Founding Director Master of Physician Associate Studies

Company Description Viterbo University is a Catholic, Franciscan institution in the liberal arts tradition, offering more than 40 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels in both traditional and online formats. Faculty are highly engaged in student success, providing small-class learning environments where students are known by name and mentored in and outside the classroom. Many programs incorporate internships, study abroad, service learning, and field research, enriching academic and professional development. The university supports working professionals through generous transfer-credit policies and accelerated degree-completion options. Viterbo’s beautiful campus is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, a top-ranked college town nestled between scenic bluffs and the Mississippi River.

Role Description The Founding Director for the Master of Physician Associate Studies program will lead the development, launch, and ongoing administration of a new graduate program at Viterbo University. This full-time, role based in La Crosse, WI includes overseeing curriculum design, accreditation processes, program assessment, and continuous quality improvement. The Founding Director will recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff; support student recruitment, advising, and retention; and foster a collaborative, inclusive learning environment aligned with Viterbo’s Catholic, Franciscan values. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing budgets and resources, building clinical partnerships, coordinating clinical placements, and ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and national standards. The individual in this role will represent the program within the university and the broader healthcare community, promoting excellence in physician associate education and practice.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills in health professions education, including program development, strategic planning, and team management.
• Expertise in curriculum design, assessment, and accreditation processes for physician associate or related healthcare programs.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills for working with faculty, staff, students, and external clinical partners.
• Commitment to student-centered teaching, inclusive practices, and mentoring in line with the university’s mission and values.
• Ability to manage budgets, resources, and timelines effectively while maintaining regulatory and compliance standards.
• Clinical background as a Physician Associate/Assistant or related healthcare professional, with current or eligible state licensure.
• Relevant graduate degree (e.g., master’s or doctoral degree in Physician Associate Studies, healthcare administration, education, or related field).
• Experience in higher education, preferably at the graduate level, including teaching, scholarship, and service.