"Program Director- Paramedics"

Brief Description of Duties

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC), a public land-grant institution dedicated to providing quality, career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs, seeks a Program Director to develop, implement, and manage a certificate and associate degree program for Paramedics. This role includes developing and implementing a new program at the UDC- Community College (UDC-CC). In addition, the Program Director will oversee all aspects of the program and ensure its future success and sustainability.

The Program Director for the Paramedics Program is responsible for the overall management, administration, continuous quality review, planning, development, and day-to-day operation of the Paramedics education program in accordance with the standards and guidelines set by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). The Program Director will ensure the program complies with all applicable accreditation standards and the District of Columbia regulations while leading curriculum development, student recruitment, and retention and providing professional leadership for the faculty and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Initiate the Paramedic Program at UDC - Instruct and guide the faculty in the CoAEMSP and CAAHEP accreditation, curriculum development, resource allocation, site visits, and self-study review.
2. Administration, organization, and supervision of the program - the Program Director must ensure that there is clinical and field experience liaison orientation and capstone field internship preceptor training.
3. Program Management and Leadership
4. Faculty and Staff Management
5. Supervise and Support Faculty
6. Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate paramedic faculty members to ensure that qualified personnel deliver quality instruction.

• Student Development and Support
• Student Recruitment and Retention:
  • Lead efforts to recruit, advise, and retain students in the Paramedics Program, with a focus on increasing program enrollment and maintaining high graduation rates.
  • Ensure students are informed about licensure, certification, and professional development pathways.
• Monitor Student Progress
  • Track student performance and provide academic advising, counseling, and intervention strategies to help them succeed.
  • Oversee the administration of student clinical placements, internships, and capstone projects.
• Clinical Coordination and Partnerships
• Manage Clinical Relationships:
  • Establish and maintain relationships with hospitals, EMS agencies, and other clinical affiliates to ensure sufficient high-quality clinical and field internship sites.
  • Ensure clinical instructors and preceptors meet accreditation and program standards.
• Coordinate Clinical Experiences
  • Oversee the scheduling, evaluation, and assessment of clinical rotations to align with program and accreditation standards.
  • Develop clinical objectives and assess student performance in real- world settings.
• Maintain professional credentials and participate in local, state, and national EMS associations to stay current with changes in EMS education and accreditation standards.
• Attend professional development workshops and conferences related to EMS education.
• Regulatory and Financial Oversight
• Monitor Compliance with State and Federal Regulations:
  • Ensure the program complies with the District of Columbia regulations governing paramedics education, including licensure requirements.
  • Stay informed about changes to EMS protocols and education standards.
• Budget and Resource Management
  • Develop and manage the program budget, including grant funding, equipment purchasing, and student resources.
  • Ensure appropriate equipment, facilities, and technology are available for the program's needs.
• Quality review and improvement of the educational program - continuous review of course assessments, NREMT - Paramedic pass rates, and self-study. Collect and analyze program data for the improvement of instructional methods and programmatic changes.
• Ensure Accreditation Compliance
  • Maintain accreditation through CoAEMSP and ensure that the program meets all accreditation requirements. Facilitate self-studies, annual reports, and accreditation site visits.
• Academic oversight, including curriculum planning and development - using data, current trends in the fields, and collaboration to drive currency and student success.
• Develop and Manage Curriculum
  • Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of the paramedic's curriculum, ensuring that it meets educational and competency standards.
  • Ensure compliance with the National EMS Education Standards and state-specific licensure requirements.
• Evaluate Program Effectiveness
  • Regularly assess program outcomes, including student performance, certification exam pass rates, and graduate placement to ensure continuous program improvement.
• Supervision and orientation/training of clinical and capstone field internship preceptors.
• Continuous Professional Development
• Stay Current in EMS Education:
  • Provide ongoing professional development opportunities for faculty.
  • Mentor adjunct faculty and clinical instructors to maintain instructional quality across all learning environments.
• Facilitate Communication
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the program faculty, administration, clinical partners, and accrediting bodies.
  • Lead regular program meetings and communicate updates and changes to the team.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Minimum of three years of experience in EMS education, including teaching and administrative roles. Proven leadership in the management of accredited educational programs is a plus.
• Documented education or experience in instructional methodology
• Documented academic training and/or experience equivalent to that of a paramedic.
• Experience as a practicing paramedic, preferably in urban EMS settings, serving and working with diverse populations.
• Experience with CoAEMSP accreditation processes, including successful accreditation reviews, is preferred.
• A minimum of a bachelor's degree or the equivalent (preference will be given to those with a master's degree or higher) to direct a Paramedic program. We recommend that the degree be in a health-related profession, EMS, or education.
• Current certification as a Paramedic and eligibility for licensure in the District of Columbia. Additional qualifications as required by CoAEMSP standards (e.g., knowledge in curriculum development and management).