What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Director Surgical Technology position at New River Community and Technical College?
Job Summary
The Program Director/Instructor is a full-time faculty member responsible for the
comprehensive leadership, coordination, and delivery of the Surgical Technology Program.
This individual ensures full compliance with ARC/STSA and CAAHEP standards through the
effective administration of program operations, curriculum oversight, and continuous quality
improvement.
The role includes ensuring the delivery of curriculum, coordinating clinical education,
developing and evaluating curriculum, and maintaining strong partnerships with clinical
affiliates. The Director/Clinical Coordinator provides direct instruction in classroom,
laboratory, and clinical settings, ensures timely and accurate assessment of student
performance, and oversees the placement, orientation, and evaluation of students at clinical
sites.
Additionally, this position ensures that all personnel involved in student education are
appropriately oriented, qualified, and supported in their instructional roles. The successful
candidate will be dedicated to excellence in surgical technology education, student success,
and ongoing program development.
Nature of Work
This position requires a dynamic and experienced professional capable of leading and
managing all components of an accredited Surgical Technology program. The work involves
a balance of administrative leadership, clinical coordination, and instructional responsibilities.
The Director/Instructor will plan, organize, and oversee the daily operations of the program;
coordinate student clinical placements; ensure compliance with national accreditation
standards; and deliver instruction across didactic, lab, and clinical settings. The role
demands frequent communication with college administration, faculty, students, and clinical
affiliates.
Duties include maintaining accreditation standards, conducting curriculum development and
review, tracking student clinical performance, and ensuring effective and safe learning
environments. This is a hands-on position requiring on-site presence, travel to clinical
locations, and a commitment to maintaining excellence in surgical technology education.
Responsibilities
The Program Director is responsible for the full leadership and instructional scope of the
Surgical Technology Program. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Directing the Surgical Technology Program
- Administer, organize, and supervise all aspects of the Surgical Technology Program.
- Provide academic oversight, including curriculum planning, development, and review.
- Lead continuous quality review and improvement of the program, in alignment with
- Maintain program compliance with ARC/STSA and CAAHEP accreditation
- Prepare and submit annual reports, self-studies, and documentation for accreditation
- Serve as liaison between the college, clinical affiliates, and external agencies.
- Ensure appropriate instructional staffing, orientation, and professional development.
- Chair and coordinate the Program Advisory Committee (PAC), maintaining active
Coordinating Clinicals
- Coordinate all aspects of clinical education, including student assignments to sites.
- Provide administration, organization, and supervision of student clinical experiences.
- Monitor and ensure documentation of clinical performance, progression, and case
- Conduct clinical site visits and preceptor evaluations.
- Provide orientation to clinical site personnel regarding program expectations and
- Engage in continuous quality review and improvement of the clinical component of the
- Collaborate with clinical sites to ensure positive learning environments and preceptor
Instructing Students
- Provide instruction in didactic, laboratory, and clinical settings as assigned.
- Develop and implement lesson plans, lab activities, and assessments aligned with
- Evaluate student performance and provide timely, constructive feedback.
- Maintain accurate records of student progress, attendance, and clinical
- Support student success through mentoring, remediation, and advising.
- Stay current with professional standards, surgical practices, and educational
- Participate in curriculum assessment, textbook review, and course revisions.
Professional Development
To perform this role successfully, the individual must be able to carry out each essential
duty to an acceptable standard. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
The Program Director/Clinical Coordinator/Instructor is expected to engage in continuous
professional development to maintain and enhance their professional, instructional, and
administrative competencies. This includes:
Required Accreditation Training:
o The Program Director must participate in an ARC/STSA-sponsored
Accreditation Fundamentals for Educators (AFE) Workshop within one (1)
year of appointment.
o The AFE Workshop must also be attended within 12 months prior to any
scheduled ARC/STSA site visit (initial or continuing, virtual or on-site).
o Attendance at an ARC/STSA accreditation workshop is required at least once
every five (5) years to maintain current knowledge of accreditation
requirements.
Ongoing Development:
o The Program Director should pursue ongoing formal training, CEUs, and
professional development opportunities related to surgical technology,
educational methodologies, clinical coordination, and program leadership.
o Participation in relevant workshops, conferences, and continuing education
courses through organizations such as ARC/STSA, AST, NBSTSA, and
CAAHEP is strongly encouraged.
These activities support the program's accreditation status, ensure compliance with regulatory expectations, and model professional growth for students and faculty.
Education
Associates - Surgical Technology (CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited) Must have completed by December 31, 2025. - Required
Bachelor's Degree - Health Sciences, Surgical Technology, Education, or related field - Preferred
Certification - Valid CST License - Required
An associate degree is the minimum requirement for the Program Director per Standard I.C.1; bachelor's or higher is preferred for administrative and instructional responsibilities.
Full List of Credentials - REQUIRED
(Per CAAHEP Standards for ARC/STSA Surgical Technology Programs)
The Program Director/Clinical Coordinator/Instructor must:
1) Possess a minimum of an associate degree (graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES accredited
surgical technology program); and
2) Have documented education or experience in instructional methodology, curriculum design and
program planning; and
3) Be a graduate of an education program in surgical technology accredited by a nationally recognized
programmatic accreditation agency; and
4) Possess a credential in the field of surgical technology through a national certification program that
is accredited by the National Commission on Certifying Agencies (NCCA); and
5) Have a minimum total of five years of experience, either in the operating room scrub role or as an
instructor in surgical technology, or a combination of both, within the past ten years.
The Program Director should possess experience/training as an educator.
The associate degree should have a concentration in surgical technology.
Recommended level of education for Program Director is a baccalaureate degree or higher,
Recommended continuing education includes; ARC/STSA & EdAccred’s AFE workshop once every 5
years; the ARC/STSA & EdAccred AccredX conference; Site Visitor Training; institutional professional
development; and additional administrative, teaching effectiveness and surgical technology-related
professional development.
Expectations
Employees are expected to adhere to the Mission, Core Values, and Vision of New River
Community and Technical College. Each employee’s position contributes directly to the
achievement of these goals and the college's commitment to excellence.
MISSION
New River Community and Technical College provides accessible, affordable, quality
education and workforce programs to meet the needs of the region it serves.
CORE VALUES
Shared values guide New River Community and Technical College in fulfilling its mission.
These values influence thoughts, guide decisions, mold policies, and determine courses
of action. New River CTC employees will demonstrate these values in our daily work and
help instill them in our students.
RESPECT
- Promote a culture of belonging.
- Recognize and celebrate the unique contributions and perspectives of all individuals.
- Involve a diverse range of voices and perspectives in decision-making.
- Ensure everyone feels they are an integral part of the College.
- Communicate openly and truthfully.
- Take responsibility for one’s actions.
- Provide accurate and transparent reporting of data.
- Make decisions based on ethical principles.
- Encourage and support a culture of continuous learning.
- Facilitate the sharing of information.
- Offer access to a diverse range of educational resources.
- Encourage curiosity.
- Regularly assess educational programs and supporting services.
- Cultivate a workforce of knowledgeable, competent, and skilled leaders.
- Actively engage with the local community.
- Partner with local businesses, organizations, and non-profits.
ACCREDITATION COMPLIANCE & PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
- Maintain compliance with ARC/STSA and CAAHEP accreditation standards.
- Support program evaluation, documentation, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Participate in accreditation reporting and preparation for site visits.
STUDENT-CENTERED PRACTICE & PROFESSIONALISM
- Serve as a role model for surgical technology students in both academic and clinical
- Promote professionalism, ethical practice, and inclusive learning environments.
- Support student success through mentorship, availability, and constructive feedback.
Disclaimer
This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, or
qualifications associated with the position. The incumbent may be required to perform
additional job-related tasks as assigned by their supervisor. Justification for the qualifications
and duties outlined in this document may be requested at any time for institutional or
accreditation purposes.
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals
with disabilities. Some requirements may be limited to ensure the health and safety of the
employee, students, colleagues, or the general public, in accordance with applicable law.
