Description
Physician Associate Principal Faculty Member
Alvernia University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Physician Associate Principal Faculty Member. This principal faculty position is instrumental in the day-to-day operations of the Physician Associate Program and the education of its students.
This is a full-time, in-person, non-tenure track faculty position in the emerging Physician Associate (PA) Program, which is housed in the College of Health Sciences (CHS) at Alvernia University. Faculty will report directly to the PA Program Director. The program location will be at the John R. Post Center, Reading CollegeTowne site. Additional compensation may be available for administrative responsibilities assigned by the Program Director and performed beyond standard faculty duties, in accordance with institutional guidelines and subject to appropriate approval.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, evaluate, revise, and coordinate didactic and clinical year curriculum
- Work in collaboration with the Program Director and instructional faculty to produce and deliver curriculum content
- Instruct didactic and clinical year students
- Develop and evaluate didactic and clinical year student assessments
- Mentor and advise physician associate students
- Participate in the development and any necessary revision of the PA Program Mission Statement, Goals, and competencies
- Participate in the evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the Program in meeting its mission and goals
- Select applicants for admissions to the PA Program
- Provide academic counseling
- Participate in student remediation
- Participate in programmatic self-assessment and planning
- Evaluate student performance
- Provide instruction of content related to clinical expertise and as assigned by course directors
Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree or higher
- NCCPA certification
- At least three years of clinical experience as a physician assistant
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail
- Adept interpersonal and communication skills
- Skillful problem-solving capabilities
- An ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Personal accountability for all duties outlined in the job description and as assigned by the Program Director
About Alvernia University:
Alvernia University, located in Reading, Pennsylvania—just an hour from Philadelphia, is a vibrant intellectual community where students learn, discover, give, and grow as leaders. Guided by Franciscan values and the ideal of “knowledge joined with love,” and rooted in the Catholic and liberal arts traditions, Alvernia offers a rigorous, caring, and inclusive environment committed to academic excellence. The University develops broadly educated, lifelong learners, reflective professionals, and engaged citizens who lead with integrity and moral courage.
Alvernia honors the missionary spirit of the Bernardine Sisters, valuing diversity of thought, faith, and culture, fostering a place where creativity is celebrated and service is central. Experiential and service learning define the Alvernia experience, empowering students to apply knowledge through hands-on practice and build a strong foundation for real-world success.
In 2025, the Carnegie Foundation recognized the University as one of the nation’s leading institutions for student opportunity and economic mobility. Alvernia was also named among a select group of High Access, High Earnings Opportunity Colleges and Universities in the 2025 Student Access and Earnings Classification. These distinctions underscore Alvernia’s commitment to transforming students’ lives and expanding pathways to lasting success.
About the Physician Associate Program:
The Physician Associate Program at Alvernia offers two pathways to obtain a Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies: a Bio-PA (3+2) accelerated track, and a traditional post-baccalaureate track designed for students who have obtained a baccalaureate degree. ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Alvernia University Physician Associate Program sponsored by Alvernia University.
The program is 24 months in length and spans 6 semesters, including two summer semesters. The first three semesters comprise the didactic phase, followed by three semesters of clinical instruction. The curriculum is based on the most recent ARC-PA standards and NCCPA PANCE blueprint and aligns with the University and Program’s mission and goals. It is delivered in a hybrid format that includes lectures delivered in person, live over Zoom, and via asynchronous formats, with all lab and clinical-related coursework delivered in-person.
About the Community:
Reading, Pennsylvania, sits at the heart of the scenic Schuylkill River Valley and is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and unique cultural heritage. The city boasts a thriving economy anchored by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail, offering a mix of opportunity and activity. Residents and visitors alike enjoy exploring its historic downtown, dining at diverse local restaurants, shopping at the renowned outlets, and experiencing festivals, live music, and art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of nearby parks, trails, and the scenic countryside, while the city’s proximity to Philadelphia - and convenient access to major cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore - makes regional travel easy. With a welcoming community, affordable living, and a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, Reading combines energy, opportunity, and charm.
Surrounding Reading is a diverse mix of communities that broaden the region’s opportunities. Berks County is home to a variety of attractive towns and suburban neighborhoods, including Wyomissing, which is widely appreciated for its tree-lined streets, walkable layout, strong school systems, and easy access to shopping, dining, and healthcare. To the southeast, Chester County offers a distinctly picturesque setting, with areas such as Exton combining rolling countryside, preserved open space, and vibrant town centers alongside major employment hubs. These neighboring communities are often recognized for their livability, thoughtful development, and balance of residential and commercial life. Compared to Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs, the greater Reading region offers a noticeably lower cost of living, particularly in housing, while still maintaining convenient access to the city’s cultural institutions, professional networks, and transportation.
Application and Nomination Process:
All correspondence relating to the position of Physician Associate Principal Faculty Member at Alvernia University should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:
Cathryn Mountain, Assistant Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
A complete application should include the following:
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
- Updated CV;
- Contact information for three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)
Applications received by February 6, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
Alvernia University is seeking candidates who are committed to excellence of inclusion through working with all constituents of the entire Alvernia community.
Alvernia University is an equal opportunity employer committed to Franciscan values and achieving excellence through diversity and inclusion.
