Adjunct Instructor Surgical Technology

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

General Purpose  

The Adjunct Surgical Technology Instructor is responsible for providing high-quality classroom and laboratory instruction to students enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology Program.  The adjunct instructor will support student learning, evaluate academic and laboratory performance, maintain accurate educational records, and ensure that instructional activities align with institutional policies, program objectives, and accreditation standards. 

  Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities  

Teaching & Instruction

• Deliver assigned didactic lectures and hands-on laboratory instruction in accordance with the approved curriculum.

• Prepare and deliver lessons that meet established course objectives and learning outcomes.

• Demonstrate proper surgical techniques, instrumentation, sterile processing principles, and aseptic practices.

• Provide instruction in surgical procedures, surgical instrumentation, patient positioning, sterile technique, and operating room practices.

• Evaluate students through examinations, quizzes, assignments, laboratory competencies, and practical assessments.

• Provide constructive feedback to promote student success.

• Support student preparation for national certification examinations, including CST and CBSPD, as applicable.

Laboratory Instruction & Student Competencies 

• Supervise students during laboratory activities and competency assessments.

• Demonstrate proper handling of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies.

• Ensure students follow established laboratory safety guidelines and infection prevention protocols.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.

• Report equipment concerns, supply shortages, and safety incidents to the Program Director.

• Evaluate student proficiency in surgical technology skills, including:

o Surgical hand antisepsis, gowning, and gloving.  

o Sterile field preparation and maintenance.  

o Back table and Mayo stand setup.  

o Surgical instrument identification and handling. 

o Surgical counts and documentation. 

o Safe passing of surgical instruments.

o Loading surgical blades and needles.

Academic Responsibilities & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, laboratory competencies, and academic progress.

• Submit grades, attendance records, and required academic documentation within established deadlines.

• Follow institutional policies regarding student attendance, academic integrity, and classroom conduct.

• Identify students experiencing academic difficulties and communicate concerns promptly to the Program Director.

• Provide academic assistance and remediation when appropriate.

• Maintain confidentiality of student educational records in accordance with FERPA and institutional policies. 

Accreditation & Program Compliance

• Follow all applicable institutional policies and accreditation standards.

• Assist with the collection of instructional documentation and student competency records for program assessment.

• Participate in curriculum review and instructional improvement activities as requested.

• Maintain accurate and current course materials consistent with approved program objectives.

• Support the Program Director in maintaining educational standards consistent with CAAHEP accreditation expectations.

Faculty Collaboration & Professional Conduct

• Maintain professional communication with students, faculty, and administrative staff.

• Attend required faculty meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.

• Collaborate with the Program Director regarding student performance, curriculum concerns, and laboratory instruction.

• Demonstrate fairness, professionalism, and consistency when enforcing institutional policies.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students.

• Notify the Program Director promptly regarding anticipated absences, scheduling conflicts, or classroom concerns.

• Follow assigned teaching schedules and institutional procedures for schedule adjustments.

Education & Experience

  Required Qualifications

• Be a graduate of a surgical technology education program accredited by a nationally recognized programmatic accreditation agency.

• Possess a credential in surgical technology through a national certification program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). 

• Have a minimum of two years of experience in an operating room scrub role, as a surgical technology instructor, or a combination of both, within the previous five years.

• Have documented education or experience in instructional methodology, curriculum design, and program planning.

• Demonstrate current knowledge of surgical technology practices, instrumentation, and operating room procedures.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential through NBSTSA.

• Previous teaching experience in an accredited surgical technology program.

• Experience developing lesson plans, examinations, and laboratory assessments.

• Experience with online learning platforms and student information systems.

• Experience in multiple surgical specialties.  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of surgical technology principles and sterile technique.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to teach and support students from diverse educational backgrounds.

• Strong organizational, time management, and documentation skills.

• Ability to maintain professional classroom and laboratory environments.

• Ability to provide fair, consistent, and constructive student evaluations.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and educational technology.

• Ability to meet academic deadlines and complete assigned responsibilities with limited supervision.

• Ability to adapt instructional strategies to accommodate different learning styles. 

Specialized Technology Requirements

• Basic proficiency in computer-based instructional platforms and electronic gradebooks.  

•Ability to prepare and deliver instructional presentations. 

• Familiarity with classroom technology and virtual learning environments.

• Ability to use various teaching methods, including demonstrations, simulation, and hands-on learning activities.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for a minimum of four hours during classroom or laboratory instruction.

• Ability to lift and move instructional supplies and surgical instrumentation weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to demonstrate surgical techniques and perform laboratory activities safely.

Work Schedule & Expectations

• This position is part-time, with teaching assignments based on program and campus needs.

• Daytime and/or evening teaching assignments may be available.

• Adjunct instructors are expected to arrive prepared and on time for all scheduled classes and laboratory sessions.

• Additional responsibilities may include student remediation, competency evaluations, and participation in required faculty meetings. 

• Teaching at both our downtown LaSalle campus and our Evergreen Park campus.