Job Description
About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
Job Title:
Assistant Clinical Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
Department:
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Reports To:
Chair, Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Anticipated Start Date:
January 2026, applications will be accepted immediately on a rolling basis until position is filled.
Contract Length:
12 months
About the College of Health Professions:
The College of Health Professions(CHP) at Sacred Heart University prepares students for meaningful careers in today’s dynamic healthcare environment through inclusive, collaborative, and experiential learning. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong emphasis on interprofessional education, CHP offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the clinical and health sciences. Students gain hands-on experience through advanced simulation, clinical placements, and global service-learning. Guided by the University's mission, the College fosters excellence, compassion, and a commitment to social justice, community, and the common good.
About the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program:
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program at Sacred Heart University is a 27-month graduate program that prepares students to provide high-quality, compassionate, patient-centered care. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and service to diverse communities, supported by a dedicated faculty team and state-of-the-art learning environments.
The Assistant Clinical Professor in Physician Assistant Studies is a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure track position within the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) Program at Sacred Heart University. The position serves as a principal faculty member, responsible for teaching and coordinating activities across the didactic and clinical phases of the program. The faculty member contributes to the academic and professional development of PA students through instruction, curriculum support, and program service. This role is based at the Tandet Center on the Stamford Hospital campus.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Deliver high-quality instruction in courses for the Physician Assistant Studies program, utilizing effective and inclusive pedagogical approaches.
• Engage in scholarly activities and/or clinical practice relevant to the discipline.
• Advise and mentor students in academic and professional development.
• Engage in service to the department, college, university and profession through committee work, faculty governance, and other service-related activities.
• Contribute to program development, accreditation, and curriculum assessment.
• Participate in student recruitment, retention, and engagement initiatives.
• Maintain professional development and licensure/certification requirements.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative academic and clinical environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism.
Required Qualifications:
• Master’s degree
• Current NCCPA certification
• Currently licensed or eligible for licensure as a Physician Assistant
• Nurse Practitioners, with current certification and teaching experience are also eligible to apply
• Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience as a licensed Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Comfort in a highly interactive teaching/learning environment that includes collaborative teaching, significant faculty/student interaction, and strong clinical integration.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior experience teaching in a PA program
• Familiarity with the ARC-PA accreditation process
• Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience as a licensed Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
This position requires on-campus presence, with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities. The work may involve standing for extended periods, operating standard lab or clinical equipment, and engaging with students in a dynamic learning environment.
Application Instructions:
All applications must be submitted through the University’s online application portal; materials submitted via email or other means will not be accepted or considered. Only complete applications will be reviewed.
Interested applicants, please submit the following materials:
• Cover letter addressing the applicant’s specific qualifications for this position
• Curriculum vitae/resumé
• Contact information for three professional references
◦ References will only be contacted if the candidate is invited for an on-campus interview
*Note: Finalist candidates will be asked to submit a written statement (maximum of two pages) that describes their teaching philosophy and approach, specifically addressing how their teaching practices support the University’s Mission.
Letters of recommendation will also be requested from finalists.
For questions about the position, please contact Stephanie Clines, PhD, LAT, ATC, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs for the College of Health Professions, at cliness@sacredheart.edu.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
