Program Support Specialist, Physician Assistant Program

Location

Hickory, North Carolina

Position Summary

The Program Support Specialist provides comprehensive administrative, operational, and instructional support for the PA Program. This role focuses on clinical education coordination, adjunct faculty support, simulation/lab operations, and program logistics.

This is a 12-month, full-time staff position with standard university benefits. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is June 1, 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Education & Program Support

• Provide administrative support for the clinical phase of the PA program.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff for clinical placements, schedules, and student onboarding requirements.
• Maintain clinical site and preceptor records, contracts, and compliance documentation.
• Facilitate communication with clinical sites, preceptors, faculty, and students.

Adjunct Faculty & Instructional Support

• Coordinate onboarding and support for adjunct faculty.
• Assist with course logistics, instructional materials, and classroom needs.
• Support instructional delivery, including use of learning management systems (Canvas) and course organization.

Simulation & Laboratory Operations

• Coordinate operations of simulation labs and clinical skills spaces.
• Assist with setup, breakdown, inventory, and maintenance of lab equipment and supplies.
• Support faculty with lab-based instruction and assessment activities.

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of program and college initiatives.

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Ability to collaborate with individuals at all levels of the University and in the external community.
• Investment in promoting and nurturing a welcoming environment.
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills with heightened attention to detail
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving/conflict resolution skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Social media skills or the willingness to develop them.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software; willingness to learn other software.

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree required; bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred
• A minimum of two years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities listed is preferred.
• Experience in higher education or healthcare programs preferred
• Familiarity with clinical education environments or accreditation processes preferred
• Experience with data management systems or learning management systems preferred

Physical Requirements

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to travel with students, faculty, and staff throughout campus.
• Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks

Work Schedule

• Standard office hours M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with some flexibility possible
• Subject to change based on university need, scheduled courses, and university growth
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand

Application Process

While completing the application, candidates will be prompted to submit a:

• A letter of application addressing qualifications and interest in the position
• A current resume

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Michael McGee, Interim dean, College of Health Sciences at mcgee@lr.edu.

Lenoir-Rhyne University promotes a welcoming campus environment that is integral to the university's commitment to excellence in engagement and education. We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated experience nurturing a welcoming community, working with faculty, staff and/or students from all walks of life and/or incorporating varied perspectives and traditions in their current or previous positions. This commitment is rooted in our Lutheran tradition of fostering wisdom, nurturing vocation and preparing students for lives of purpose while serving the common good.

About the College of Health Sciences

The College of Health Sciences at Lenoir-Rhyne University provides current and practical knowledge and skills that prepare students for success in differing health science careers. The college offers four undergraduate degrees: Exercise Science, Nursing, Public Health, and Sports Management. At the graduate level, the college offers: Master of Science-Exercise Science, Master of Public Health, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Master of Science-Occupational Therapy.

About Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private, comprehensive institution founded in 1891, with its traditional campus located in Hickory, North Carolina, a city of more than 40,000. The university has additional graduate centers in Asheville, N.C., and Columbia, S.C. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lenoir-Rhyne is less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte, and the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of about 365,000. The university now offers more than 45 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs to approximately 2,400 students. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build community, and promote responsible leadership for service to the world. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lenoir-Rhyne is open to people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds.