Health Science-Pre-Physician Assistant, Adjunct Faculty

Job Description

Job Description

Thank you for considering University of Saint Joseph in your search.

About University of Saint Joseph:

The University of Saint Joseph, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, provides a rigorous liberal arts and professional education for a diverse student population in an inclusive environment that encourages strong ethical values, personal integrity, and a sense of responsibility to the needs of society.

The University has been recognized as a top national university in Connecticut by U.S. News & World Report's Best College Rankings including being the #1 Connecticut University in "Top Performers on Social Mobility," #2 Connecticut University in "Best Value Schools," and #3 Connecticut University in "Best National Universities."

Ideally situated midway between Boston and New York City, the beautiful 90-acre Olmsted-designed campus is one mile from West Hartford's thriving downtown, and provides an array of cultural events, occasions for spiritual development, and fitness and recreational options. The University also has an active presence outside our campus, reaching into the surrounding community through internships, community service projects, new program and partnerships.

Job Description:

The University of Saint Joseph invites qualified applicants to serve as part-time adjunct faculty within the Nutrition and Public Health Department . The department is actively recruiting adjuncts for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters to teach pre-Physician Assistant undergraduate students. We currently have openings for the following courses: 

• HESC480 – Integrative Experience in Health Science, 3 cr [Fall 2026 Semester]

This class is designed as an integrative experience course to help students reflect on what they have learned from the health science coursework, as well as, from the Core Curriculum/Gen Ed courses on the way to their final semester as an undergraduate student at USJ. The goal of this course is for students to recognize connections and insight on the epidemiologic, physiologic, biochemical, pathophysiologic and nutritional complexities of diseases and clinical conditions. This class will also introduce students to the modular USJ PA curriculum, learning strategies, medical documentation, patient interview techniques, basic diagnostic testing, professionalism and higher-level critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in PA school. Prerequisite(s): Open to undergraduate students from any major that have been accepted into the USJ PA Program or permission of the Instructor.

• HESC4XX – Pathophysiology of Disease, 3 cr [Spring 2027 Semester]

This course examines the mechanisms and processes underlying disease and injury in the human body. Emphasis is placed on the physiological and cellular changes that occur with illness, stress, and dysfunction across the lifespan. Students explore alterations in normal body systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, immune, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems, and analyze how these changes produce clinical signs and symptoms. The course integrates foundational concepts of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry to support clinical reasoning and evidence‑based decision making in health‑related professions. 

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Teach 2-6 credits designated as contact time with the students.
• Prepare lectures, projects, homework, assessments, and other student assignments that align with the course syllabus.
• Grade all student assignments in a timely manner. Provide appropriate feedback to students to promote academic success.
• Maintain regularly scheduled office hours; Adjunct must be available a minimum of one additional hour per week, either in-person or virtually, to provide support to students.
• Attend program/department meetings as requested.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the current methods and practices for teaching college-level courses; present qualified and clear instruction related to the course subject.
• Learn and utilize technology offered at USJ to facilitate teaching.
• Meet all designated class periods in the semester as dictated by the academic calendar.
• Submit mid-semester and final grades to the Registrar's Office within required time-frames, leave all course records with the department chairperson upon completion of the course.
• Provide a supportive atmosphere for student success.

Requirements:

• Master's degree or higher in a health science discipline. Degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution.
• Physician Assistant-Certified [PA-C] credential
• Experience in a PA Program that uses a modular curriculum such as USJ’s PA Studies Program [PA Studies, MSPAS | University of Saint Joseph CT]
• Prior teaching experience strongly preferred. 
• Commitment to the mission of the University of Saint Joseph
• Physical ability to perform essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Information:

• Teaching assignments are part-time, on a semester basis only and are dependent on student enrollment and department need.
• This course is offered in-person only. Please indicate in your cover letter your general availability and your experience teaching.
• Regular attendance is an essential job function as it demonstrates dependability towards the performance of job duties.

Compensation : 

• Non-Terminal Degree & 0-6 credits experience = $3,000
• Terminal Degree & 0-6 credits experience = $3,200
• Non-Terminal Degree & 7 or more credits experience = $3,400
• Terminal Degree & 7 or more credits experience = $3,700

Application Instructions:

Persons interested in the above position should apply online. Please submit:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• A cover letter addressing your specific subject area strengths, interests, and any applicable teaching experience. Please also include your general availability.

The Department Chairperson will review your application. If there is an opening in a subject area you are qualified to teach, the department will contact you directly to discuss the specific opportunity. Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Saint Joseph as adjunct faculty.