Tenure Track – Program Director: Physician Assistant - Master of Science in Medicine Program at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA

Job description

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship. *** Point Loma Nazarene University invites applications and nominations for the position of Physician Assistant Program Director. The College of Health Sciences seeks an experienced, mission-driven leader to guide its Department of Physician Assistant Education into its next chapter. The Physician Assistant program is one of several graduate degree programs the College has launched over the past five years in a dynamic period of growth, alongside Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, and Medical Sciences. PLNU achieved a 100% first-time PANCE pass rate for its graduating class in 2025. The program was also recently awarded a 10-year accreditation by the ARC-PA. The Program Director will build on this strong foundation by sustaining accreditation, advancing a student-centered curriculum, and strengthening the clinical partnerships that prepare graduates to serve. Salary PLNU pays its faculty using a pay scale based on experience and academic rank. Faculty salaries using this scale for a 3-semester (12-month) appointment range from $138,866 to $174,295. The actual salary will be based on the experience, rank, and appointment term of the candidate selected to fill this position. Benefits We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and competitive retirement matching. There also may be opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches and a robust wellness program. Job Status: Full time *** Job Description: The Position The University seeks an individual capable of excellent leadership and vision, committed to significant involvement with students within and outside the classroom, and dedicated to student-centered, active learning. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, the Program Director will provide strategic leadership and vision for the Department of Physician Assistant Education and convey a clear sense of purpose for the Department consistent with that of the University. The Program Director will lead, manage, and oversee all program functions in collaboration with the faculty and staff, including curriculum revision, clinical affiliations, course coordination and assessment, continuous program evaluation, fiscal management, and continuing accreditation by the ARC-PA. Successful candidates will be adept at developing and maintaining collaborative professional relationships with administrative departments, accrediting bodies, and institutional, clinical, and educational partners. The Program Director will exhibit strong interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills, recruiting, mentoring, and developing well-qualified faculty and staff, and communicating collaboratively in the performance of all duties. The Director will teach in areas of expertise as available and perform service activities that advance the program and the profession, including the recruitment, orientation, and retention of students. This is a 12-month, full-time (1.0 FTE) faculty appointment, with both tenure-track and non-tenure-track options available. All candidates must demonstrate a thorough commitment to Christian higher education, with a desire to work i