Job Summary:
The Surgical Technologist Education Coordinator supports perioperative education at a designated facility by planning, delivering, and evaluating education and professional development programs for surgical technologists and related roles (e.g., first assistants, dental assistants, and endoscopy technicians). This role focuses on staff orientation, ongoing competency validation, regulatory compliance, and support of student clinical experiences. The coordinator works closely with perioperative staff, educators, and academic partners to promote safe practice, skill development, and adherence to evidence-based standards within the local surgical services department.
Primary duties and responsibilities:
Education & Orientation:
1. Designs, implements, and evaluates orientation and onboarding programs for surgical technologists at the assigned location.
2. Conducts ongoing learning needs assessments and provides competency-based education aligned with evidence-based practice and applicable AORN, AST, CMS, and Joint Commission standards.
3. Develops and maintains educational materials, including lesson plans, manuals, skills checklists, and multimedia resources.
4. Facilitates in-services, continuing education offerings, and simulation-based or hands-on training using adult learning principles.
Collaboration & Clinical Support:
1. Collaborates with perioperative educators, managers, and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate education activities that support clinical practice needs.
2. Serves as a clinical education resource for perioperative staff related to surgical technology practice standards, skills development, and credentialing requirements.
3. Provides guidance and support to preceptors and staff involved in onboarding and skills validation.
4. Assists with education related to new equipment, procedures, or practice changes within the surgical department.
Academic & Student Program Support:
1. Serves as a point of contact for affiliated surgical technologist training programs at the assigned facility.
2. Coordinates student clinical experiences, including scheduling, orientation, and performance feedback, in collaboration with faculty and clinical staff.
3. Ensures students and faculty meet facility onboarding, policy, and regulatory requirements.
Administrative & Logistical Coordination:
1. Work Coordinates education logistics, including class scheduling, room setup, equipment and supply preparation, and communication with participants.
2. Tracks attendance, competency validation, and required education documentation in accordance with facility and regulatory standards.
3. Assists with resource planning and supply needs related to education activities
Additional Duties as Assigned.
Travel: Less than 10% of the time may be required.
Work Type: On-Site - Works in the office or at a physical workplace, interacting with colleagues face-to-face
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Education - Associate's Degree
Experience - Minimum of four (4) years of clinical experience as a surgical technologist; At least two (2) years of experience teaching, precepting, or providing clinical education
Certification - Completion of an accredited Surgical Technology Program; BLS certification
Knowledge, skills, and abilities (required):
- Working knowledge of AORN, AST, CMS, Joint Commission, and other applicable regulatory standards
- Knowledge of adult learning principles and clinical education methods
- Ability to teach and support learners with varied experience levels using hands-on and simulation-based techniques
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with electronic health records, learning platforms, and Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to assess, document, and validate clinical competencies
Preferred Qualifications
Education - Experience supporting student education or orientation programs
Experience - 10 years minimum experience with at least 5 years in a management position
Knowledge, skills, and ability requirements (preferred):
- Membership in a professional surgical technologist organization
- Knowledge of Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) standards
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium Max 25lbs): up to 25 lbs., 0-33% of the work day (occasionally) Lifting 25 lbs. max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs.; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, Communicable diseases, Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.