Program Director, Surgical Technology & SFA

About the role

The Program Director, Surgical Technology & Surgical First Assistant Programs provides academic leadership, program development, and instructional oversight to support student success, workforce readiness, and programmatic accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Provides academic leadership and oversight to Surgical Technology and Surgical First Assistant students, including regular evaluation of academic and clinical performance.
• Led development and implementation of programs in alignment with institutional goals and CAAHEP/ARC-STSA accreditation standards.
• Oversees curriculum design, course sequencing, and instructional delivery (didactic, lab, and clinical).
• Develops and manages surgical skills labs, simulation experiences, and competency-based assessments.
• Establishes and maintains clinical affiliation agreements with hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and surgical practices.
• Safeguards students achieve required clinical case logs, competencies, and exposure to surgical specialties (general, ortho, neuro, OB/GYN, etc.).
• Chairs the Program Advisory Committee to ensure curriculum relevance and alignment with employer needs and surgical workforce demands.
• Collaborates with surgeons, OR directors, and perioperative staff to enhance training quality and job placement pipelines.
• Edifies students on sterile technique, patient safety, surgical protocols, and professional standards.
• Prompts students for national certification exams (CST and CSFA or equivalent credentials).
• Implements educational technologies, simulation tools, and data systems to support student success and program outcomes.
• Prepares for accreditation activities including self-study preparation, site visit readiness, and ongoing compliance reporting.
• Maintains accurate records including clinical documentation, competency tracking, and accreditation data.
• Supports student retention, engagement, and completion, especially for at-risk populations.
• Provides referrals and support for academic or personal challenges impacting student success.
• Ensures compliance with FERPA, institutional policies, and accreditation standards.
• Aids with Orientation, Graduation, advisory board meetings, and community outreach.
• Maintains current knowledge of surgical advancements, technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Collaborates with Division leadership and institutional administration to support growth and expansion initiatives.

Requirements

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage clinical partnerships and healthcare relationships.
• Expertise in surgical procedures, sterile technique, and perioperative standards.
• Strong organizational and program management capabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, surgeons, and healthcare executives.
• Experience with LMS, SIS, and healthcare education technologies.
• Commitment to student success and workforce readiness.

Skills

• Education & Experience: Associate degree required; Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred (in Surgical Technology, Health Sciences, or related field).
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of recent experience in surgical technology or surgical assisting.
• Current or prior certification as a Surgical Technologist (CST) and/or Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) preferred.
• Teaching experience in a postsecondary or clinical education setting required.
• Program leadership or clinical leadership experience preferred.

Other Requirements

• Current and valid certification (CST and/or CSFA or equivalent).
• Ability to meet CAAHEP/ARC-STSA Program Director requirements.
• Active clinical experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel to Atlanta and Chattanooga for clinical site development and program oversight.
• Ability to work in surgical lab and clinical environments.