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Program Director, Physician Assistant Program
Career Insights for Physician Assistant
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What they do
A Physician Assistant provides medical care to patients, under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. Works in all areas and specialties of medicine, and is licensed to practice medicine but has less formal certification than a physician. Performs duties delegated by a physician such as recording patient medical histories, ordering diagnostic tests, or giving immunizations. May serve as the primary healthcare provider, in consultation with a part-time physician, in communities with limited health care resources.
$154,480 / year median in California
+13% projected growth
Job Description
Tenured/Tenure-Track Location:
StanislausTurlock Categories:
Unit 3- CFA•California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty•Health Sciences Faculty Employment Opportunity
POSITION
Program Director, Physician Assistant Program :
California State University, Stanislaus invites applications for a bold and visionary leader to serve as the Founding Program Director for a proposed Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. This is a rare opportunity to build a program from the ground up at a university deeply committed to student success, community engagement, and regional impact in California's Central Valley. Stanislaus State is a student-centered, Hispanic-Serving Institution dedicated to fostering inclusive excellence, expanding access, and transforming lives through education. The University's mission emphasizes personalized learning, academic excellence, and partnerships that enrich the surrounding community, making it an ideal environment to launch a program that addresses critical healthcare workforce needs. This is a rare opportunity to build a program from inception at a university where leadership is actively advancing healthcare education as a cornerstone of regional transformation. We seek an entrepreneurial, collaborative, and mission-driven leader who is excited to shape a program that reflects these values while preparing highly skilled physician assistants to serve diverse and underserved populations. advancing health equity, workforce development, and educational access. Position Overview The Program Director provides visionary leadership, academic oversight, and administrative management for the MPAS program. The Director will lead all aspects of program development, implementation, accreditation, and continuous improvement in alignment with ARC-PA standards and university policies. As the founding leader, the Director will: Provide strategic leadership in developing and launching the MPAS program Design and implement a forward-thinking, student-centered curriculum. Lead the program through the ARC-PA accreditation process and ensure continuing compliance with ARC-PA accreditation standards. Recruit and support a diverse and high-performing faculty and staff team. Build and advance pathways for student recruitment, retention, and success. Lead program assessment, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Advance interprofessional education and community-based learning. Develop and sustain clinical education partnerships. Manage program resources and planning effectively. Foster a culture aligned with Stan State's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student-centered learning.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Current certification by the NCCPA. Eligibility for licensure (or current licensure) as a Physician Assistant in California. Minimum of a master's degree (doctorate preferred). At least three (3) years of full-time higher education experience in a PA program. At least two (2) years of experience in a leadership or administrative role in PA education. Demonstrated knowledge of ARC-PA accreditation standards and processes. Strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Earned doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DHSc, DMSc, or related field). Prior experience as a Program Director or Associate Program Director. Experience launching or substantially revising a PA program. Demonstrated record of scholarship and professional service. Experience in interprofessional education and simulation-based instruction.HOW TO APPLY & DEADLINE
A complete application must include: an application letter specifically addressing the position description and qualifications; unofficial photocopies of graduate transcripts; a statement of teaching philosophy; evidence of teaching proficiency; a sample of research; professional curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire. To apply for this position, please click the "" button on this page. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact: Dr. Jennifer Peltier, Search Chair School of Nursing College of Science California State University, Stanislaus One University Circle Turlock, CA email: jpeltier@csustan.eduDepartment Website:
https://www.csustan.edu/nursing This appointment begins in Fall 2026. Screening of applications will begin on July 6, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Please note that the CSU does not use automated decision systems or artificial intelligence tools in making hiring or selection decisions. All applicant evaluations and employment decisions are made by human reviewers, using structured candidate responses and job-related criteria to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance withFEHA. COMPENSATION
Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Anticipated hiring range is $13,000- $17,490 (12 monthly payments per academic year), commensurate with education and experience within the salary schedule for the appropriate faculty rank.
ABOUT THE
DEPARTMENT andTHE COLLEGE, CAMPUS, AND AREA
California State University, Stanislaus serves the San Joaquin Valley and is a critical educational resource for a six-county region of approximately 1.5 million people. The University is fully committed to creating a culture of diversity and inclusion- one in which every person in the University community feels safe to express their views without fear of reprisal.