PA or CRNP - Otolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship

Advanced Practice Provider 

Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery - Survivorship

University of Pittsburgh Physicians Otolaryngology department is seeking a full-time Advanced Practice Provider (Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner) to join its Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship program . This role offers a meaningful opportunity to support patients across the full cancer survivorship continuum, from pre-treatment evaluation through long-term surveillance, within a nationally recognized academic and clinical program. This position is ideal for a compassionate, detail-oriented APP who is interested in outpatient specialty care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and long-term patient relationships in head and neck oncology survivorship .

Hours

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• MondayFriday
• 5 eight-hour shifts
• No on-call, weekends, or rotations required

Location

• Eye and Ear Institute
• UPMC Shadyside

Position Specifics

• Provide comprehensive care to patients throughout the head and neck cancer survivorship journey , from pre-treatment through long-term follow-up
• Conduct pre-radiation baseline assessments , patient education, and treatment planning consultations
• Manage acute post-radiation toxicities at approximately six weeks post-treatment, including symptom management, nutritional support, and coordination of rehabilitation services
• Monitor and manage chronic and late treatment effects , such as xerostomia, dysphagia, lymphedema, trismus, fibrosis, and other therapy-related complications
• Perform routine surveillance to detect recurrence and address long-term survivorship needs
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary head and neck cancer survivorship team to manage complex cases
• Outpatient-focused role with 100% outpatient clinic responsibilities

Department Details

• The Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery is a national leader in clinical, basic, and translational research
• Ranked #3 in the nation for NIH funding among Otolaryngology Departments in 2025
• Home to a Head and Neck Cancer SPORE program , one of only three in the United States, in collaboration with the Department of Radiation Oncology
• Position supports a growing, specialized survivorship program focused on long-term outcomes and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients

Advanced Practice Provider:

The Staff or Senior Advanced Practice Provider (Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner) is a collaborative member of the care team who provides high-quality patient care through independent clinical judgment and physician collaboration. The APP manages patient care across the continuum, builds strong interdisciplinary relationships, and demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and emerging leadership within the healthcare team.

The successful candidate will be placed according to years and months of experience for employment purposes. The posted salary range for this position is for the Senior level which requires three (3) or more years of experience. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality patient care by applying sound clinical judgment, effective communication, and evidence-based practice. Develop and implement individualized plans of care that support patient safety, quality outcomes, and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with patients, families, and interdisciplinary care teams to deliver coordinated care and patient education. Actively seek feedback, guidance, and learning opportunities to continuously strengthen clinical skills and professional practice.
• Contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment by demonstrating professionalism, ethical awareness, accountability, and teamwork. Participate in quality improvement efforts, support colleagues, and engage in initiatives that enhance patient care and the clinical practice environment.

• Demonstrated ability to provide age-appropriate patient care
• Knowledge of growth and development across the life span
• Ability to assess patient data and deliver care per departmental policies
• Strong interpersonal, critical thinking, and clinical judgment skills with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Physical stamina and dexterity required for direct patient care.

Licensure, Education, Certifications, and Clearances

• Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)
  • Completion of an approved Nurse Practitioner program required
  • BSN required; MSN preferred
  • Current Pennsylvania RN license and CRNP certification required
  • National certification and eligibility for licensure and CRNP certification by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

• Physician Assistant (PA)
  • Graduation from an ARC?PAaccredited Physician Assistant program required
  • Bachelors or masters degree preferred
  • Current Pennsylvania PA license and NCCPA certification required

• Required for All APP Candidates
  • Current CPR certification
  • Successful completion of required Pennsylvania clearances:
    • Act 33
    • Act 34
    • Act 73

• Senior-Level Requirements: To qualify for or maintain Senior Advanced Practice Provider status, candidates must meet the following:
  • Minimum of 3 years of APP experience or completion of a post?graduate residency
  • Completion of national certification appropriate to discipline
  • Must maintain a Solid/Strong/Good performance rating or higher on annual evaluations
  • Completion of an OAPP?approved professional contribution within one year of hire or promotion
  • Department Chair approval required for promotion
  • ACLS, ITLS, NALS, PALS, or other approved certification meeting AHA standards (including didactic and skills validation) within 30 days of hire
  • If practicing in an outpatient or other non-inpatient setting, APPs can use one of the certifications above or use a business unit approved certification which is relevant, and value added to the practice setting.

This position is dependent upon successful attainment and maintenance of hospital privileges, if applicable to the Business Unit practice.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran