JOB TITLE: Associate Program Director of Clinical Education, Master of Science: Physician Assistant

 

DEPARTMENT: Master of Science: Physician Assistant Program  

 

LOCATION: Hybrid, Tempe, AZ

 

FSLA STATUS: Exempt 

 

REPORTS TO: MSPA - AZ Program Director

 

COMPENSATION: $127,000.00 annually

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is primarily responsible for serving the Master of Science: Physician Assistant program. The associate program director is responsible for applying their expertise to oversee the curriculum. This includes developing the competencies to meet current practice standards as they relate to the PA role.  This individual must be an active participant in the program.    

 

Essential Functions

The Clinical Director/Director of Clinical Education must be able to perform the following essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation:

  • Provide leadership and supervision of the clinical education team, including oversight of personnel, workflows, and clinical operations related to supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs).
  • Develop, establish, maintain, and secure clinical education sites and preceptors necessary to support student clinical placements and program requirements.
  • Direct and oversee all aspects of the SCPE program to ensure compliance with ARC-PA accreditation standards, institutional policies, and program learning outcomes.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate the clinical curriculum, including sequencing, instructional objectives, learning outcomes, and assessment methods that prepare students for clinical practice across the lifespan and healthcare settings.
  • Evaluate student clinical performance and outcomes, including monitoring clinical assessments, identifying deficiencies, overseeing remediation plans, and ensuring students achieve required competencies for graduation and entry into practice.
  • Manage clinical site operations, including student placement, scheduling, site coordination, site development, site evaluation, and ongoing quality improvement activities.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the program, clinical sites, and preceptors, maintaining effective working relationships and communication.
  • Recruit, train, evaluate, and support preceptors, including providing orientation, professional development, and guidance regarding student learning objectives, competencies, and evaluation processes.
  • Conduct clinical site visits and evaluations to assess site adequacy, student performance, and preceptor effectiveness.
  • Maintain oversight of clinical records and compliance documentation, including affiliation agreements, preceptor licensure and certification records, student evaluations, clinical assessments, and accreditation-related documentation.
  • Manage and maintain clinical education systems and tracking tools, including Exxat or comparable platforms, and provide guidance to faculty regarding system utilization.
  • Analyze clinical education data and outcomes, including student performance metrics, remediation trends, and program assessment data, to support continuous program improvement and accreditation requirements.
  • Participate in accreditation activities, including preparation of self-study reports, collection of supporting documentation, and implementation of policies necessary to maintain ARC-PA compliance.
  • Provide academic advising and counseling to students related to clinical education, progression, and professional development.
  • Collaborate with program leadership and faculty regarding curriculum development, student progression, clinical education initiatives, and strategic program goals.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned that are consistent with the nature and scope of the position. 

Non-Essential/Additional Duties 

The following duties are considered secondary to the primary purpose of the position and may be reassigned or modified as operational needs require:

  • Assist with instruction in didactic and clinical courses.
  • Participate in applicant recruitment, admissions interviews, and student selection activities.
  • Serve on program and institutional committees, including but not limited to:
    • Admissions Committee
    • Curriculum Committee
    • Student Progress Committee
    • MSPA Advisory Board
  • Participate in faculty recruitment, interviewing, and selection processes.
  • Contribute to special projects, outreach activities, presentations, and other program initiatives.
  • Perform occasional administrative assignments that support department operations.

ATTENDANCE:

Must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled breaks, where applicable.  

 

WORK LOCATION:

This position may require weekly onsite support and/or attendance. 

 

COMPETENCIES:   

  • Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures. 
  • Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals. 
  • Change Management - Develops workable; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results. 
  • Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Demonstrates attention to detail. 
  • Managing People - Improves processes 
  • Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity. 
  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. 
  • Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities. 
  • Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly. 

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • This job oversees clinical administrative staff, clinical instructional faculty, and clinical principal faculty 

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

  • Graduate of a fully accredited PA, MD, or DO Program with at least 3 years of clinical practice experience in the U.S. Current licensure and NCCPA certification (for PAs) is required. Exceptional candidates with less than three years of clinical experience may be considered. 
  • Prior faculty experience in PA or medical education, as well as inter-professional education and incorporating technology including simulation into teaching and practice, is strongly preferred. Proficiency in hands-on clinical skills is required. 
  • Computer skills required: 
    •  MS Office 365, MS Teams and SIS system 
  • Other skills required: 
    • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  
    • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customer, and the general public. 
    •  Ability to prioritize work, perform well under pressure and maintain productivity despite consistent interruptions 
  • Certifications/Licensure (if applicable):
    • Valid US Driver’s License
    • Current licensure and NCCPA certification (for PAs) is required. 

 

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

 

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Adaptability in a dynamic, evolving environment

 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS

 

  • Work Arrangement: Hybrid   
  • Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  
  • The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.  
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and taste or smell.  
  • The employee must frequently lift and /or move more than 10 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. 
  • Travel Requirements: Must be able travel for program events such Accreditation Site Visits, and program events and ceremonies such as White Coat Ceremony and Graduation. Other weekend activities as assigned.

The physical requirements described are representative of the work performed and are not intended to prescribe the only manner in which duties may be accomplished. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

 

WHAT IT MEANS TO WORK AT SCU:

 

At SCU, how we work is just as important as what we do. We are building a culture that reflects the future of healthcare—collaborative, inclusive, and person-centered.

 

How We Work

  • We prioritize students, patients, and partners in everything we do
  • We collaborate across roles and disciplines—no silos
  • We take ownership and approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset
  • We lead with curiosity, humility, and accountability
  • We contribute to a culture of respect, positivity, and continuous improvement

Our Core Values

  • Integrative Health: Bringing disciplines together to improve outcomes
  • Evidence-Informed Practice: Valuing research, inquiry, and applied knowledge
  • Health Equity: Advancing access and outcomes for all populations
  • Inclusivity: Fostering a community where diverse perspectives are valued

Benefits & Perks

  • At least one medical plan fully covered for employees
  • Option to add dependents at an additional cost
  • Education reimbursement
  • 403(b) retirement plan
  • Access to a wide range of employee discounts and perks