Point Loma Nazarene University

Full-time Tenure Track Clinical Principal Faculty, Department of Physician Assistant Education (DPAE)

Balboa Campus - San Diego, CA Full time

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore  encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship. 

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Benefits:
We are pleased to offer a range of attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and competitive retirement matching. There may also be opportunities for university assistance with housing costs in Southern California. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community, including chapel, faculty lunches, and a robust wellness program.


Salary:
PLNU pays its faculty using a pay scale based on experience and academic rank. Faculty salaries using this scale for a 3-semester appointment range from $112,574 - $139,797. The actual salary will be based on the candidate's experience, rank, and appointment term.

Primary location: Balboa campus in Kearney Mesa

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

The Physician Assistant Department within the College of Health Sciences is seeking candidates for a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty appointment as Clinical Principal Faculty. The University is seeking an individual capable of excellent teaching, committed to significant involvement with students and interested in participating in the academic unit’s service learning and/or graduate research programs. The successful candidate will be a member of a team of faculty and staff able to contribute subject-matter expertise to the program in their discipline.  Primary responsibilities will include supporting the clinical phase of the program with additional responsibilities to the didactic phase using your medical knowledge, clinical reasoning and technical skills to advance student learning. The program’s Balboa campus features world-class laboratories in simulation, clinical skills, OSCE, anatomy, and human performance.  These spaces provide rich opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary engagement among PA students and graduate students in occupational therapy, athletic training, integrative wellness, clinical counseling, social work, and nursing. 

The primary responsibility of the Clinical Principal Faculty member is to support the evaluation and implementation of the clinical curriculum in concert with the Director of Clinical Education (DCE).  Specific tasks include the following:

  • Propose policy revisions and update the clinical year manual for students annually

  • Work with other clinical faculty and orient students to the requirements of the clinical year

  • Work closely with the Director of Clinical Education to develop opportunities for training of potential and existing clinical preceptors to ensure quality educational experiences for our students

  • Participate in the orientation of students to individual clinical sites and learning objectives or rotation experiences 

Clinical Year Evaluation

Ensure the appropriate evaluation of PA students throughout the clinical year.  Engage in ongoing evaluation of the clinical curriculum and clinical student activities to ensure professional competency and high-quality education outcomes:

  • Participate in the formal evaluation of students’ clinical year performance

  • In conjunction with the DCE, design/develop appropriate testing methodologies to assess the acquisition of program competencies, revising as necessary

  • Review written subjective and objective evaluation data from each student’s preceptor for each assigned rotation during the clinical phase

  • Monitor both individual and group performance during the clinical year

  • Develop evaluation instruments and revise as necessary 

  • Encourage the promotion of feedback to PA students from clinical preceptors

  • Meet formally with student advisees during the clinical year to review progress and assess strengths and weaknesses 

  • Ensure students keep an appropriate tally of clinical patient experiences and procedures for each rotation through ongoing review.

  • Based upon the aforementioned evaluation tools, assign grades for each rotation and maintain complete and up-to-date records of student performance.  

  • Submit student final grades when completed each semester

  • Provide lectures and serve as a lab instructor to the first-year students on topics in areas of expertise and interest.  

General Responsibilities

  • Participate in departmental meetings, including the Progress and Promotions Committee, the Assessment Committee, and the Admissions Committee.

  • Follow the academic progress and provide academic counseling and recommendations for assigned learning community students

  • Review and critique patient documentation submitted by advisees as part of their coursework.

  • Submit rotation grades for all students.  

  • Provide PA faculty with a progress report on their advisees.

  • Participate in faculty development and other related seminars and workshops to remain current.

  • Support and participate in professional organizations to promote the profession and strengthen network resources.

  • Maintain credentials to practice.

  • Serve as faculty advisor to approximately 7-9 students per class year regarding

a.  academic performance and clinical performance

b. program-related concerns

c.  selection of clinical electives

Qualifications:

  • Graduate of an accredited physician assistant program

  • NCCPA certified

  • Licensed (or eligible for licensure) in California

  • Master’s degree required – doctorate preferred

  • Prior academic experience preferred but not required

  • Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant

  • The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU  will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.

Selection Process: 

Applicants will be expected to submit an application and corresponding documents. All applicants will be reviewed and evaluated. From this pool of applicants, a limited number will be selected and moved forward in the process. The interview process may include:

  • Phone/Zoom Interview 

  • Dialogue with students and faculty in the College of Health Sciences

  • Lecture presented to faculty and students in the College of Health Sciences

  • Evidence of successful teaching, if applicable 

  • Interview with the search committee

  • Interview with the Dean of the College of Health Sciences

  • Interview with the Provost

  • Interview with the President of the University

Special Instructions: 

When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these questions and upload the following documents:

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Personal Faith

  • Philosophy of Teaching in Christian Higher Education

  • Provide names and contacts for 3 references, at least one professional contact who can speak to your teaching potential (references will only be contacted if you are advanced as a finalist candidate)

  • Unofficial Transcripts for the highest degree completed 

If you have questions about items for the application, please contact the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@pointloma.edu  

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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential. 

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.