ABSN Program Director

Detailed Job Description

The College of Health Sciences and Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is launching a new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program and invites applications and nominations for the full-time, 12- month, tenure-track or non-tenure track position of Program Director, with an academic rank commensurate with experience in teaching and/or scholarship.

The Program Director will play a pivotal role in the creation, implementation, and ongoing development of the ABSN program, ensuring it integrates cutting-edge research, best practices, and a commitment to excellence in nursing education. Exhibiting a passion for the use of technology in the advancement of nursing practice and patient care, the Program Director will actively work with RIT faculty in other disciplines, including Health Informatics, Design, and Engineering to provide a unique experience for students and faculty alike. The Program Director will work closely with academic leaders, healthcare partners, and the broader nursing community to position RIT as a regional and national leader in nursing education.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development & Leadership:

• Lead the strategic development of the new ABSN Program, ensuring it aligns with RIT's mission and accreditation standards.
• Develop a vision for the program that incorporates emerging trends in healthcare, technology, and nursing practice.
• Oversee all aspects of the program's design, including curriculum development, faculty recruitment, program delivery, and continued improvement.

Curriculum Design & Innovation:

• Collaborate with faculty to design a forward-thinking, evidence-based nursing curriculum that integrates both foundational nursing knowledge and cutting-edge healthcare innovations.
• Regularly review and update the curriculum to ensure it remains at the forefront of nursing education, incorporating research findings, technological advancements, and current healthcare practices.

Research Leadership:

• Promote a culture of scholarship and research excellence within the program by encouraging faculty to engage in scholarship and research that advances the nursing profession.
• Support faculty and students in conducting scholarship and research that explores new nursing practices, educational strategies, and healthcare policies.
• Encourage the integration of scholarship and research findings into the curriculum to improve teaching and clinical outcomes.

Accreditation & Program Evaluation:

• Ensure the program complies with all accreditation requirements from national and regional accrediting bodies (e.g., Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, New York State Education Department).
• Oversee the ongoing evaluation of the program's effectiveness, including regular assessments of student outcomes, faculty performance, and the impact of the program on the community and healthcare industry.

Faculty Recruitment & Development:

• Recruit, hire, and mentor a diverse team of faculty who are both expert practitioners and active researchers and scholars.
• Foster a collaborative academic environment that supports professional development, teaching excellence, and scholarly inquiry.
• Promote opportunities for faculty to engage in interdisciplinary research and scholarship and professional growth.

Teaching (up to 50%):

• Teach undergraduate ABSN courses at all levels through multiple methodologies including simulation, creating teaching materials, mentoring faculty and students, and holding office hours.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary courses or interprofessional education.

Research Integration into Practice & Curriculum:

• Ensure that nursing scholarship and research are a core component of the program's curriculum, promoting evidence-based practice and critical thinking.
• Facilitate opportunities for students to engage in research projects and scholarly work that address real-world healthcare challenges, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and advancing nursing practice.

External Collaboration & Community Engagement:

• Establish partnerships with healthcare institutions, professional organizations, and research centers to secure clinical placements, collaborative research, and community service.
• Actively seek funding opportunities, including grants, to support both the program's development and faculty research initiatives.

Budget & Resource Management:

• Oversee the program's budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support both teaching and research activities.
• Advocate for the program's growth and development through external funding and internal resource optimization.

Service:

• Lead and participate in departmental committees as well as those at the collegiate and university levels.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• A terminal degree (PhD, DNP, or equivalent) in nursing.
• Current national certification if candidate is a DNP.
• Current, active unencumbered RN licensure in New York State or eligibility for licensure.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of clinical experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in nursing education, with a strong background in curriculum development, faculty leadership, and research.
• Proven experience in leading academic programs and integrating research and simulation into both educational practice and student learning.
• Familiarity with accreditation processes and standards within nursing education.
• Extensive experience in program development

Skills:

• Strong background in nursing scholarship and research, with a demonstrated ability to integrate research findings into curriculum design and teaching strategies.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, students, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to foster a research-driven environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strong strategic planning skills with the ability to develop and implement long-term goals for the program's growth and success.

Personal Attributes:

We are seeking an individual who has the ability and interest in contributing to a community committed to student-centeredness; professional development and scholarship; integrity and ethics; respect, innovation and flexibility; and teamwork and collaboration. We are seeking an individual who has the ability and interest in contributing to RIT's core values and honor code.