Associate Program Director- IL- Physician Assistant Studies

Associate Program Director, Assistant or Associate Professor, Tenure-Track, Physician Assistant Studies

Midwestern University’s College of Health Sciences, Downers Grove, Illinois, invites applications for the position of Associate Program Director and Assistant or Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Studies.  The mission of the Midwestern University Physician Assistant (PA) Program is to develop competent, compassionate, and professional physician assistants who will make a positive impact on their patients, community, and the PA profession.

The MWU PA Program values the unique life experiences and perspectives each student contributes to our program. We believe cultural humility improves patient outcomes, and we are committed to ensuring our students are well-equipped to provide patient-centered care to all the populations they may serve. Health equity and education on health care disparities are integrated into the Program curriculum to prepare students to serve diverse populations and address the health care needs of all patients.

The Associate Program Director works under the direction of the Program Director to provide leadership and oversight for the PA Program’s didactic curriculum, assessment processes, and continuous quality improvement efforts, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards. This role collaborates closely with the faculty to evaluate and strengthen curriculum and student assessment, mentor faculty, coordinate key academic processes, and support accreditation and self-study activities. The Associate Program Director also provides administrative leadership in the Program Director’s absence and represents the program at institutional and professional meetings as appropriate.

This faculty member is expected to demonstrate high standards in teaching excellence, clinical experiences, service, and research productivity. The position reports directly to the Program Director. This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment. Academic rank is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Associate Program Director Responsibilities: 

• Assume the duties of Acting Director in the absence of the Program Director. 
• Organize and moderate faculty meetings in the absence of the Program Director. 
• Conduct an annual overview of the curriculum to ensure it aligns with the current PANCE blueprint.
• Make recommendations for curriculum change to the PA Program Director and the PA Education Committee as needed. 
• Oversee the mid-year and summative examinations. 
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of ongoing/future assessments. Provide oversight and monitoring of the program’s assessment and evaluation processes. Work with course coordinators to assess the performance of implemented assessments. 
• Mentor faculty in the development of formative and summative assessments. 
• Review course syllabi and objectives on a quarterly basis. 
• Review course textbooks. Review recommendations for changes in textbooks recommended for all PA courses. 
• Review and approve quarterly block schedules. 
• Conduct orientation to block schedules with didactic year students at Program Meetings. 
• Review and provide guidance on the clinical-year curriculum in partnership with the Medical Director and Director(s) of Clinical Education.
• Represent the PA program at administrative meetings as deemed appropriate by the Program Director. 
• Represent the Midwestern University PA program at national AAPA and PAEA conferences as deemed necessary by the Program Director. 
• Assist the Program Director in performing an annual review and update of the MWU Catalog and the Clinical Year Handbook. 
• Assist in the Program’s self-study and accreditation process, ensuring that accreditation standards related to the Program curriculum are appropriately addressed, and assist in compiling and completing documentation for the accreditation process. 
• Work, communicate, and collaborate effectively with faculty and staff.

Faculty Responsibilities:

• Lecture in areas of expertise/interest/need within the PA curriculum.
• Teach in small group settings to enhance students’ clinical reasoning and professional development.
• Assist in the construction, grading, and analysis of assessments used to evaluate students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes.
• Develop, organize, and implement curricula as a Course Director.
• Assist in student advising and mentoring. 
• Develop and publish scholarly work that enhances knowledge in areas that are consistent with the needs of the Program and/or the Profession.
• Serve on Program, College and/or University committees to support various needs or projects within the University.

Requirements: 

• Graduate-level degree in physician assistant studies. Doctoral degree in a related field preferred.
• Current NCCPA certification and current or eligible for an Illinois PA license.
• Must have 3 years of full time experience in PA education.
• Experience in academia, clinical practice, and a record of scholarly activity is preferred
• Demonstrated abilities in teaching, service, and mentorship.

Compensation: 

$133,000 - $138,000

The salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin September 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit your application packet through MWU's online job board at www.midwestern.edu. Your online application should include:

• Cover letter (upload as an attachment)
• CV (upload as an attachment)

Questions should be directed to: Dr. Don Martinez, Program Director for Physician Assistant Studies. 630-515-6034, dmarti2@midwestern.edu

About Midwestern University:

Midwestern University is an independent institution of higher education committed to the education of health care professionals. The Illinois campus is located on a spacious 105-acre campus in Downers Grove, 25 miles west of Chicago, and is home to the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Pharmacy-Downers Grove Campus, College of Dental Medicine-Illinois, Chicago College of Optometry, and College of Health Sciences-Downers Grove Campus. The PA program is housed in the College of Health Sciences along with Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Behavioral Sciences.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long-term disability, and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and a child/dependent care account.  We offer a work-life balance with a competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, a child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection, and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us, and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.