Physician Assistant Instructor
A Physician Assistant Instructor shapes future healthcare practitioners through both classroom and hands-on clinical instruction, keeping course content aligned with program outcomes and ARC-PA accreditation standards. This is a sample job description from Excelon Associates that you can adapt as a template for your own faculty hire.
What does a Physician Assistant Instructor do?
The Physician Assistant Instructor plays a vital role in shaping future healthcare practitioners by providing both classroom and hands-on clinical instruction. The position involves developing and delivering engaging course content aligned with program outcomes, evaluating student progress, and ensuring compliance with ARC-PA accreditation standards.
Instructors may also supervise students during clinical rotations, keeping a consistent link between didactic learning and real-world practice. The role suits an experienced PA who is ready to deliver high-quality instruction and foster clinical excellence.
ARC-PA is the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, the body that accredits PA programs. NCCPA is the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, which issues the national PA credential. In PA training, didactic learning is the classroom phase and clinical rotations are the supervised, hands-on phase.
What does this role teach and uphold?
What are the key responsibilities?
- Teach and assess students in accordance with the established curriculum and program standards.
- Develop, review, and update course materials to reflect current medical practices and evidence-based care.
- Supervise students in lab and clinical environments, emphasizing patient safety and professional ethics.
- Maintain current clinical licensure and engage in professional development to stay current in the PA field.
- Collaborate with program directors, faculty, and clinical partners to ensure cohesive learning experiences.
- Participate in faculty meetings, student advising, and program assessment initiatives.
What qualifications are required?
- Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies or a related healthcare discipline, with a Doctorate preferred.
- Current NCCPA certification and state licensure, or eligibility.
- Minimum of 2 to 3 years of clinical experience as a practicing PA; teaching experience strongly preferred.
- Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills.
- Commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Why is this role important?
The Physician Assistant Instructor is instrumental in bridging the gap between academic theory and clinical practice. By equipping students with the skills, ethics, and confidence to serve their communities, the role directly affects the quality of patient care and the advancement of the healthcare workforce.
A hiring note from Excelon
The best PA instructors are practicing clinicians who can teach, not just clinicians who are willing to. We look for recent bedside experience paired with the patience to coach a student through a first physical exam, because the gap between knowing medicine and teaching it is wide. Current NCCPA certification and a clean licensure record are non-negotiable; teaching ability is what separates the shortlist.
Students remember the instructor who made the link between the textbook and the exam room. That is the whole job.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Physician Assistant Instructor do?
A Physician Assistant Instructor provides both classroom and hands-on clinical instruction, developing and delivering course content aligned with program outcomes, evaluating student progress, supervising clinical rotations, and ensuring compliance with ARC-PA accreditation standards.
What qualifications are required?
This sample role requires a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies or a related healthcare discipline, with a doctorate preferred, current NCCPA certification and state licensure or eligibility, and a minimum of two to three years of clinical experience as a practicing PA.
What is ARC-PA?
ARC-PA is the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, the body that accredits PA programs in the United States. Instructors help keep curriculum and clinical training aligned with ARC-PA standards.
What is NCCPA certification?
NCCPA is the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Its certification is the national credential PAs earn and maintain to practice, and this role requires it to be current along with state licensure.
Why is this role important?
The instructor bridges academic theory and clinical practice, equipping students with the skills, ethics, and confidence to serve their communities, which directly affects the quality of patient care and the strength of the healthcare workforce.
Need to hire a Physician Assistant Instructor?
Excelon Associates recruits experienced PA instructors and clinical educators for accredited colleges and universities nationwide, connecting programs with professionals who deliver high-quality instruction, foster clinical excellence, and keep training aligned with ARC-PA standards. Retained executive search since 2007, headquartered in Asheville, NC.
More Sample Job Descriptions
Templates you can adapt for your own roles.