Position Summary:
The Program Director for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program provides visionary leadership, ensuring academic excellence, student success, and operational effectiveness. This role is pivotal in guiding non-traditional and second-degree students through a rigorous curriculum, preparing them for clinical practice and licensure. The Director is a student-centered educator with expertise in NCLEX preparation, adult learning principles, and academic leadership in accelerated, high-intensity programs.
Key Responsibilities:Teaching Responsibilities:
- Teach Nine-Twelve Credit Hours per academic year of assigned nursing courses, including theory, clinical, and simulation components.
- Incorporate NCLEX-focused strategies and outcomes-based teaching to improve licensure pass rates.
- Design and deliver instruction using adult learning theory and diverse pedagogical approaches.
- Provide individualized student mentorship and academic advising, supporting each learner’s unique journey.
- Foster a student-centered learning environment that promotes critical thinking, professionalism, and clinical judgment.
- Monitor academic progress and intervene early with students at risk, contributing to student retention and success.
- Participate in program and university committees, curriculum planning, and faculty development initiatives.
- Recruit, hire, and orient new faculty and adjuncts, ensuring alignment with program goals.
- Mentor and evaluate faculty, fostering instructional excellence and innovation.
- Facilitate professional development and training in simulation-based and clinical education.
- Lead curriculum design, implementation, and continuous improvement, integrating national trends and best practices.
- Ensure full compliance with CCNE accreditation standards, state board regulations, and institutional policies.
- Organize and lead self-study reports, site visit preparation, and ongoing accreditation activities.
- Oversee admissions processes, including candidate screening and selection.
- Administer progression and graduation requirements, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Provide individualized mentorship and academic advising, supporting each learner’s unique journey.
- Develop systems for early intervention with at-risk students and support retention initiatives.
- Track and analyze key program outcomes: NCLEX pass rates, retention, graduation, and employment rates.
- Develop and implement continuous quality improvement (CQI) plans in collaboration with faculty and assessment coordinators.
- Prepare and submit required reports for state, federal, and accrediting agencies.
- Manage program budgets, including operational and capital expenses.
- Oversee scheduling for courses, clinical rotations, and simulation labs.
- Allocate resources to support program growth and sustainability.
- Cultivate relationships with clinical partners, community organizations, and healthcare providers.
- Represent the ABSN program at local, state, and national meetings and events.
- Build strategic partnerships to enhance clinical experience and employment opportunities for graduates.
- Maintain up-to-date accreditation files and ensure readiness for site visits and audits.
- Ensure compliance with CCNE, AACN, and state board requirements.
- Foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment for diverse student populations.
- Advocate for student needs and promote professionalism, critical thinking, and clinical judgment.
- Doctorate in Nursing (PhD, DNP, EdD) or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Current, unencumbered RN license in Florida or eligibility to obtain.
- Minimum three years of experience in nursing education.
- Proven ability to teach and lead adult learners in high-intensity academic settings.
- Expertise in NCLEX preparation, test-taking strategies, and curriculum alignment with NCLEX standards.
- Prior leadership experience with accreditation processes, particularly CCNE.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse academic environment.
- Commitment to inclusive teaching, academic integrity, and evidence-based practice.
- Familiarity with data-driven assessment, program evaluation, and student retention strategies.
- Experience with accelerated BSN programs or second-degree students.
- Background in immersive clinical education and simulation-based learning.
- Success in building strategic partnerships with healthcare providers.
Interested candidates should submit:
- A cover letter outlining qualifications, teaching philosophy, and leadership experience.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Review of applications will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Skills Required
- Doctorate in Nursing (PhD, DNP, EdD) or related field from an accredited institution
- Current, unencumbered RN license in Florida or eligibility to obtain
- Minimum three years of experience in nursing education
- Proven ability to teach and lead adult learners in high-intensity academic settings
- Expertise in NCLEX preparation, test-taking strategies, and curriculum alignment with NCLEX standards
- Prior leadership experience with accreditation processes, particularly CCNE
- Experience recruiting, mentoring, evaluating, and developing faculty (including adjuncts)
- Familiarity with data-driven assessment, program evaluation, CQI, and student retention strategies
- Experience managing program budgets, scheduling clinical rotations and simulation labs
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills; commitment to inclusive teaching and evidence-based practice
- Experience with accelerated BSN programs or second-degree students
- Background in immersive clinical education and simulation-based learning
- Success building strategic partnerships with healthcare providers
What We Do
St. Thomas University is a private, nonprofit Catholic institution based in Miami Gardens, Florida. It is committed to fostering academic and professional success for its students, preparing them to become ethical leaders in a global community. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and has been recognized for its focus on social mobility and student access.






