Surgical Technologist Instructor

Summary:

The instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction and student support that prepares learners for entry-level employment and/or certification/licensure outcomes in their program of study. Instructors create an engaging, safe, and inclusive learning environment; assess student learning and skills attainment; maintain accurate records; and collaborate with campus and corporate teams to advance student success, retention, completion, and employability.

Essential Functions

• Deliver instruction aligned to approved course outcomes, lesson plans, and institutional standards across assigned modality (on-campus, lab, clinical, online/hybrid).
• Evaluate student performance and skills using objective, documented methods; provide timely feedback and remediation.
• Maintain accurate and compliant academic records (attendance, grades, competencies, clinical hours, student progress documentation).
• Promote professionalism, safety, and ethical conduct consistent with industry expectations and institutional policy.
• Communicate student progress, concerns, and interventions to academic leadership and support services in a timely manner.
• Participate in continuous improvement, curriculum review, in-service training, and accreditation/compliance activities as assigned.

Core Responsibilities (Universal)

A. Instructional Delivery & Learning Experience

• Prepare for each class/session with clear objectives, required materials, and an organized instructional plan.
• Provide students with course information (objectives, grading criteria, policies, required supplies) at the start of the course/module.
• Use effective instructional strategies (demonstration, guided practice, simulations, case-based learning, skills stations, group activities) appropriate to adult learners.
• Maintain firm, fair, and consistent classroom/lab/clinical management.
• Start and end sessions on time and maximize instructional time.
• Integrate employability skills (professionalism, communication, teamwork, time management, customer/patient care) into instruction.
• Use approved textbooks, curriculum, and assessment tools; do not implement unapproved curriculum changes without authorization.

B. Student Assessment, Feedback & Support

• Administer quizzes, exams, skill check-offs, practical’s, and/or clinical evaluations in accordance with program and institutional standards.
• Grade and return assessments within required timelines; provide clear feedback linked to learning objectives.
• Provide tutoring, remediation, and re-teaching as needed, document interventions and student progress.
• Identify at-risk students early (attendance, academic performance, professionalism) and initiate early alert interventions and referrals.
• Support students’ readiness for certification/licensure exams when applicable (review strategies, practice assessments, targeted remediation).

C. Documentation, Administration & Compliance

• Accurately record attendance, grades, competencies, lab/clinical hours, and student progress in the approved systems by established deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and follow FERPA and all institutional privacy requirements.
• Comply with all applicable federal and state regulations, institutional policies, and programmatic accreditor/board requirements.
• Maintain required instructor credentials, licensure, and continuing education; provide documentation upon request.
• Participate in scheduled faculty meetings, in-service training, advisory committees, and accreditation preparation activities as assigned.

D. Lab, Clinical, and Externship Responsibilities (As Applicable)

• Supervise students during lab/clinical activities; ensure safe practices, infection control, and proper use of equipment and supplies.
• Evaluate and document student competencies using approved checklists/rubrics; ensure skills signoffs are complete and accurate.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Career Services regarding the clinical/externship partners as assigned, support student professionalism and site readiness.
• Assist with maintaining lab readiness (inventory, organization, equipment checks, cleanliness) and promptly report and log equipment issues or safety concerns.

E. Collaboration, Culture & Professionalism

• Model professional behavior and uphold institutional culture and values; maintain appropriate boundaries with students.
• Communicate proactively with the Director of Education/Program leadership regarding curriculum pacing, student outcomes, and resource needs.
• Collaborate with the DOE, Program Director, Student Services, Registrar, and Career Services to support retention, completion, and placement goals.
• Support campus activities such as orientations, workshops, skills fairs, and employer engagement events when assigned.
• Maintain professional attire and appearance consistent with policy and industry norms.

F. Distance Education / Hybrid Responsibilities (If assigned)

• Maintain an active online presence in the LMS; post announcements, content, assignments, and feedback according to standards and timelines.
• Facilitate meaningful interaction and engagement (discussion facilitation, virtual labs/demos when applicable, tutoring).
• Ensure compliance with distance education policies, including attendance/participation tracking, identity verification practices if required, and timely grading.

Minimum Qualifications

• Meets the school’s and applicable regulatory/accreditor minimum qualifications for instructors in the assigned program(s).
• Must have a minimum of three years of experience, education and/or training in the current practices of the subject are they are teaching.
• Current professional license/certification in the field when required by regulation, accreditor, or program standard.
• Relevant occupational experience in the field sufficient to teach assigned content; ability to demonstrate required skills and procedures.
• Strong communication skills and ability to teach adult learners in diverse learning environments.
• Basic proficiency with instructional technology (email, LMS, office productivity tools) or willingness to learn quickly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior teaching, training, or precepting experience in postsecondary, workforce, clinical, or corporate training settings.
• Experience supporting certification/licensure exam preparation and outcomes improvement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to present complex concepts clearly and to adapt instruction based on student needs and performance data.
• Ability to evaluate skills objectively and to document performance accurately.
• Ability to maintain a professional, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.
• Ability to manage time, meet deadlines, and maintain high attention to detail for compliance documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and to contribute to continuous improvement efforts.
• Assists with Additional duties as assigned.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Ability to move within classrooms, labs, and clinical settings; stand for extended periods; and demonstrate hands-on skills as required by the program.
• Ability to lift and move instructional materials and supplies consistent with program needs (reasonable accommodations available).
• May involve exposure to clinical/lab environments and related safety requirements, including use of PPE when applicable.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Retirement plan

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Surgical Technologist: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Certified Surgical Technologist (Required)
• BLS Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person