CLINICAL FACULTY JOB DESCRIPTION

Find Clinical Faculty job descriptions with detailed duties, required credentials, and qualifications for health professions education programs.

Clinical Faculty Job Description Template

1. About the Role

A Clinical Faculty member is a licensed clinician who teaches, evaluates, and remediates students in a health professions program. Few roles demand the combination of active clinical expertise and structured pedagogical accountability that this one does. Working within programs subject to AOA COCA accreditation standards, the Clinical Faculty must keep board certification current while simultaneously designing assessments, facilitating osteopathic clinical skills courses, and ensuring every student meets competency thresholds before advancing. The stakes are direct: students who progress without adequate clinical reasoning preparation enter patient care settings unprepared.

2. Position Summary

As the Clinical Faculty, you translate active clinical expertise into structured learning experiences - from case-based instruction and physical examination training to student remediation and peer faculty evaluation - that advance measurable competency outcomes within an accredited health professions program. The role operates within a medical education division, collaborating with the Assistant Dean of Outcomes and Assessment and clinical skills teams to uphold GME and UME curriculum standards across all year groups.

3. Why Join Us

Career Impact: Board certification in specialty, combined with demonstrated proficiency in COMLEX and USMLE exam item writing, marks Clinical Faculty as among the most credentialed educator-clinicians in the health professions pipeline.

Business Impact: When osteopathic clinical skills courses are designed and delivered well, students enter clerkship and residency placements meeting AOA COCA competency benchmarks - a direct reflection of this role's output.

Growth Opportunity: Experience in medical school accreditation reporting and publication of scholarly work opens pathways to Associate Dean, Director of Medical Education, and senior academic administrative roles within COM leadership structures.

4. Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver patient and population-based medical cases to pre-clinical students using diverse instructional methods, including team-based and problem-based learning formats.
  • Develop and facilitate osteopathic clinical skills courses covering history taking, physical examination, and ethical reasoning within clinical encounters.
  • Design student assessments aligned with COMLEX and USMLE competency frameworks across MS I through MS IV curriculum.
  • Evaluate student clinical performance regularly and assign remediation plans in accordance with program advancement policies.
  • Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Outcomes and Assessment on curriculum inventory, mapping, and formal after-action reporting at least annually.
  • Participate in faculty peer evaluation and assist with departmental interviewing and hiring as requested.
  • Promote scholarly activity and research among students and faculty with outcomes leading to public dissemination.
  • Maintain current board certification, medical license, and all credentials required for accreditation compliance.

5. Required Qualifications

  • DO or MD degree, or doctoral degree in an anatomical discipline from a nationally accredited institution.
  • 3 or more years of clinical education experience, with demonstrated success in GME or UME curriculum delivery.
  • Current, unrestricted medical license and board certification in specialty.
  • Good standing with all regulatory and governmental boards and agencies.
  • Strong knowledge base in medical education assessment, including student readiness evaluation and competency benchmarking.
  • Experience using innovative teaching methods such as team-based learning, problem-based learning, and flipped classroom models.
  • Familiarity with AOA COCA accreditation requirements and experience contributing to accreditation documentation or reporting.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills applicable to diverse audiences including students, peers, and institutional leadership.

6. Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in publication or national presentations within a relevant clinical or medical education specialty.
  • Proficiency in exam item writing for COMLEX and/or USMLE standardized assessment formats.
  • Demonstrated record of managing department personnel or leading faculty development initiatives.
  • Familiarity with distance learning platforms and curriculum delivery systems used in graduate medical education settings.

7. Success Metrics & Environment

  • Student advancement rate, measuring the percentage of students meeting competency thresholds per assessment cycle.
  • Remediation closure rate, tracking the proportion of assigned remediation plans completed within the prescribed timeframe.
  • Accreditation documentation completeness, reflecting on-time submission of curriculum inventory and after-action reports.
  • Peer evaluation participation rate, measuring contribution to the faculty review cycle across the department.
  • Scholarly output count, tracking faculty-authored publications or national presentations per academic year.

8. Compensation & Benefits (US Market Benchmark)

  • Base Salary Range: $110,000 to $160,000 annually depending on seniority and specialty
  • Bonus: Annual merit-based bonus of 5 to 10 percent common in academic medical settings
  • Equity: Not typically applicable in academic or nonprofit health professions institutions
  • Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard; dependent coverage available
  • PTO: 15 to 25 days annually plus academic calendar breaks and CME leave
  • Common Perks: CME reimbursement, malpractice coverage, tuition remission, and retirement plan with institutional match


Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

9. EEO & Legal

Candidates for this position are evaluated without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment in this role is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, drug screening consistent with health professions program requirements. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available throughout the hiring process upon request. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States prior to beginning employment.

Clinical Faculty Job Description Examples

1. Clinical Faculty (Osteopathic Medical Education)

The Clinical Faculty owns the delivery of patient and population-based medical cases to MS I through MS IV students, facilitating case presentations, small group discussions, osteopathic clinical skills courses, and faculty peer evaluations within the medical education program. Reporting to COM leadership and collaborating with the Assistant Dean of Outcomes and Assessment, this work shapes the readiness of osteopathic students to advance through the curriculum and builds a culture of scholarly activity and continuous learning.


Key Responsibilities

  • Utilize diverse and innovative teaching modalities to deliver patient and population-based medical cases to MS I and MS II students.
  • Facilitate case presentations and small group discussions.
  • Develop student assessments.
  • Utilize diverse and innovative teaching modalities to deliver health care delivery skills including interprofessional education, professional identity, systems-based practice, and self-directed learning.
  • Assist in the development and delivery of didactic educational activities for MS III and MS IV students.
  • Collaborate with the clinical skills education team to develop and facilitate osteopathic clinical skills courses.
  • Facilitate accurate history taking and sensitive delivery of information through effective communication.
  • Conduct appropriately thorough physical examinations in a respectful, efficient, and skillful manner.
  • Approach diagnoses with the ability to extract critical information, thorough knowledge of disease presentations, and rational use of laboratory tests.
  • Consider the impact of culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, risk perception, and personal values on patient needs.
  • Identify, define, and understand ethical issues in medicine to provide health care in a morally responsible manner.
  • Maintain skills for continuous education and competence in obtaining and critically appraising new information from diverse sources.
  • Recognize the importance of personal well-being and employ effective responses to challenges, stress, and fatigue.
  • Assist with interviewing and hiring of department faculty as requested.
  • Participate in the peer evaluation of department faculty.


Required Qualifications

  • Doctoral degree in an anatomical discipline from a nationally accredited institution, or a DO or MD degree with appropriate experience.
  • Current, unrestricted medical license.
  • Current board certification in specialty.
  • Good standing with all regulatory and governmental boards and agencies.
  • Substantial record of success as an educator and in managing personnel.
  • Experience in publication and national presentations.
  • Experience with medical school accreditation and reporting.
  • Familiarity with AOA COCA requirements.
  • Strong knowledge base in medical education assessment.
  • Experience using innovative teaching methods including team-based learning, problem-based learning, distance learning, and proficiency in exam item writing.
  • Leadership abilities in influencing and shaping performance.
  • Strong team and people management skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm to contribute to organizational growth and development.
  • Strong, effective, and diplomatic oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent public speaking and service skills relevant to supervisors, peers, direct reports, medical students, and faculty.

2. Clinical Faculty (GME & UME Curriculum Delivery)

Embedded within the medical education program, the Clinical Faculty delivers curriculum across the classroom, simulation center, medical skills program, and small group learning settings while facilitating case-based inquiry sessions and supporting point-of-care ultrasound training. Working closely with faculty development teams, this role advances an inclusive learning environment grounded in the principles of osteopathic medicine and innovative classroom instruction.


Qualifications & Experience

  • Deliver curriculum in the classroom, simulation center, medical skills program, and small group learning settings.
  • Facilitate case-based inquiry group sessions.
  • Assist with standardized patient program and medical simulation events.
  • Assist with point-of-care ultrasound training events.
  • Participate in faculty development and training related to assigned tasks.


Core Functions

  • DO or MD degree.
  • Medical license.
  • Skill requirements obtained as part of specialty board certification.
  • 3 to 5 years of experience.
  • Broad knowledge and experience in medical education at the GME and/or UME level.
  • Curriculum delivery knowledge and experience with a willingness to adopt innovative classroom instruction.
  • Demonstrated success promoting a culturally rich environment that values and appreciates diversity.
  • Common understanding of bias, cultural proficiency, and demonstrated success at mitigating differences.
  • Familiarity with the principles and practice of osteopathic medicine.

3. Adjunct Clinical Faculty (Nursing Education)

Reporting to program leadership, the Adjunct Clinical Faculty delivers instruction across curriculum development, assessment, and scholarship within the nursing education program at an accredited institution in Tennessee. Partnering with the broader faculty team, this role builds learner development outcomes and advances the nurse educator role through ongoing scholarly engagement and leadership within the educational environment.


Primary Duties

  • Facilitate learning and learner development.
  • Use assessment and evaluation strategies.
  • Participate in curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Evaluate program outcomes.
  • Pursue ongoing development of the nurse educator role.
  • Engage in scholarship.
  • Develop and function as a leader and change agent within the educational environment.


Education & Experience

  • Minimum of a BSN degree; MSN degree or higher preferred.
  • Unencumbered nursing license in the state of Tennessee.
  • Minimum of two years of experience as a registered nurse within the last five years.
  • Knowledge of curriculum development and teaching methodology.
  • Familiarity with state board of nursing rules and regulations for nursing and nursing education.
  • Ability to adapt rapidly to a variety of situations.

4. Clinical Faculty (Doctor of Chiropractic Program)

Sitting at the intersection of clinical practice and academic instruction, the Clinical Faculty develops and delivers educational experiences within the Doctor of Chiropractic program, overseeing clinical student assessment, remediation, and care quality in a full-time capacity. Operating across departmental meetings, accreditation obligations, and direct patient care supervision, this role leads the advancement of student learning outcomes and supports the program's mission, vision, and strategic objectives.


Duties

  • Teach assigned clinical curriculum in accordance with current course outlines and objectives.
  • Use appropriate teaching strategies and methods as outlined in clinic procedures.
  • Modify teaching methods based on assessment results and best practices in teaching and learning.
  • Document modifications in course content or instructional methods based on student and course assessment results.
  • Perform regular and timely evaluations of student performance.
  • Assign and follow through with prescribed clinical student remediation.
  • Grade student assignments and submit student grades.
  • Assist in courses affiliated with the program as needed.
  • Attend and participate in department and campus meetings.
  • Remain current in discipline and update course content to reflect current levels of knowledge.
  • Participate in the Faculty Performance Appraisal process.
  • Promote the university's mission, vision, goals, strategic plan, and objectives to internal and external constituencies.
  • Maintain licenses and certificates necessary for employment eligibility.
  • Follow all health center procedures including appropriate record-keeping practices.


Skills & Qualifications

  • Doctor of Chiropractic degree from a CCE-accredited program that is licensure eligible in California.
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Education or higher preferred.
  • McKenzie (MDT) certification preferred.
  • California DC license or ability to obtain one within six months of the job start date.
  • Skilled in differential diagnosis and management of patients with spine pain, including detection and management of psychological factors.
  • Wide-ranging understanding of spinal pain and methods of intensive rehabilitation and interventional treatments.
  • Confidence in coordinating care with a variety of practitioners as a long-term care coordinator.
  • Background in basic statistical concepts to analyze student assessment data.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex information and documents.
  • Ability to work in electronic health record applications.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Windows environment including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with advanced Excel skills.
  • Excellent teaching, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding faculty, staff, and student issues.
  • Ability to work independently and follow through on multiple assignments in a timely manner.

5. Clinical Faculty (College of Health Sciences)

A key member of the College of Health Sciences faculty team, the Clinical Faculty facilitates classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences for assigned courses while implementing educational activities in accordance with college policies and available resources. Collaborating across the division under the direction of the Dean, this role delivers instructional methods that build critical thinking, problem-solving, and lifelong learning in students from diverse backgrounds.


Functions

  • Commit to the mission, vision, and core values and consistently demonstrate them in all work activities.
  • Apply college values and philosophy in work activities and interactions with others.
  • Implement educational activities according to college policies, course credits, course objectives, and available resources.
  • Relate professionally to colleagues and serve in faculty roles of advisor, mentor, role model, advocate, facilitator, and competent educator.
  • Utilize instructional methods that promote student development of critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and lifelong learning.
  • Convey knowledge and principles of the field of study clearly and concisely in the educational setting.
  • Manage the educational environment to facilitate an optimal learning experience.
  • Adapt teaching to varied delivery methods including distance-learning options if applicable.
  • Initiate communication about concerns or problems with appropriate personnel.
  • Facilitate the Phlebotomy course including both theory and skills experiences.


Requirements

  • Theoretical knowledge of field of study for application to educational settings.
  • Knowledge of teaching and learning principles, teaching strategies, and instructional media.
  • Skill in providing education and supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups in both verbal and written form.
  • Ability to give and follow written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and assign work for self and others.
  • Ability to mentor, advise, and evaluate student attainment of objectives.
  • Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

6. Clinical Faculty (Dental Hygiene Instruction)

High-quality dental hygiene education depends on the Clinical Faculty, who delivers chair-side instruction and course development for first and second year students while ensuring curriculum accuracy, effective delivery methods, and equitable treatment of all learners. Based within the dental hygiene program and reporting to the Director of Dental Hygiene, this role shapes student competency through clinical supervision, accreditation support, and instruction in Head and Neck Anatomy and related courses.


Accountabilities

  • Develop courses and use technology for instructional purposes.
  • Serve as lab instructor for Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene.
  • Serve as clinical instructor for first and second year dental hygiene students.
  • Supervise students during clinical, laboratory, and class experiences.
  • Provide chair-side clinical instruction and feedback for students in the dental hygiene clinic.
  • Participate in departmental and institutional committees as assigned.
  • Assist in curriculum review and accreditation documentation.
  • Attend faculty meetings and workshops.
  • Teach Head and Neck Anatomy and additional courses as assigned.


Experience & Qualifications

  • Knowledge of electronic health record systems, HIPAA, and quality assurance.
  • Exceptional customer-focused skills with ability to address student needs and resolve issues with diplomacy and tact.
  • Solid writing skills to communicate effectively in memos, letters, and via email.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills including ability to project voice clearly when speaking in front of a group.
  • Interpersonal skills including questioning, listening, and showing concern and respect for others from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Ability to contribute to a climate of multicultural understanding and appreciation.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • High degree of integrity and commitment to comply with policies, regulations, and codes of conduct governing all aspects as assigned.
  • Commitment to the success of students and the school.
  • Team-oriented attitude.

Editorial Process and Content Quality

This content is developed by the Lamwork Editorial Team using structured analysis of real-world job data, skill requirements, and hiring patterns.

Research framework by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead.

Reviewed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor.

Learn more about our editorial standards.