Faculty - Surgical Technology Program

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) is seeking an experienced and dedicated Adjunct Faculty Member for the Surgical Technology Program. Initially, this part-time position will be working in cooperation with the Dean of Health Professions to ensure that the surgical technology program is being set up correctly. This includes inventory of equipment, curriculum development, room design, and overall program development. The ideal candidate will have professional experience in surgical technology, a passion for teaching, and the ability to foster a positive, student-centered learning environment. The person hired for this position will be required to work on the initial accreditation paperwork with the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the education and professional development of the next generation of surgical technologists in the Northwest Arkansas region.

Essential Duties:

Instructional Delivery

• Teach courses in the Surgical Technology Program, which may include both lecture and lab components, covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, surgical procedures, sterile technique, and patient safety.

• Develop and deliver course content that aligns with the program’s curriculum and industry standards.

• Utilize diverse teaching strategies and technologies to foster student engagement and learning.

Student Support

• Provide academic and professional guidance to students, fostering a positive learning environment.

• Offer assistance during lab sessions, ensuring students are properly trained in surgical techniques and equipment.

• Evaluate and assess student performance through exams, assignments, skills demonstrations, and practical evaluations.

Clinical Coordination

• Collaborate with local healthcare facilities for student clinical rotations and internships.

• Monitor and supervise students during their clinical placements, ensuring that learning objectives are met.

Curriculum and Assessment

• Assist in reviewing and updating the Surgical Technology curriculum to reflect current practices and trends in the field.

• Participate in program assessment and accreditation activities as required.

Professional Development

• Stay current with advancements in surgical technology and health sciences.

• Participate in faculty meetings, workshops, and professional development opportunities offered by the college.

• Participate in faculty evaluation process.

• Remain current in academic or program discipline, including attending professional conferences, and maintaining licensure, certification, or continuing education requirements where appropriate.

• Receive training or stay current in technological or pedagogical advances that promote student learning.

Community and Industry Engagement

• Maintain relationships with local dental practices, professional organizations, and community stakeholders to ensure program relevance and to secure clinical placement opportunities.

• Represent the program and college at local, state, and national meetings related to dental education.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure program compliance with state, federal, and institutional policies and regulations.

• Prepare and submit required reports, such as accreditation updates, program outcomes, and licensure pass rates.

• Monitor and maintain program records, including student achievements and employer satisfaction surveys.

College Activities

• Participate in college professional development activities.

• The following are examples of what may be considered service to the college. Some of these may be required based on the nature of the program, division, or college policy.

• Help students achieve their educational goals through formal and/or informal advising.

• Post and keep on campus hours to facilitate interaction with students, other faculty, staff, administrators, and the public.

• Serve on standing and ad hoc committees, advisory boards, hiring committees, faculty senate, or as a student organization advisor.

• Attend local, regional, state, or national meetings where required or necessary for the discipline.

• Mentor and/or assist in orienting new faculty either formally or informally.

• Serve as a liaison for Early College Experience faculty.

• Attend commencement or other ceremonies appropriate to the faculty member's discipline or program.

• Attend departmental, divisional, and college-wide meetings.

• Perform other academically related duties as assigned by the instructor's supervisor.

• Participate in faculty business meetings and forums.

• Other duties as assigned.

Rate of Pay:

Level 1 (Cert./Licensure in Discipline) =$32.00/hr
Level 2 (Licensure + AAS Degree) =$35.00/hr
Level 3 (Bachelor's Degree) = $39/hr                         
Level 4 (Master's Degree) = $42/hr                               
Level 5 (Doctorate Degree) = $45/hr

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Surgical Technology or a related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred)

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working as a surgical technologist in a clinical setting

• 2-3 years prior teaching experience in a higher education setting or technical school setting

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current certification as a Surgical Technologist (CST) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or another recognized certifying body

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years teaching experience

Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the qualifications review committee.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Should be able to work effectively with employees and all levels of leadership within the institution

• Must be proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Visio) and HRIS systems

• The successful candidate must be a self-starter who takes accountability for performance while requiring minimal supervision

• Must be able to handle highly confidential material efficiently and effectively

• Must possess strong time management, multi-tasking, and organizational skills

• Ability to build relationships with individuals and teams across the institution and campus.

• Ability to analyze information and recommend appropriate action

• Knowledge of planning, research, and analysis techniques and procedures

• Knowledge of department, operations, policies, and procedures

• Ability to conduct research and perform quantitative quality assurance reviews

• Ability to research, prepare, and present comprehensive written and oral reports

• Ability to organize and conduct meetings and workshops

• Knowledge of state and federal personnel laws, policies, and procedures

• Must be able to report clear, concise and accurate ad-hoc reports to all levels of leadership

Physical Demands:

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position may require standing, sitting, and teaching in a classroom or clinical setting for extended periods.

The candidate must be able to lift and move equipment used in dental procedures.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk or hear; regularly required to reach with hands and arms, taste or smell; occasionally required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Environmental Conditions:

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.