Principal Faculty (MPAS-TX)

Position Summary:
The Franklin Pierce University Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Program at Round Rock, Texas is committed to collegial collaboration amongst all members of the team, across all phases of the program Core faculty in the PA Program will work closely with staff and faculty and will be primarily responsible for assisting in the administration of the program, including curriculum development, delivery, and review. In addition to teaching assignments, other responsibilities will include didactic and clinical course coordination, oversight of clinical experiences, academic advising, admissions and recruitment, program evaluation, participating in institutional activities and committees, facilitating quality learning experiences for students, and evaluating students’ performance in cooperation with other faculty.

Typical Schedule:
This is a full-time hybrid exempt position and the accepted work schedule is Monday through Friday with one release day per week for research, clinical practice, community service and/or scholarly activities. Incumbent may need to be available early morning, evening, and weekends to meet the needs of the institution. The schedule may vary based on the number of hours needed to meet the job responsibilities.

Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions of the Position:
Instructional:

• Teach a variety of classes in the didactic and clinical phases of the program.
• Teach assigned courses in accordance with the course syllabus, institutional policy, and accreditation standards.
• Develop and update course syllabi, required reading assignments, and learning objectives.
• Participate in the update and revision of course content and teaching methodology to maintain current evidence-based medicine.
• Maintain familiarity with current texts, up-to-date materials, teaching aids and techniques relative to courses within the discipline and recommend their adoption when appropriate.
• Provide advice and/or assistance as appropriate to faculty regarding course content and instructional materials.
• Adhere to all institutional policies and procedures as well as those outlined in the MPAS Faculty Handbook.

Clinical Education:

• Assist with the administration, organization, and development of the clinical education phase of the program.
• Develop and coordinate the annual clinical year calendar and rotation schedule.
• Develop and update clinical course syllabi, required reading assignments, and learning objectives for all rotations.
• Develop and maintain clinical site relationships, including performing occasional clinical site visits.
• Coordinate clinical student placements.
• Evaluate clinical year students.
• Document and analyze student grades, remediation plans, clinical issues, and other topics related to both clinical sites and clinical year students.
• Advise preceptors on expected program learning outcomes.

Academic Advising:

• Post and observe office hours for purposes of academic advising and student consultation. Set office hours during times that are convenient for students. Meet with students as needed by appointment.
• Maintain general knowledge of degree requirements, graduation requirements, remediation, and student services.
• Monitor students’ academic and clinical performance to ensure their success and entry-level competency.

Institutional Service:

• Attend and actively participate in scheduled department, division, and university-wide committees.
• Actively participate in assisting the university in maintaining standards required for accreditation.
• Participate in the PA White Coat Ceremony, graduation ceremonies in full regalia, and other official events.
• Participate in orientation and faculty development events as per the Program Director and Dean of CHNS.
• Develop, review, and revise the mission statement, goals, and competencies of he program, as needed.
• Perform other duties as determined in consultation with the Program Director.

Professional Growth and Development:

• Actively seek ways to continually improve quality instruction.
• Maintain personal and professional development appropriate for areas of responsibility.
• Maintain knowledge and competence in the appropriate academic disciplines pertinent to PA education.
• Engage in scholarship activities to enhance our program and the University’s mission.
• Volunteer in community activities and services.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Recruit and network to seek ongoing faculty, lecturers, and preceptors.
• Orient new faculty, lecturers, staff, and students as needed.
• Develop and analyze exams using available software.
• Participate in the admissions process.
• Participate in the program’s ongoing self-study and accreditation process, including preparation of documents and/or reports, as well as active participation in site visits by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
• Participate in university activities.
• Meet requirements articulated in the faculty protocol.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements/Skills/Abilities:

• Must have knowledge of educational, management, and adult learning theory and principles and be able to administer, assess, and document programmatic education trends and data.
• Must have a minimum of 3 years of clinical experience as a practicing provider.
• Previous teaching experience or preceptorship is preferred.

• Faculty shall be a graduate of an accredited PA program or have related health degree (MD/PhD/NP/DO), with a minimum of a master’s degree.
• Faculty shall maintain National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification if a physician assistant.
• A current PA, NP, MD, or DO license is required or eligibility to achieve licensure within one (1) year of hire.
• Incumbent will work under typical office conditions, as well as travel to clinical rotation sites as needed.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements:
While performing required job tasks, the faculty member must be physically able to remain seated frequently to continuously; and physically able to remain standing up to 15% of the time. The faculty member must possess dexterity abilities required to perform typing, operate a computer and other office equipment, as related to job responsibilities.

Expectations:

• Handle highly confidential data while understanding that all university information and materials should only be disclosed to others for legitimate business reasons.
• Exercise and apply sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Maintain integrity and professionalism when dealing with faculty, staff, students, preceptors, and other personnel.
• Be able to work effectively, decisively, and flexibly in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Be able to work successfully as part of a team or independently.
• Identify problems, troubleshoot, and propose feasible solutions.
• Maintain strong organizational skills and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Possess strong leadership attributes and good communication skills.
• Demonstrate continuous scholarship.
• Maintain knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook, and stay current with emerging office technologies.

• Adhere to the policies and procedures established by Franklin Pierce University.

Contact:
Faculty and Staff : Significant daily contact and collegial collaboration with faculty and/or staff.
Students : Significant daily contact with students.

Expectations of All Employees:
All employees support the university’s mission, vision, and values by incorporating daily behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct. Each team member should be able to describe the ways in which their work contributes to making the university a great place for students to learn and employees to work.  Each employee plays an essential role in fostering an environment of respect, diversity, and inclusion, raising the quality of service, and generating ideas that help us to continually improve.

Confidentiality : All information regarding students is protected by FERPA and considered confidential. Student information must not be shared without permission by the student.

NOTE: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

About FPU 

Since its establishment in 1962, Franklin Pierce University has been a catalyst for the academic success and personal growth of numerous undergraduate and graduate students. Rooted in a robust liberal education foundation, we provide majors and programs that cultivate vital professional skills, foster close relationships among students, faculty, and staff, and offer personalized, financially accessible academic opportunities that empower our students to realize their full potential.

 
Our impact extends across a diverse range of learners, including residential undergraduates, online students, and full-time graduate students, through our primary campus in Rindge, NH and additional online and graduate centers in Manchester and Lebanon, NH, Austin, TX and Goodyear, AZ. As we uphold our commitment to excellence, we continually explore innovative models and programs that build upon our rich legacy, guiding students to expand their knowledge, pursue their passions, and graduate as capable, engaged leaders.

 
At Franklin Pierce University, we hold firm in our belief that establishing a lasting legacy involves supporting and preparing students to thrive as leaders and contributing members of society. To achieve this mission, we recognize the importance of fostering a diverse community comprised of exceptional individuals from various backgrounds, all dedicated to advancing our shared goals.

NONDISCRIMINATION: Franklin Pierce University maintains a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Accordingly, the University is committed to administering all educational and employment activities without discrimination as to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ethnicity or national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status and any other characteristic protected by law, except where appropriate and authorized by law. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, the following employment decisions and practices: hiring; upgrading; promotions; demotions or transfers; layoffs; recalls; terminations; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; selection for training, including apprenticeship; and recruitment or recruitment advertising.

Employees and applicants of Franklin Pierce University will not be subjected to any form of harassment or discrimination for exercising rights protected by, or because of their participation in, an investigation or compliance review related to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, or any other federal or state nondiscrimination law, rule, or regulation.