Respiratory Therapy – Director of Clinical Education

Position Location: State College, PA
Hours: Full-time Academic Year / 40 hours / Exempt
Supervisor: Respiratory Therapy Program Director
Direct Reports: Clinical Instructors / Adjunct Faculty (as assigned)

Position Overview
The Director of Clinical Education (DCE) serves in a key leadership role within the Respiratory Therapy Program and is responsible for the independent oversight, coordination, implementation, and continuous evaluation of all clinical education components.
This position requires a high level of professional judgment, organizational leadership, and operational management. The DCE must effectively manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision while ensuring compliance with CoARC accreditation standards, institutional policies, and clinical partner expectations.

Clinical Education & Accreditation Responsibilities

• Independently coordinate, implement, and oversee all clinical education experiences and operations
• Serve as the primary liaison between the program and clinical affiliates
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with clinical partners, leadership, and preceptors
• Conduct routine and annual clinical site evaluations to ensure quality and compliance with CoARC standards
• Develop and maintain clinical policies, procedures, competency processes, and evaluation systems
• Manage clinical documentation systems (Trajecsys, Clinician Nexus)
• Ensure timely completion and organization of clinical records, evaluations, competencies, and compliance documentation
• Provide onboarding, training, and ongoing support for clinical preceptors
• Monitor preceptor effectiveness and student clinical progression
• Participate in accreditation preparation, self-study development, and site visit activities
• Independently manage clinical operations, timelines, and priorities

Instruction

• Provide classroom, laboratory, simulation, and clinical instruction as assigned
• Develop and maintain course materials, competencies, and assessments
• Utilize Canvas for course delivery, communication, and grading
• Facilitate student learning using evidence-based instructional strategies
• Provide timely feedback, remediation, and student support
• Ensure alignment with program competencies and NBRC expectations

Curriculum & Program Development

• Participate in curriculum development, implementation, and continuous improvement
• Assist with integration of 2027 NBRC RTE standards and competency alignment
• Develop clinical scenarios, lab activities, and evaluation tools
• Ensure alignment across didactic, lab, and clinical components
• Contribute to program assessment, outcomes analysis, and curriculum evaluation

Leadership & Personnel

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to clinical instructors and preceptors
• Demonstrate strong professional communication with students, faculty, and affiliates
• Manage schedules, time-off approvals, and performance feedback
• Conduct annual performance reviews and support staff development
• Participate in faculty development and departmental planning

Operational & Administrative Expectations

• Demonstrate a high level of independence, accountability, and initiative
• Manage multiple cohorts, projects, and deadlines simultaneously
• Maintain accurate and organized documentation
• Communicate proactively regarding progress, challenges, and needs
• Utilize institutional systems and technology effectively
• Exhibit strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills

Other Duties

• Partner with Admissions & Marketing on recruitment initiatives
• Participate in student events (orientation, graduation, visit days)
• Co-chair department meetings and provide documentation/minutes
• Contribute to IAIP program goals and campus initiatives
• Participate in professional development and campus leadership activities

Qualifications

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential required
• Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy or related field required
• Minimum of four (4) years full-time experience as an RRT, including at least two (2) years in clinical respiratory care
• Minimum of two (2) years teaching experience as faculty, clinical instructor, or preceptor in a CoARC-accredited program
• Current state license/credential in the field
• Prior experience in classroom, laboratory, or clinical instruction preferred
• Experience with LMS platforms (Canvas) and clinical tracking systems preferred
• Strong organizational, communication, and independent workflow management skills required
• Ability to manage multiple operational responsibilities simultaneously