Program Director - Respiratory Therapy

Program Director - Respiratory Therapy

Supervisor: Program Director/Academic Dean

The Program Director provides effective leadership in developing, conducting, and ongoing assessment of the clinical education program. Management of the program's clinical activities include: organization, development and administration of, the clinical curriculum; planning for, acquisition of, and communication with, locations needed for development of evolving practice skills; ensuring that appropriate supervision/assessment of students is available at all clinical sites; and ongoing assessment of the overall effectiveness of the clinical training for all students. The director will assume other responsibilities - within the program (administrative, teaching in the classroom and the laboratory) or as determined by the program sponsor - when assigned. The Director also plays a key role in student recruitment, retention, and success.

Qualifications

Education: Graduation from a program accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation - Bachelor's Degree (Required) in Respiratory Therapy or a related field (Master's preferred)

Experience

Minimum of four years of experience as a Respiratory Therapist with at least two years in clinical respiratory care (Required)

Certification / Licensure

Current and valid Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential and current state license (Required)

Teaching Experience

Minimum of two years' experience teaching either as an appointed faculty member in a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program or as a clinical instructor (Required)

Other

Completion of the CoARC Key Personnel Training Program

Knowledge of accreditation standards and processes for respiratory therapy programs

Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders

Proficiency in instructional technology and computer applications relevant to the field

Responsibilities

Clinical Education and Supervision

Management of the program's clinical activities include: organization, development and administration of, the clinical curriculum; planning for, acquisition of, and communication with, locations needed for development of evolving practice skills; ensuring that appropriate

Supervision/assessment of students is available at all clinical sites; and ongoing assessment of the overall effectiveness of the clinical training for all students.

Director to ensure that clinical education for program students is coordinated with didactic and laboratory activities and is sufficient to meet program outcomes required by the Standards.

The Director should work with employer representatives on the program Advisory Committee and/or with department supervisors at clinical sites to include as many clinical instructors and preceptors as possible in the training program.

Curriculum Development and Evaluation

Collaborate with faculty to develop and review the Respiratory Therapy Program curriculum, ensuring it meets industry standards and educational requirements.

Monitor and assess curriculum effectiveness and make necessary revisions or updates.

Integrate emerging trends and advances in respiratory therapy education into the curriculum.

A Medical Director (MD) must be appointed to provide competent medical guidance, and the Director will collaborate with the Medical Director and the Program Director in ensuring that didactic, laboratory and supervised clinical instruction meet current practice guidelines.

Faculty and Staff Supervision

Provide guidance and support to faculty in curriculum delivery, instructional methods, and student assessment.

The Director must be available and accessible to students and clinical faculty at all times when program students are engaged in clinical coursework.

Clinical Affiliations and Industry Partnerships

Establish and maintain relationships with clinical sites, hospitals, and healthcare facilities to secure clinical placement opportunities for students.

Collaborate with clinical affiliates to ensure a high-quality clinical experience for students and maintain positive partnerships.

Foster relationships with industry partners to stay informed about advancements in respiratory therapy practice and potential employment opportunities for graduates.

The Coordination of clinical experiences involves identifying, contacting and evaluating clinical sites for suitability as a required or elective rotation experience, which is a responsibility is assigned to the Director

Director should work with employer representatives on the Advisory Committee (when applicable) and/or with department supervisors at the clinical sites, to identify suitable preceptors to supervise students.

Student Recruitment and Support

Director is to teach courses interactively, to communicate with students both privately (for counselling) and in groups, to allow interactive faculty and advisory committee meetings as well as providing access to all appropriate data. Such data would include: assessments of student performance at clinical sites, student assessments of clinical sites and preceptors, information from clinical sites regarding student behavior, etc.

Participate in student recruitment efforts, including, attending college fairs, hosting information sessions, and advising prospective students.

Develop and implement strategies to support student retention, success, and timely program completion.

The Director must have frequent, regular and consistent contact with students, clinical faculty, and clinical affiliates at all program locations.

Director is accessible to students throughout their course of study and that the extent of interaction between the Director and students facilitates the achievement of program goals.

The Director must be available and accessible to students and clinical faculty at all times when program students are engaged in clinical coursework. Examples of contact documentation between Director and clinical faculty/affiliates can include a communications log, copies of email/texting correspondence, or program faculty meeting minutes.

Provide guidance and support to students in academic and career matters, promoting a positive and supportive learning environment.

Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

Monitor program outcomes and assess student learning to ensure program effectiveness and compliance with accreditation standards.

Conduct regular program evaluations and use feedback from students, faculty, and employers to identify areas for improvement.

The Director should participate in the Advisory Committee meetings as non-voting members.

The Institution prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Notice of non-discrimination is located at .

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Morgantown, WV or Charleston, WV or Martinsburg, WV. Occasional on-site for meetings and to visit clinical campuses.