Assistant Professor/Assistant Program Director for the Bechtel Physician Assistant Program
Listed compensation
$125k-$130k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Announcment of Position Vacancy
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Summary
Colorado Mesa University invites applications for the position of Assistant Program Director to lead and teach in the Bechtel Physician Assistant Program. This is a full-time, in person, 12-month position, with the option of flipping to the clinical track.
Courses may be assigned as in-person, or hybrid. Professional development in the discipline, involvement with advising, and service to the department and profession are expected.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Duties as Assistant Program Director
- Assume the role of Interim Program 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.
- Oversee course curriculum delivery and maintain syllabi consistent with University and ARC-PA standards.
- Make recommendations for curriculum change as needed.
- Provide oversight and monitoring of the program’s assessment and evaluation processes.
- Mentor and onboard new faculty.
- Review and approve semester schedules.
- 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.
- Assist the Program Director in performing an annual review and update of the student 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.
Oversee the Course Fee Budget
- Update the program ARC-PA portal as required by the ARC-PA.
- Participate in preparing documents for accreditation application, self-study, and site visit activities
- Recruit and advise adjunct faculty
- Providing leadership and support to didactic students and on-campus faculty
Develop and coordinate course design, course delivery, and participate in the evaluation of didactic and clinical curriculum.
Duties as Faculty Member
- Participate in the admissions process and the applicant screening process.
- Teach assigned courses in the PA program.
- Provide student academic advising and evaluation.
- Assist in clinical site visits.
- Complete professional development activities and service to the University and community.
REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications Required:
Physician Assistant with the following: Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program. Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Physician Assistant in the State of Colorado.
Minimum of three years of full-time higher education experience
Preferred Qualifications
Active in community services and participation/leadership in local, regional, or national Physician Assistant or other medical organizations.
An earned academic doctoral degree in an appropriate discipline.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Salary
$125,000 - $130,000
Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
How to Apply
Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
Cover letter
CV
Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed. If your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.
Names and contact information for three references.
Direct Inquiries Contact: Dan Millward, dmillward@coloradomesa.edu
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment.
Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility.
Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email.
You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.
Key Responsibilities
The Assistant Program Director will oversee curriculum delivery, accreditation standards, and faculty mentorship within the Physician Assistant program. Additionally, the role involves teaching courses, participating in student admissions, and providing academic advising.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program and possess current NCCPA certification. A minimum of three years of full-time higher education experience is required, along with eligibility for licensure in Colorado.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Physician Assistant Career Context
Of the 50 active Physician Assistant listings this role was benchmarked against, 4% are remote, 68% have no call, 72% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Colorado is 103.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$128k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $124k in an average-cost state. 60.9% of Colorado clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $125k–$130k | Physician Assistant median $150k (middle half $120k–$170k)12 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$124k in purchasing power | Colorado index 103.1 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Physician Assistant listings in Colorado | 71 active | 4,583 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 4% remote · 68% no call · 72% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
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