Exciting opportunity to join OU Health, a distinguished academic health center system, as the next Assistant Dean & CRNA Program Director!

Permanent | On-site

The Position

• The Assistant Dean & CRNA Program Director will be responsible for launching and developing the new CRNA program in alignment with the mission of the College of Nursing.
• This leader will have a dual reporting structure, reporting to both the Dean and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
• This leader will be responsible for building the department and recruiting additional CRNAs to support the team. They will also oversee the accreditation process, ensuring the program is prepared to enroll students by 2026. This includes securing qualified faculty and establishing clinical placement sites.
• Ideal candidates will have experience working as a CRNA with a strong focus on teaching CRNA practices. They must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 
• This role requires an onsite leader; remote or hybrid work options are not available. 

Requirements

• BSN and a PhD, DNP, or DNAP required; must hold or be eligible to obtain an active OK RN license.
• CRNA certification required.
• Minimum of two years of clinical practice experience required; five years as a CRNA highly preferred.
• Previous experience teaching or leading within a CRNA program is required.

The Community

• Located in the heart of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (OKC) is a dynamic and growing metropolitan area known for its friendly atmosphere, rich history, and thriving economy. As the state’s capital, it serves as a hub for healthcare, education, and professional opportunities, attracting residents from diverse backgrounds.
• Oklahoma City offers an abundance of parks, lakes, and recreational areas, including the scenic Oklahoma River, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and Lake Hefner. Residents enjoy extensive biking and walking trails, water sports, and outdoor festivals throughout the year.
• The city boasts a lively arts and entertainment scene, with renowned attractions such as the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Civic Center Music Hall, and Factory Obscura. The historic Bricktown district is a centerpiece of entertainment, featuring live music, sports venues, and cultural events.
• From classic Oklahoma barbecue to international cuisine, Oklahoma City offers a diverse dining experience. The Paseo Arts District and Midtown feature a variety of local restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops, creating a vibrant food culture.
• Home to the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, as well as minor league baseball and professional soccer teams, OKC has a strong sports culture. Community pride is evident in local events, from rodeos and festivals to college football.
• Oklahoma City enjoys a comfortable climate with warm summers, mild winters, and an average of over 230 sunny days per year, making it ideal for those who enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle.

The Organization

• OU Health is Oklahoma’s only comprehensive academic health system, dedicated to delivering advanced, research-driven healthcare across the state and surrounding region. As an integrated system, OU Health combines patient care, medical education, and scientific research to improve health outcomes for communities statewide.
• The health system includes multiple facilities, such as OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center, Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health, and OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center. These locations provide a full spectrum of services, including Level 1 trauma care, pediatric specialties, and nationally recognized cancer treatment.
• OU Health is home to the state's largest physician network, with over 11,000 employees, including more than 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers. The organization is committed to workforce development, collaborating with community partners and educational institutions to create sustainable healthcare career pathways.
• Facility expansion efforts continue to enhance patient care, including a recent 7,500-square-foot addition to the pediatric emergency room at Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health, increasing capacity to meet growing demand.
• Through its commitment to clinical excellence, research innovation, and workforce development, OU Health remains a leader in advancing healthcare for the people of Oklahoma.

About B.E. Smith in partner with OU Health

Founded in 1978, B.E. Smith is the trusted partner in Interim Leadership and Executive Search solutions for organizations across the healthcare continuum. Exclusive to the healthcare industry, B.E. Smith’s personalized placement methodology best matches organizations with professionals to advance clinical, financial and operational performance. B.E. Smith’s proven track record includes the placement of more than 6,000 leaders into healthcare organizations nationwide. For more information visit www.besmith.com.

Connections working at B.E. Smith in partner with OU Health