Surgical Technology Instructor - Adjunct
Rockford Career College has been a cornerstone of vocational education since 1862, equipping thousands of students with the skills necessary to thrive in various career fields. Located in the heart of Rockford, IL, we pride ourselves on our dedicated team of staff and educators who are committed to student success. Rockford Career College offers practical, career-focused training aligned with the demands of today’s job market. Our small class sizes and flexible learning options empower students from all backgrounds to build the skills, gain the experience, and access the support needed to thrive.
As Surgical Technology Instructor, you will provide comprehensive instruction to nursing students in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. You'll report directly to the Director of Nursing while upholding our high standards of educational excellence.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Adjunct Surgical Technology Instructor is responsible for providing high-quality didactic, laboratory, simulation, and clinical instruction to students enrolled in the Surgical Technology program. The instructor prepares students to function as competent entry-level surgical technologists by integrating current surgical practices, patient safety standards, and professional behaviors into classroom, laboratory, and clinical learning experiences.
The Adjunct Surgical Technology Instructor reports directly to the Program Director/Chair, Academic Dean, Director of Academic Operations (Online), and/or Campus President, as applicable.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Current certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
- Minimum of four (4) years of recent experience as a practicing Surgical Technologist in the operating room.
- Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Current knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, sterile processing principles, infection prevention standards, and perioperative patient care.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Instruction and Student Learning
- Deliver engaging classroom, laboratory, simulation, and clinical instruction in accordance with the approved Surgical Technology curriculum.
- Teach core Surgical Technology concepts including:
o Surgical instrumentation and equipment
o Surgical procedures across specialties
o Patient care concepts
o Anatomy and physiology
o Surgical safety and risk management
o Operating room protocols and professional standards
o Instruct students in identification, use, care, and handling of surgical instruments, supplies, equipment, and specialty devices.
o Facilitate hands-on laboratory exercises and simulated surgical procedures to develop technical competency.
o Integrate current evidence-based practices, accreditation standards, and industry trends into instruction.
o Prepare lesson plans, instructional materials, presentations, laboratory activities, and assessments aligned with course outcomes.
Clinical Education and Student Supervision
- Monitor and evaluate student performance in clinical settings to ensure achievement of required competencies.
- Conduct clinical site visits and maintain communication with clinical preceptors and facility personnel, as assigned.
- Assess student clinical performance, technical skills, professionalism, and adherence to safety standards.
- Verify and document completion of required clinical cases, competencies, and program requirements.
- Provide constructive feedback and remediation plans for students requiring additional support.
- Ensure students comply with facility policies, HIPAA regulations, infection control requirements, and professional standards.
Laboratory Management
- Maintain a safe, organized, and realistic surgical laboratory environment.
- Ensure laboratory equipment, instruments, and supplies are properly maintained and available for instructional activities.
- Monitor inventory of surgical instruments, supplies, and consumable materials and submit requests for replenishment as needed.
- Ensure proper cleaning, storage, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and surgical instruments.
- Enforce safety procedures and infection prevention protocols within the laboratory environment.
- Assessment and Student Support
- Evaluate student learning through examinations, skills assessments, laboratory check-offs, assignments, presentations, and clinical evaluations.
- Grade assignments and assessments in a timely manner, generally within 48 hours of submission.
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades, competencies, and student progress.
- Identify students experiencing academic or clinical difficulties and provide timely intervention and advising.
- Hold scheduled office hours and provide academic support and mentoring to students.
Curriculum and Program Development
- Participate in curriculum review and revision to ensure alignment with accreditation standards and current surgical practice.
- Contribute to development and improvement of course materials, assessments, laboratory exercises, and clinical evaluation tools.
- Assist with programmatic assessment activities and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with faculty and administration to support student retention, graduation, certification examination success, and employment outcomes.
Compliance and Accreditation
- Ensure instruction complies with institutional policies and accreditation requirements.
- Support accreditation activities through documentation, assessment reporting, and program review processes.
- Maintain current knowledge of standards established by relevant accrediting agencies and professional organizations.
- Assist in maintaining required program records and documentation.
Professional Development
- Maintain active CST credential and any additional required certifications.
- Participate in faculty development activities and continuing education.
- Remain current with advancements in surgical procedures, technology, instrumentation, and perioperative practice.
- Demonstrate professional conduct and serve as a role model for students entering the profession.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Communicate regularly with the Program Director/Chair and administration regarding student progress, concerns, and program needs.
- Submit attendance, grades, reports, and other required documentation by established deadlines.
- Perform other duties as assigned that support student success and program effectiveness.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
o Comprehensive knowledge of perioperative procedures and operating room practices.
o Strong understanding of surgical instrumentation and specialty procedures.
o Ability to effectively teach and demonstrate psychomotor skills.
o Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
o Proficiency with instructional technology, learning management systems, and electronic documentation systems.
o Ability to evaluate student performance objectively and provide meaningful feedback.
o Commitment to student success, patient safety, and professional excellence.
WORKING CONDITIONS
o Classroom, laboratory, simulation, and clinical environments.
o May require standing for extended periods during demonstrations and laboratory instruction.
o May require occasional lifting and handling of surgical equipment and supplies.
COMPENSATION
Pay Rate: $30.00 per hour
Benefits include:
- Professional Development Assistance for internal academic programs
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Rockford Career College is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/M/F/D/V/SO).
Adjunct faculty compensation is based on assigned instructional hours, credentials, experience, and institutional guidelines.
Pay: $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Professional development assistance
Education:
Work Location: In person
