Fast Facts
StraighterLine is seeking a Surgical Tech Subject Matter Expert (SME) for a remote contract position to review and validate course content for their upcoming Surgical Tech course, ensuring clinical accuracy and exam alignment.
Responsibilities: As an SME, you will review course content for clinical accuracy, provide feedback, validate exam prep, collaborate with academic teams, and approve final content before launch.
Skills: Candidates should possess an associate degree or higher in a healthcare field, hold active surgical technology certifications, and have 3-4 years of surgical technology experience, specifically in multi-specialty operating rooms.
Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include a bachelor's degree, multiple surgical technology certifications, 5+ years of experience across service lines, and teaching experience.
Location: Remote
Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $40 - $75 per hour.
Surgical Tech SME Contract Position
Location: Remote | Type: Contract | Duration: February 2026 - May 2026 (may extend into June+)
Application Deadline: ASAP
About StraighterLine: StraighterLine is transforming higher education by providing affordable, accessible online courses that help students achieve their academic and career goals. As part of that goal, we’re revising our healthcare course offerings to prepare students for in-demand certification careers.
The Opportunity: We're seeking an experienced healthcare professional to serve as a Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for our Surgical Tech course launching June 2026. In this role, you'll review and validate course content developed by our vendor partner, ensuring clinical accuracy, exam alignment, and industry relevance.
What You'll Do: As an SME, you will:
• Review course content for clinical accuracy, completeness, and certification exam alignment
• Provide expert feedback on errors, gaps, outdated information, and improvement opportunities
• Validate exam preparation across multiple certification pathways in your discipline
• Collaborate with our academic team and content vendor to resolve questions and clarify standards
• Approve final content before course launch
Time Commitment: Estimated20-30 hours total over 13 weeks (flexible schedule)
Review Period: February 2026 - May 2026Compensation: Competitive contract rate (details provided in offer)
Position Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
• Associate degree or higher in related healthcare field
• Active certification - hold one or more of:- CST (NBSTSA)- STC (AAH)- TS-C (NCCT)- Equivalent nationally recognized surgical technology certification• 3-4 years of surgical technology experience in multi-specialty operating rooms• At least 2 years of OR scrub experience within the past 5 years
Preferred:
•Bachelor's degree in Healthcare, Health Sciences, or related field
•Multiple surgical technology certifications or specialty credentials
•5+ years with experience across multiple service lines (general, orthopedic, cardiovascular, neuro, etc.)
•Teaching experience in the subject area
Our Exam-Agnostic Approach: course content is designed to prepare students for multiple certification pathways within each discipline. SMEs holding any of the listed certifications are equally qualified to review content, as all major certifications within each field test fundamentally similar competencies with minor variations in emphasis. Having SMEs with diverse certification backgrounds strengthens content quality by ensuring coverage across all major exam formats and industry standards. This approach also expands our talent pool and reflects real-world practice where professionals may hold different but equally valid credentials.
How to Apply: Please Include
1. Resume/CV highlighting: • Your relevant certifications (with issuing organizations) • Years of experience in your discipline • Educational background
2. Brief cover letter (1-2 paragraphs) addressing: • Which position(s) you're interested in • Why you're excited about this SME opportunity • Any curriculum development or content review experience (if applicable) • Any teaching experience (if applicable)
StraighterLine is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
