Sterile Processing & Surgical Technology Educator

WVU Medicine

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as the lead surgical technologist supporting surgical technician services within assigned service lines. Provides direct intraoperative patient care as the primary scrub person during operative procedures and mentors surgical technologists performing scrub duties on service-specific cases to promote consistency and skill development. Collaborates with the RN Service Line Coordinator to standardize instrumentation, maintain accurate preference cards, and ensure efficient case preparation. Assists with oversight, care, and monitoring of service-specific equipment and supply inventory to support safe and effective surgical operations. The educator develops, coordinates, and delivers onboarding and continuing education for Sterile Processing Department (SPD) and Surgical Technology staff; assesses and supports staff competency; maintains educational materials and practice policies; and contributes to regulatory readiness, quality assurance, process improvement, cross-training, and certification preparation. The position also serves as a clinical preceptor and mentor, supports implementation of new technology and procedures, coordinates vendor in-services, and participates in team huddles and department meetings.

Requirements

Current Surgical Technologist Certification through NBSTSA, NCCT, or AAHA.
CRCST certification through HSPA or CSPDT certification through CBSPD within one year of hire.
Basic Life Support (BLS).
Minimum of 3 years of experience in Surgical Technology.
Strong knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, and sterilization techniques.
Effective communication, presentation, and teaching skills.
Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office and learning management systems.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Ability to meet physical demands including frequent standing, walking, bending, squatting, and stooping; sitting at a computer terminal an average of 1–2 hours per day; communicating verbally with patients and staff; having corrective vision and hearing within normal range; and lifting and carrying items of various weights and sizes.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in a healthcare-related field.
Instructor or educator certification, such as AST Educator or IAHCSMM Instructor.
Sterile Processing experience; a minimum of 3 years is preferred.
Previous experience in an educator, preceptor, or leadership role.

Responsibilities

Develop, coordinate, and deliver onboarding and continuing education for SPD and Surgical Technology staff.
Ensure staff competency through annual assessments, skills validations, and just-in-time training.
Collaborate with SPD, OR, and Infection Control leadership to maintain regulatory readiness, including AAMI, AORN, CMS, and The Joint Commission requirements.
Facilitate cross-training opportunities and career development pathways between SPD and Surgical Technology roles.
Assist with implementation of new technology, equipment, instruments, and procedures.
Lead root cause analysis education following errors related to instrument processing or surgical setup.
Support quality assurance efforts, including tray audits, biological monitoring education, and process improvement initiatives.
Develop and maintain educational materials, competency checklists, and policies relevant to SPD and Surgical Technology practice.
Serve as a clinical preceptor and mentor to new and existing team members.
Assist in preparing staff for national certifications, including CRCST, CST, and CBSPD.
Coordinate with vendors for in-servicing and new product education.
Participate in SPD and OR team huddles and department meetings to share learning opportunities and safety updates.
Function as the primary scrub person during operative procedures and provide direct intraoperative patient care.
Mentor surgical technologists performing scrub duties on service-specific cases.
Collaborate with the RN Service Line Coordinator to standardize instrumentation, maintain preference cards, and prepare cases efficiently.
Assist with oversight, care, and monitoring of service-specific equipment and supply inventory.