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Position Title

Program Director, Surgical Technology & Surgical First Assistant Programs (Chattanooga, TN)

Description

At Chattanooga College, team members help implement our strategy of “Where a small school can make a BIG difference!”

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. This role is responsible for leading the development and implementation of Surgical Technology and Surgical First Assistant programs, ensuring alignment with CAAHEP and ARC/STSA standards, industry best practices, and institutional goals.

Responsibilities include curriculum development, accreditation preparation, clinical affiliation development, instructional delivery, advisory committee leadership, and operating room competency validation. Ideal candidates must possess strong leadership, clinical expertise in surgical practice, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a developing program environment.

This is a full-time instructional leadership role within the Division of Allied Health. The position requires significant interaction with students, faculty, staff, surgeons, perioperative teams, and clinical partners through online instruction, lab simulation, clinical coordination, and community engagement.

The Program Director is expected to demonstrate expertise in:

• Surgical procedures and sterile technique
• Operating room protocols and patient safety
• Surgical instrumentation and technology
• Accreditation and credentialing requirements (e.g., CST, CSFA pathways)

The role requires the ability to support students in high-stress clinical environments, guide professional development, and ensure readiness for certification and employment in surgical settings.

Employees in this role will:

• Advise and support students regarding academic progress, clinical performance, and certification readiness
• Lead programmatic decision-making
• Ensure compliance with accreditation, institutional, and regulatory requirements
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and excellence in surgical care

The role also supports institutional events such as Orientation, Graduation, advisory committee meetings, and employer engagement initiatives. A strong commitment to equity, access, and success for diverse and at-risk student populations is essential.

Note:
This position supports a developing program. The first year will focus on program development, accreditation preparation, clinical partnership development, and includes an online and lab-based teaching load. Chattanooga College may allow continued clinical practice in a surgical setting during the initial development phase. Upon accreditation approval and student enrollment, the role will transition into a fully engaged program leadership position.

Salary Range

Commensurate with experience and program development phase

Responsibilities

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

Please note: This job description is not exhaustive, and additional duties may be assigned.

Skills

• 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

Education & Experience

Education:

• 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

Application Requirement:
Please submit a 2–5 minute video to careers@chattanoogacollege.edu summarizing your experience, interest in the role, and why you are the best fit.

Applications without required materials will not be reviewed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Chattanooga College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Chattanooga College encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and is dedicated to providing equal access to employment opportunities.