Instructional Assistant, Surgical Technology

Thank you for your interest in a career at Northcentral Technical College (NTC). NTC offers outstanding career opportunities on a modern campus with state-of-the-art technology that allows for a collaborative learning and work environment. If you have a desire to help students while positively impacting the community, we’d love for you to join our team!

Job Description & Qualifications:

Job Summary

The Instructional Assistant for Surgical Technology works collaboratively with full-time faculty to support laboratory instruction and maintain the required 1:10 instructor-to-student ratio. This individual assists students during lab activities, reinforces required competencies, participates in skill demonstrations, and supports faculty with student skill assessment and evaluation. The role ensures students receive sufficient, high-quality laboratory practice consistent with program and accreditation expectations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully with or without reasonable accommodation.

Teaching & Student Success:

• Support full-time Surgical Technology faculty in maintaining the required 1:10 instructor-to-student ratio during all laboratory sessions.

• Assist in preparing, organizing, and setting up laboratory environments, equipment, instruments, supplies, and simulated scenarios prior to student learning activities.

• Provide direct guidance and hands-on support to students as they practice required Surgical Technology skills and competencies.

• Demonstrate basic skills and reinforce correct techniques under faculty direction, ensuring safe and consistent practice aligned with program standards.

• Monitor student performance during lab activities and provide formative feedback to promote skill development and professional behaviors.

• Assist faculty in observing, documenting, and evaluating student skill competencies as directed.

• Ensure safe use, handling, and cleaning of surgical equipment, instruments, and materials; follow all infection control and safety protocols.

• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment that supports effective learning.

• Operate and troubleshoot lab equipment, simulators, and technology used in teaching and skills practice.

• Support students in preparing for skills check-offs, simulations, and assessments by reviewing expectations and answering procedural questions within the scope of the role.

• Uphold program, college, clinical, and accreditation standards, including ARC/STSA requirements and policies.

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional learning environment that supports student success and encourages critical thinking and teamwork.

• Communicate effectively with faculty, students, and staff regarding lab needs, student concerns, and observations related to student performance.

• Participate in professional development and training necessary to stay current with Surgical Technology practices, lab procedures, and program curriculum.

Minimum Qualifications Required

In limited circumstances, NTC may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Education: Associate's Degree (or Equivalent)

• Be a graduate of an education program in surgical technology accredited by a nationally recognized programmatic accreditation agency

Experience: 2 Years

Additional Experience Information:

• 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)

• Have a minimum total of two 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 five years.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, including language skills, reasoning and mathematical abilities are essential.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, write and comprehend instructions, reports and emails; speak and may present information to groups.

Math Skills:

Ability to add and subtract numbers using basic units of measurement.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to critically think and solve problems involving a variety of concrete variables with limited standardization; interpret written, oral and diagrammed instructions.

Technical Skills:

Ability to perform complex operations in a variety of job-specific systems, understand functionality to apply advanced functions, manage/customize and create calculations with data.

Customer Service Skills:

Ability to actively listen, discern key information, and respond professionally; ask follow up or clarifying questions to diffuse escalated situations and offer appropriate problem resolution when necessary.

Other Requirements

Physical Requirements

Carrying/Lifting 10-25 lbs: Low

Carrying/Lifting 25-50 lbs: Low

Carrying/Lifting >50 lbs: N/A

Sitting: Low

Standing/Walking/Climbing: Medium

Squatting/Crouching/Kneeling/Bending: Low

Repetitive Hand/Foot Movement: N/A

Pushing/Pulling/Reaching Above Shoulder: Low

Work Environment

Indoor/Office Work Environment: High

Outdoor Weather Conditions: Low

Irritated or Agitated Individuals: N/A

Hostile or Violent Individuals: N/A

Hazardous Fumes/Odors/Toxic Chemicals: N/A

Confined Spaces (as identified by OSHA): N/A

Work-Related Travel: N/A

Smell Requirement: N/A

Specific Vision: Medium

Hearing: Medium

Taste: N/A