Description
Physician Associate Program - Program Director
Alvernia University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Physician Associate Program - Program Director. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a growing Physician Associate Program at a university that demonstrates clear institutional commitment to its health sciences and professional programs. Alvernia has invested significantly in outstanding facilities, modern instructional and lab spaces, and the infrastructure necessary to support high-quality PA education. That investment, paired with engaged leadership and collaborative faculty, creates a strong foundation for continued program development and long-term success.
Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health Science, the Program Director will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership for the Physician Associate Program. The role includes direct supervision of the Medical Director, Principal Faculty, and program staff, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, shared governance, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will join Alvernia at a pivotal moment, with strong momentum, Accreditation-Provisional status, and meaningful institutional support, and will play a central role in shaping the future of the PA Program in alignment with ARC-PA standards, University priorities, and Alvernia’s Franciscan mission.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership
- Provide effective leadership by exhibiting responsiveness to issues related to personnel, strong communication skills, and proactive problem solving
Organization and Administration
- Responsible for equitable distribution of workload among faculty and staff
- Oversee maintenance of programmatic and student files
- Directly supervise all staff and faculty
- Review course evaluations of all faculty
- Directly supervise the Medical Director
- Oversee program committees
- Oversee and maintain personnel records for the Department including Annual Reports, CVs, and Course Evaluations
Fiscal Management
- Prepare and manage the program’s operating budget
- Ensure timely payment of annual dues to ARC-PA and PAEA
Programmatic Development, and Continuous Review and Analysis
- Participate in the evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the Program in meeting its mission and goals
- Develop, evaluate, revise, and coordinate didactic and clinical year curriculum that is in alignment with ARC-PA Standards and the University Mission
- Participate in programmatic self-assessment and planning on a continuous basis
- Submit the Physician Associate Program application for provisional accreditation to the ARC-PA and oversee the site visit
- Manage the program’s ARC-PA Portal entries including required forms to adhere to the E1 Standards
- Submit the annual program report to ARC-PA
- Understand and adhere to all recent ARC-PA standards and policies
Program Planning
- In conjunction with the Medical Director and Principal Faculty, develop and revise the mission statement, goals and competencies of the program
- In conjunction with the faculty, establish criteria for student admissions, curriculum content and performance criteria for students in the PA program
- In conjunction with the Medical Director, and faculty develop initiatives to ensure quality clinical education experiences
- In conjunction with faculty, utilizes self-assessment outcomes to plan curriculum updates and changes
- In conjunction with the Principal Faculty, select applicants for admissions to PA Program
Students
- Select applicants for admissions to the PA Program
- Certify that all students have successfully met all of the requirements for graduation from the PA Program
- Oversee student academic performance and remediation
- Provide academic counseling
- Evaluate student performance
- Provide student remediation
Other
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean and/or Provost
- Perform key duties specific to the Department
- 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
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree from an accredited university
- Current or emeritus NCCPA certification
- Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant
- Minimum of 3 years of full-time experience in PA education
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Thorough knowledge of ARC-PA accreditation standards, policies, and reporting requirements
- Demonstrated leadership ability in academic or clinical education settings
- Ability to develop, evaluate, and continuously improve PA curriculum
- Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and University leadership
- Commitment to student success, mentorship, and professional development
- Ability to manage budgets, resources, and operational priorities
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 Program - Program Director 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 March 13, 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.
