Simulation Operations Technician

The Simulation Operations Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and general operation of high, mid, and low fidelity simulation equipment, task trainers, audio-visual equipment, and computers used in healthcare training. This role requires exceptional customer service skills and the ability to communicate technical information effectively to faculty, students, and non-technical persons. Knowledge and experience with clinical training equipment and simulation lab operations are essential. Additionally, the technician will program events within simulation platforms while aligning with program curriculum and ensuring standards of best practice in accordance with SSiH accreditation.

Equipment Maintenance and Operation

• Monitor and ensure simulation and education-based technologies are maintained to minimize downtime.
• Assess and remedy equipment failures promptly.
• Contribute to the development of curriculum and educational materials for various training levels.
• Interface with equipment manufacturers for troubleshooting and implementing updates.
• Maintain equipment and ensure timely ordering and availability of supplies.
• Conduct all simulation and OSCE-related labs and programming.
• Assist with scheduling and coordination of medical simulations.

Service Excellence

• Evaluate simulation and education-based technology for improvement opportunities and communicate them to the supervisor.
• Operate or assist with simulators and task trainers during training sessions.
• Provide consultation and orientation to instructors on simulation lab procedures and equipment operation.
• Work under pressure and meet deadlines reliably.
• Work independently within designated parameters.

Training and Development

• Identify performance opportunities or training needs related to simulation and provide coaching and development.
• Assist clinical educators with orientation to simulation training technology.
• Engage in professional and personal growth.
• Develop and maintain positive external relationships related to medical simulation.
• Identify opportunities to support service line growth through medical simulation.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and advancements in medical simulation.
• Conduct tours and simulation sessions for internal/external groups.

Budget Management

• Operate within the annual budget.

Additional Responsibilities

• Adhere to the Code of Conduct.
• Carry out special projects assigned by the supervisor.

Expanded Duties: Disaster & Strategic Simulation Operations

In addition to the above, the Simulation Operations Technician will also:

• Assist with the development of strategic, high-fidelity medical simulation learning experiences, including disaster simulation programming.
• Collaborate with faculty across academic departments to ensure alignment between medical simulation event programming and curriculum.
• Help integrate medical simulation learning experiences into overall learning strategies and academic assessment processes to support student learning outcomes.
• Schedule, set up, and disassemble all simulation and clinical simulation experiences in the lab, including disaster simulation activities.
• Work with Standardized Patients and Federal Work Study Students to deliver clinical simulation experiences.
• Establish relationships with other university departments for interdisciplinary simulations and student tours.
• Assist faculty in identifying and implementing ways to effectively increase the use of simulation in education.
• Coordinate and develop simulation activities in the simulation and disaster centers.
• Collaborate with faculty to develop simulation scenarios to support student achievement of University’s program outcomes.
• Assist in budget development processes concerning the simulation and disaster centers; make recommendations for equipment purchases.
• Direct and maintain inventory of supplies to support all instruction in the laboratory and disaster center.
• Provide direction for all support staff including student tutors for the simulation and disaster centers.
• Participate in professional development activities to advance simulation as an instructional method.
• Attend simulation user group meetings or organizational groups at the local, state, and national levels as requested.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Education:

• Associate’s degree (or higher) in a health-related field or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience preferred.

Experience:

• 2+ years of experience in a simulation lab with simulation software, standardized patients, and mannequins preferred.
• Three years of related work experience, preferably in an academic clinical simulation environment.
• Experience programming clinical simulation experiences, including disaster scenarios.
• Experience supporting interprofessional clinical education experiences for students across multiple academic programs.
• RN, EMS, ER Tech, or emergency background experience preferred.
• FEMA training or other disaster experience preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• All previously listed technician skills.
• Inventory and logistical controls.
• Knowledge and understanding of curriculum and clinical regulatory body requirements.
• Clinical expertise.
• Ability to teach and instruct effectively as well as learn new skills as presented.
• Strong record keeping, written, and verbal skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Demonstrated service and leadership abilities.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with personal computers, medical terminology, and audio-visual equipment.

Licenses, Certifications, & Training:

• Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) certification preferred or willingness to obtain within 2 years.