within the didactic phase. Contribute to programmatic assessment activities, including data collection, analysis, and reporting related to didactic education. Assist with accreditation documentation and preparation for ARC-PA reviews related to the didactic curriculum. Student Support & Academic Progression Collaborate with the Program Director and Student Affairs personnel to support student success, progression, and retention during the didactic phase. Participate in discussions related to academic standing, remediation, and progression, in accordance with program policies. Serve as an academic resource for students regarding didactic expectations and requirements. Program Leadership & Communication Serve as a collaborative member of the PA Program leadership team, contributing to planning and decision-making. Maintain regular communication with the Program Director to ensure coordination, transparency, and continuity across program operations. Represent the didactic curriculum in program meetings and initiatives, as delegated.

General Responsibilities Mentor new faculty Participate in new student orientation, accepted student webinars/visitation days, and open house sessions for the PA Program Serve on University and PA Program committees as requested or designated Demonstrate commitment to the Alvernia Physician Associate Program mission statement and lead by example All other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the PA program Qualifications: NCCPA certification Minimum 3 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant At least 3 years of experience in PA education and direct experience with ARC-PA accreditation (preferred) Master's Degree or higher (preferred) Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail Adept interpersonal and communication skills Skillful problem-solving capabilities An ability to work effectively in a team environment Personal accountability for all duties outlined in the job description and as assigned by the Program Director About Alvernia University: Alvernia University , located in Reading, Pennsylvania-just an hour from Philadelphia, is a vibrant intellectual community where students learn, discover, give, and grow as leaders. Guided by Franciscan values and the ideal of "knowledge joined with love," and rooted in the Catholic and liberal arts traditions, Alvernia offers a rigorous, caring, and inclusive environment committed to academic excellence. The University develops broadly educated, lifelong learners, reflective professionals, and engaged citizens who lead with integrity and moral courage. Alvernia honors the missionary spirit of the Bernardine Sisters, valuing diversity of thought, faith, and culture, fostering a place where creativity is celebrated and service is central. Experiential and service learning define the Alvernia experience, empowering students to apply knowledge through hands-on practice and build a strong foundation for real-world success. In 2025, the Carnegie Foundation recognized the University as one of the nation's leading institutions for student opportunity and economic mobility. Alvernia was also named among a select group of High Access, High Earnings Opportunity Colleges and Universities in the 2025 Student Access and Earnings Classification. These distinctions underscore Alvernia's commitment to transforming students' lives and expanding pathways to lasting success. About the Physician Associate Program: The Physician Associate Program

at Alvernia offers two pathways to obtain a Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies: a Bio-PA (3+2) accelerated track, and a traditional post-baccalaureate track designed for students who have obtained a baccalaureate degree. ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Alvernia University Physician Associate Program sponsored by Alvernia University. The program is 24 months in length and spans 6 semesters, including two summer semesters. The first three semesters comprise the didactic phase, followed by three semesters of clinical instruction. The curriculum is based on the most recent ARC-PA standards and NCCPA PANCE blueprint and aligns with the University and Program's mission and goals. It is delivered in a hybrid format that includes lectures delivered in person, live over Zoom, and via asynchronous formats, with all lab and clinical-related coursework delivered in-person. About the Community: Reading, Pennsylvania , sits at the heart of the scenic Schuylkill River Valley and is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and unique cultural heritage. The city boasts a thriving economy anchored by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail, offering a mix of opportunity and activity. Residents and visitors alike enjoy exploring its historic downtown, dining at diverse local restaurants, shopping at the renowned outlets, and experiencing festivals, live music, and art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of nearby parks, trails, and the scenic countryside, while the city's proximity to Philadelphia - and convenient access to major cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore - makes regional travel easy. With a welcoming community, affordable living, and a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, Reading combines energy, opportunity, and charm. Surrounding Reading is a diverse mix of communities that broaden the region's opportunities.

Berks County

is home to a variety of attractive towns and suburban neighborhoods, including Wyomissing, which is widely appreciated for its tree-lined streets, walkable layout, strong school systems, and easy access to shopping, dining, and healthcare. To the southeast,

Chester County

offers a distinctly picturesque setting, with areas such as Exton combining rolling countryside, preserved open space, and vibrant town centers alongside major employment hubs. These neighboring communities are often recognized for their livability, thoughtful development, and balance of residential and commercial life. Compared to Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs, the greater Reading region offers a noticeably lower cost of living, particularly in housing, while still maintaining convenient access to the city's cultural institutions, professional networks, and transportation.

Application and Nomination Process: All correspondence relating to the position of

Physician Associate Program - Director of Curriculum Innovation and Program Assessment

at

Alvernia University

should be directed in confidence to the University's executive search consultant: Cathryn Mountain, Assistant Vice President Scott Healy & Associates caty@scotthealy.com A complete application should include the following: Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position; Updated CV; Contact information for three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.) The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Alvernia University is seeking candidates who are committed to excellence of inclusion through working with all constituents of the entire Alvernia community.

Alvernia University is an equal opportunity employer committed to Franciscan values and achieving excellence through diversity and inclusion. recblid bai5bsmth7g9br377199xcijz95842