Open Rank Instructor, Allied Health Program

In November 2021, National Louis University launched a new initiative called Accelerate U focused on workforce training for local, upwardly-mobile jobs and careers.  A path-breaking “job first higher education” model, our work connects learners and employers, linking economic stability for participants with the diverse talent pipeline needs of employers.  Accelerate U works closely with employer partners to build affordable (Pell-eligible) academic and training pathways that 1) bridge to an in-demand job in 6 months, 2) lead to an industry-recognized credential, 3) focus on technical and ”durable”/career readiness skill development, 4) include NLU coaching, wraparound supports, and a meaningful cohort-based experience, and 5) allow participants to earn up to 30 college credits that seamlessly “stack” into a bachelor’s degree.   The #1 outcome we care about is the number of people who start our programs and find sustainable employment within three months of completing it.  Accelerate U plans to build a half dozen certification pathways across multiple sectors (i.e. healthcare, technology, business) eventually serving more than 3,000 learners each year.

Accelerate U at National Louis University (NLU) seeks a knowledgeable, experienced, dynamic educator for a full-time Allied Health 12-month faculty open rank. This position includes both direct teaching responsibilities for the Medical Assisting program and administrative support of the Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy programs. The ideal candidate will possess deep clinical expertise as well as a strong ability to engage and train others in the field. The candidate must be comfortable working with students from different backgrounds and be committed to culturally responsive pedagogy. Additionally, given this position includes a significant number of administrative duties, strong candidates will possess exceptional organizational and communication skills.

Allied Health faculty report to the Program Director of Allied Health and are expected to work in a hybrid format (on campus at least 2 days a week). The full-time faculty position requires working during evening hours up to two evenings per week to teach class online and/or manage in-person skills labs.

WHO YOU ARE

You are committed to equity, access, and building economic mobility

You understand that economic disparity and income inequality are destabilizing forces for a true democracy.  You know the power of a great education - one that catapults a learner into new, choice-filled opportunities. You also know that too many talented, high-potential people get left out, overlooked, or skipped over when it comes to opportunities. You want to break down those barriers, destroy those misconceptions, and prepare and connect extraordinarily talented people with the opportunities they deserve. You understand the need for more accessible and shorter training pathways as a means to meeting the current talent demand and you are driven to implement a solution that meets this need.

You know what it takes to be a great medical assistant and how to train others in the field

You understand the ins and outs of the medical assisting profession - including the administrative and clinical sides. You’re an expert in navigating a broad range of patient situations in the healthcare field, and know what it looks like to be an outstanding medical assistant.  You understand what knowledge and skills are most important for students to develop prior to entering their externship in order to be best positioned for full time hire.

You are an excellent classroom and lab instructor

You know what an engaging online and/or in-person class looks like and how to ensure all of your students are successful in class. You develop relationships with your students and create a safe learning environment. You have strong command over your teaching tools and integrate additional learning resources in your classroom.  You understand the power of peer support and work diligently to foster a collaborative cohort culture. You provide differentiated support to students based on their individual needs. You are well versed in the CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) exam by NHA and have effectively prepared others to successfully pass the exam.

You have an eye for the details and are hyper organized

You have a plan for everything, and a Plan B for when the unexpected occurs. You utilize personal organization systems to stay on track of many competing tasks and consistently meet deadlines. You dot your Is and cross your T's, double checking and editing your work before sharing it with others. You strive to facilitate ‘flawless’ experiences for others.

• (30%) Teach two medical assisting cohorts per year, maintaining a teaching load of 10 QH in each of the fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. Teaching includes:
  • delivering excellent and engaging Zoom class sessions,
  • providing timely grades and feedback to students, and,
  • providing individualized student support to ensure all students are successful.
• (30%) Lead the execution of MA Skills Labs operations, including:
  • teaching the daytime section of skills labs
  • ordering and shipping necessary supplies for labs
  • maintaining an organized supply room
  • setting up all labs and ensuring all instructors  are prepared to utilize the supplies
  • serve as on-site operations for all labs and clean up effectively from each.
• (20%) Maintain MA and Phlebotomy program student communications, including:
  • Designing and sending regular student communication from the AU Team
  • Preparing students for their certification exam by sending them reminders, managing voucher distribution, and monitoring student progress through the study materials and practice exams.
  • Sending official academic communication including grade warnings, attendance warnings, emails regarding certification progress, and program exit emails (after approval from the Program Director).
• (10%) Provide program administrative support including:
  • Updating program orientation slide decks, handbooks (with approval from Program Director), FAQs, and calendars for each term.
  • Serving as an additional layer of support to students in the MA program who may need support when their adjunct instructor is not available.
• (5%) Contributing to the university through service including:
  • Supporting program improvement and development and
  • participation and engagement in faculty senate
• (5%) Other duties as assigned.  Please note: this team operates as an innovative start-up at NLU. This role will evolve as our AU programs scale and staff roles on the team increase.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Allied Health (e.g. medical assisting, nursing, health care leadership).
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working in the healthcare field including work in a clinical setting, medical office, or laboratory where clinical skills were necessary.
• A minimum of 3 years of teaching experience, ideally in a college, high school, or workforce development setting.  Strong preference for experience teaching online.
• Hold a current medical assisting certification (i.e. CCMA, RMA).
• Demonstrated experience in and/or commitment to advancing equity initiatives within an educational setting.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued.  We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time faculty benefits can be found here.

NLU Faculty salaries are based on rank within each college.  The ranges for each rank for Accelerate U are listed below:

Accelerate U-12-month Faculty Range: $54,706-$76,588

Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.  Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, current/previous faculty rank, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity.

Please include the following with your application:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (Official or Unofficial)

Optional Additional Attachments:

• Sample Syllabus
• Additional Licenses/Certifications
• Letters of Recommendation

Please note: Upon hire, official transcripts are required and must be sent from the institution(s) directly to the HR Department