AA - Assistant Program Director of Academic Affairs - MHSA

Position Overview 

The Assistant Program Director of Academic Affairs (APD-AA) of the Master of Health Science in Anesthesia (MHSA) program at Burrell College of Health Sciences serves as the second-in-command to the Program Director and carries primary responsibility for academic integrity, curriculum coordination, faculty development, and continuous quality improvement of the didactic components of the program. This is a 0.6 FTE appointment with a faculty designation, reporting directly to the Program Director. 

The APD-AA works in close collaboration with the Program Director to ensure that the MHSA curriculum is well-designed, consistently delivered, regularly assessed, and continuously improved in alignment with CAAHEP accreditation standards and the program’s stated competencies and learning outcomes. Within the scope of this role, the APD-AA exercises coordinating and advisory authority over curriculum and faculty academic performance, with formal supervisory authority retained by the Program Director. 

The remaining 0.4 FTE is available for the individual’s independent professional use. The College expects that when the APD-AA engages in clinical anesthesia practice during this time, they do so in a preceptor capacity, actively supervising MHSA students in the operating room or approved clinical setting. This expectation reflects the program’s commitment to integrating real-world clinical mentorship into the student experience and maintain the APD-AA’s currency as a practicing Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant. 

• This position is Exempt.
• This position reports to the Program Director - MHSA.
• The start date for this position is Monday April 5th, 2027.

The selected candidate will support Burrell College’s organizational health initiatives, focusing on enhancing leadership, promoting clarity of purpose, improving communication, and reinforcing a respectful, purpose-driven culture. This role is key to fostering a healthy, high-performing organization that values integrity, transparency, and collaboration.  Burrell College Organizational Health Info

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
Curriculum Oversight and Coordination 

• Serve as the primary coordinator of the MHSA didactic curriculum, working with the Program Director to ensure appropriate content coverage, sequencing, integration, and alignment with CAAHEP standards and program competencies. 

• Maintain and update the program curriculum map to reflect current accreditation standards, program defined learning outcomes, and national CAA certification content blueprints. 

• Review, approve, and revise course syllabi in accordance with program policy, ensuring that all syllabi contain required elements, measurable objectives, and alignment with program competencies. 

• Oversee and coordinate the foundational science blocks of the didactic curriculum, ensuring content currency and pedagogical effectiveness. 

• Evaluate and recommend instructional resources, including textbooks, learning management system content, and supplemental materials, for use across the curriculum. 

• Compile, organize, and maintain course materials including handouts, examinations, presentations, and other instructional instruments in accordance with program and accreditation record-keeping requirements. 

• Recommend changes to curriculum content, course structure, or program requirements to the Program Director and appropriate program committees as needed. 

Faculty Development and Academic Quality 

• Coordinate faculty deployment across the didactic curriculum in collaboration with the Program Director, ensuring appropriate expertise alignment and workload distribution. 

• Participate in the review and evaluation of faculty academic performance, including course evaluations, peer observation, and student feedback related to instruction quality, and communicate findings and recommendations to the Program Director. 

• Support the onboarding and orientation of new instructional faculty, including adjunct and part-time instructors, program policies, curriculum standards, and accreditation expectations. 

• Facilitate faculty development activities focused on evidence-based teaching practices, assessment design, use of simulation, and technology-enhanced instruction. 

• Participate in faculty meetings and serve as a collaborative resource for instructional faculty in resolving curriculum delivery challenges. 

Program Assessment and Quality Improvement 

• Lead and coordinate the ongoing assessment of the didactic curriculum, including systematic collection 

• and analysis of course performance data, examination results, student learning outcome achievement, and course and instructor evaluation results. 

• Use assessment data to identify curriculum gaps, instructional effectiveness, concerns, and opportunities for improvement, and develop recommendations for the Program Director and Curriculum Committee. 

• Support the program’s continuous quality improvement initiatives by maintaining assessment records, tracking action plan implementation, and contributing to program effectiveness reporting. 

• Assist the Program Director in preparing accreditation documentation related to curriculum, faculty credentials, and academic quality for CAAHEP and ARC-AA reporting purposes. 

Program Administration 

• Prepare and submit reports on curriculum and academic program activities as directed by the Program Director. 

• Maintain accurate and current records of faculty rosters, course assignments, syllabi, and curriculum related documentation in compliance with program and accreditation requirements. 

• Communicate regularly with instructional faculty, program staff, and institutional offices to support the smooth delivery of the academic program. 

• Participate in program strategic planning initiatives, particularly those related to curriculum development, academic quality, and faculty capacity. 

• In the absence or at the direction of the Program Director, assume delegated programmatic responsibilities appropriate to the APD-AA role. 

Student Affairs and Success 

• Teach within the MHSA didactic curriculum in areas of content expertise as assigned by the Program Director, consistent with the faculty appointment and accreditation standards. 

• Advise students on academic matters, course progression, and learning strategies as needed. 

• Review and act on student feedback pertaining to courses and instructional faculty, in coordination with the Program Director. 

• Serve on the Student Progress and Promotions Committee and contribute to decisions regarding student remediation, academic progression, and corrective action. 

• Participate in student admissions activities, including application review and candidate interviews, and provide recommendations to the Program Director. 

• When engaged in clinical anesthesia practice in the remaining 0.4 FTE, supervise MHSA students in the operating room or approved clinical setting in a formal preceptor capacity, contributing to the clinical education hours and competency development of enrolled students. 

Service and Institutional Engagement 

• Participate in program faculty meetings, faculty development workshops, program committees, and institutional service activities appropriate to the faculty appointment. 

• Represent the MHSA program at institutional events and, where appropriate, at regional or national AA education and professional organization meetings. 

• Participate in student-facing events including orientation, White Coat Ceremony, and commencement as program needs require. 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director. 

Qualifications 

Required Education, Credentials and Licensure 

• Graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited Anesthesiologist Assistant program. 

• Current and active certification as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) in good standing with the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA). 

• Current and unencumbered Florida state licensure as an Anesthesiologist Assistant, or eligibility to obtain Florida licensure prior to the start date. 

• Master’s degree from a CAAHEP-accredited Anesthesiologist Assistant program required at the time of appointment. 

• Doctoral degree (EdD, PhD, DMSc, DHSc, or equivalent relevant to health professions education or an allied field) is preferred but not required. 

• Eligibility for faculty appointment in accordance with Burrell College of Health Sciences policy; final rank will be determined based on credentials, experience, and institutional appointment criteria. 

Required Experience 

• Minimum of five (5) years of clinical experience as a practicing Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant. 

• Demonstrated experience in academic program coordination, curriculum development, or a related administrative role within a health professions graduate program. 

• Demonstrated experience or familiarity with CAAHEP accreditation standards and processes. 

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate instructional effectiveness and contribute to program quality improvement. 

Preferred Experience 

• Prior faculty or administrative experience in an AA or allied health graduate program, including experience as a course director, didactic coordinator, or program administrator. 

• Experience with learning management systems, curriculum mapping tools, or academic assessment platforms. 

• Record of scholarly activity, professional development, or service to the AA profession or health professions education community. 

• Experience as a clinical preceptor for AA students in the operating room setting. 

Required Skills and Competencies 

• Strong organizational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple curriculum and faculty related responsibilities simultaneously in a developing program environment. 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to interact constructively with students, faculty, clinical partners, and institutional leadership. 

• Demonstrated ability to collect, interpret, and apply academic performance and assessment data to support curriculum improvement and accreditation compliance. 

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and take initiative in coordinating curriculum and faculty activities within the scope of the role. 

• Commitment to evidence-based, student-centered instruction and to the professional development of Anesthesiologist Assistant students as competent entry-level anesthesia providers. 

• Proficiency with standard office productivity tools, learning management systems, and educational technology platforms. 

Working Conditions 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   

• Primarily office and classroom-based work environment. 

• Substantial computer use, estimated at 80–90% of duties. 

• This is a 0.6 FTE (part-time) appointment. Academic and administrative responsibilities are fulfilled within the 0.6 FTE commitment. The remaining 0.4 FTE is available at the individual’s discretion for independent clinical or professional activity. 

• The 0.6 FTE work is performed primarily in an office and classroom environment at the Melbourne, Florida campus, with regular interaction with instructional faculty, students, and program leadership. 

• When engaged in clinical practice during the 0.4 FTE, the APD-AA is expected to supervise MHSA students in a formal preceptor role at an approved clinical site. 

• Travel may be required for accreditation activities, clinical site visits, faculty development, and professional organization engagement; estimated at 10–15% of the 0.6 FTE commitment annually. 

• Some evening or weekend availability may be required for student-facing program events such as orientation, candidate interviews, and commencement. 

• Occasional lifting of materials up to 20 lbs. 

Melbourne, Florida:
The City of Melbourne lies along the Indian River Lagoon, a vast estuary loved by boaters, anglers, and those who just enjoy its quiet beauty. On the other side of the river, a portion of the city lies on a barrier island with many beach parks offering even more fun in the sun. Melbourne is just south of Cape Canaveral — home to the Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral. You can watch launches from almost any point in the city or take a short drive up to the space center to get close to the action. While up there, you can visit Port Canaveral — an active shipping port with daily departures of cruise ships and deep-sea fishing boats. Melbourne has an international airport and is located next to a major interstate with easy access to Orlando and the attractions, Kennedy Space Center, and points beyond.  Enjoy the benefits of Central Florida’s ideal coastal climate — mild winters and a lush blooming landscape year-round. Melbourne averages 242 sunny days annually with extremely mild winter seasons between 50° - 70° (F).

For more information, please visit:  www.burrell.edu

Our Work Opportunities Page:  https://burrell.edu/administrative-services/human-resources/work-opportunities/

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  

NOTE:  Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion among our faculty, staff, and students. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and more.  Individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. The selected candidate will subscribe to and support our commitment to the College’s Mission. 

Burrell College campuses and facilities are drug and tobacco free and comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA). Employees and students shall not be involved with the unlawful use of controlled substances and/or illicit drugs.