Program Director, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Position Summary:

The Program Director for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program provides visionary leadership, ensuring academic excellence, student success, and operational effectiveness. This role is pivotal in guiding non-traditional and second-degree students through a rigorous curriculum, preparing them for clinical practice and licensure. The Director is a student-centered educator with expertise in NCLEX preparation, adult learning principles, and academic leadership in accelerated, high-intensity programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Teaching Responsibilities:

• Teach Nine-Twelve Credit Hours per academic year of assigned nursing courses, including theory, clinical, and simulation components.
• Incorporate NCLEX-focused strategies and outcomes-based teaching to improve licensure pass rates.
• Design and deliver instruction using adult learning theory and diverse pedagogical approaches.
• Provide individualized student mentorship and academic advising, supporting each learner's unique journey.
• Foster a student-centered learning environment that promotes critical thinking, professionalism, and clinical judgment.
• Monitor academic progress and intervene early with students at risk, contributing to student retention and success.
• Participate in program and university committees, curriculum planning, and faculty development initiatives.

Faculty Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, and orient new faculty and adjuncts, ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Mentor and evaluate faculty, fostering instructional excellence and innovation.
• Facilitate professional development and training in simulation-based and clinical education.

Curriculum & Program Management

• Lead curriculum design, implementation, and continuous improvement, integrating national trends and best practices.
• Ensure full compliance with CCNE accreditation standards, state board regulations, and institutional policies.
• Organize and lead self-study reports, site visit preparation, and ongoing accreditation activities.

Student Lifecycle Oversight

• Oversee admissions processes, including candidate screening and selection.
• Administer progression and graduation requirements, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Provide individualized mentorship and academic advising, supporting each learner's unique journey.
• Develop systems for early intervention with at-risk students and support retention initiatives.

Quality Assurance & Data-Driven Improvement

• Track and analyze key program outcomes: NCLEX pass rates, retention, graduation, and employment rates.
• Develop and implement continuous quality improvement (CQI) plans in collaboration with faculty and assessment coordinators.
• Prepare and submit required reports for state, federal, and accrediting agencies.

Operational & Fiscal Management

• Manage program budgets, including operational and capital expenses.
• Oversee scheduling for courses, clinical rotations, and simulation labs.
• Allocate resources to support program growth and sustainability.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Cultivate relationships with clinical partners, community organizations, and healthcare providers.
• Represent the ABSN program at local, state, and national meetings and events.
• Build strategic partnerships to enhance clinical experience and employment opportunities for graduates.

Regulatory & Accreditation Compliance

• Maintain up-to-date accreditation files and ensure readiness for site visits and audits.
• Ensure compliance with CCNE, AACN, and state board requirements.

Inclusive Student Support

• Foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment for diverse student populations.
• Advocate for student needs and promote professionalism, critical thinking, and clinical judgment.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Doctorate in Nursing (PhD, DNP, EdD) or a related field from an accredited institution.

Licensure:

• Current, unencumbered RN license in Florida or eligibility to obtain.

Experience:

• Minimum three years of experience in nursing education.
• Proven ability to teach and lead adult learners in high-intensity academic settings.
• Expertise in NCLEX preparation, test-taking strategies, and curriculum alignment with NCLEX standards.
• Prior leadership experience with accreditation processes, particularly CCNE.

Skills:

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse academic environment.
• Commitment to inclusive teaching, academic integrity, and evidence-based practice.
• Familiarity with data-driven assessment, program evaluation, and student retention strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with accelerated BSN programs or second-degree students.
• Background in immersive clinical education and simulation-based learning.
• Success in building strategic partnerships with healthcare providers.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter outlining qualifications, teaching philosophy, and leadership experience.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.