DescriptionThe developing Physician Assistant (PA) Program at Pepperdine University seeks a candidate to serve in a full-time 12-month faculty appointment as a principal faculty member for its graduate program, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Depending on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, this may be a tenure-track or clinical faculty appointment. The principal faculty member has primary responsibility for supporting the design, delivery, and assessment of the curriculum, as well as student evaluation, program self-assessment, and accreditation activities. Other duties include teaching, scholarship, academic advising, service, admissions, and professional activities.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Provide content expertise on the curriculum design, implementation, coordination, and evaluation.
- Develop course syllabi and instructional content in accordance with university guidelines and ARC-PA accreditation standards.
- Provide classroom and small-group instruction aligned with the program learning outcomes.
- Participate in the identification, development, and maintenance of clinical partnerships that support high-quality Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences.
- Participate in the program's ongoing curriculum evaluation and continuous quality improvement efforts to ensure alignment with the program's mission, the NCCPA blueprint, and current clinical practice standards.
- Collaborate with colleagues in the College of Health Science and external partners to develop and participate in interprofessional education experiences.
- Provide student instruction, evaluate student performance, and assure the availability of remedial instruction.
- Advise and mentor PA students by providing academic counseling.
- Participate in student recruitment, application review, and the admissions process.
- Support all phases of the program's accreditation and continuous review process, including evaluating the program, development of the self-study, and preparation for site visits.
- Participate in the development, review and revision of the program's mission statement, goals, and competencies.
- Support review of the PA program's handbooks and manuals.
- Serve on program and university committees and engage in service activities.
- Maintain clinical competence through ongoing education or clinical practice as appropriate.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the dean.
Located in western Los Angeles County near Ventura County, Pepperdine University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute through their teaching, research, and service to foster academic excellence and cultivate a sense of belonging between the University and surrounding communities.
The salary for this 12-month appointment will range from $115,000 to $140,000 and reflects what Pepperdine reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits.
Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
*Pepperdine University, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) has applied for Accreditation - Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The MSPAS program anticipates matriculating its first class in September 2027 pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the April 2027 ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation - Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program's ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
The MSPAS program at Pepperdine University is pending approval by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC)
QualificationsRequired Educational and Experience Qualifications:
- Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- Current or emeritus NCCPA certification
- At least two years of full-time clinical experience at the time of appointment
- Eligibility for state licensure in California
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience as a full-time faculty in a PA program.
- Prior experience with ARC-PA accreditation and/or curriculum development
- Doctoral degree in a related field
- Demonstrated commitment to student success
- An established research agenda, including, but not limited to a record of successful publication, presentation, and grantsmanship
Personal Attributes:
- An active and abiding Christian faith, a sincere commitment to advancing Pepperdine University's Christian mission, and a dedication to the integration of faith and learning.
- Commitment to the highest moral, ethical, and academic standards.
- The skill to develop relationships of trust across a wide range of internal and external constituents.
Application Instructions The complete position description and application instructions are available at healthscience.pepperdine.edu/jobs. Applicants will submit materials at https://apply.interfolio.com/169822.
For more information, please contact the chair of the search committee:
Founding Dean, School of Physician Assistant Studies
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 902633
