Assistant Director of Simulation

The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) is seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to serve as Assistant Director of Simulation. The Assistant Director will collaborate with the Director of Simulation to support the daily operations, continued development, and strategic growth of the simulation program.

This position helps ensure the delivery of high-quality, realistic, and curriculum-aligned medical training experiences for osteopathic medical students. The Assistant Director coordinates and manages simulation activities, including high-fidelity simulations, task-training exercises, and standardized patient encounters, while partnering with faculty to develop and implement simulation-based learning experiences that support course objectives and student competencies.

Responsibilities: 

Simulation Operations

• Assist with the daily management and operation of the KYCOM Simulation Center, ensuring simulation activities are organized, efficient, and delivered effectively.


• Develop, implement, and revise simulation scenarios that align with the osteopathic medical curriculum, course objectives, and student learning outcomes.


• Coordinate the preparation, setup, operation, and breakdown of simulation equipment, including high-fidelity manikins, task trainers, medical equipment, and audiovisual systems.


• Oversee the routine inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and inventory of simulation equipment and supplies.


• Coordinate standardized patient participation in simulation activities in collaboration with the Director of Simulation and the Standardized Patient Coordinator.


• Assist with scheduling simulation laboratories, equipment, faculty, staff, students, and standardized patients.


• Provide technical and operational support before, during, and after simulation activities.


• Help ensure that simulation facilities are maintained in a safe, professional, organized, and learner-ready condition.

Curriculum Integration and Faculty Support

• Collaborate with faculty to incorporate simulation-based learning activities into the osteopathic medical curriculum.


• Assist faculty with the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of simulation scenarios and educational activities.


• Ensure simulation experiences align with program learning outcomes, professional competencies, accreditation expectations, and osteopathic principles and practices.


• Support faculty in developing simulation objectives, learner preparation materials, assessment tools, and debriefing strategies.


• Assist with facilitating simulation activities, including pre-briefing, scenario implementation, and debriefing.


• Assist in assessing student performance during simulation activities and provide constructive feedback when appropriate.


• Promote a psychologically safe and supportive learning environment for students, faculty, staff, and standardized patients.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate the effectiveness of simulation activities through student, faculty, staff, and standardized patient feedback.


• Recommend and implement improvements to simulation scenarios, operations, equipment use, and educational practices.


• Maintain accurate records related to simulation center usage, scheduling, equipment maintenance, supply inventory, student participation, and performance outcomes.


• Assist with collecting, analyzing, and reporting simulation program data.


• Ensure simulation activities comply with institutional policies, applicable accreditation requirements, national standards, and recognized best practices in healthcare simulation.


• Support quality assurance activities and continuous improvement initiatives within the Simulation Center.


• Identify operational concerns and develop practical solutions to improve efficiency, safety, and educational effectiveness.

Professional Development, Research, and Scholarship

• Maintain current knowledge of trends, technologies, teaching strategies, and advancements in simulation-based healthcare education.


• Participate in professional development activities related to medical education, simulation operations, assessment, debriefing, and instructional technology.


• Support or participate in research and scholarly activities related to medical simulation and clinical education.


• Contribute to conference presentations, publications, posters, workshops, or other academic activities when appropriate.


• Pursue relevant professional certifications and continuing education opportunities.

Administrative and Leadership Support

• Assist with the development, implementation, review, and revision of Simulation Center policies, procedures, protocols, and operational guidelines.


• Support the Director of Simulation in managing the center’s budget, equipment, supplies, technology, and other resources.


• Assist with identifying equipment and technology needs and preparing recommendations for purchases, upgrades, or replacements.


• Represent the Simulation Center on committees, task forces, and at meetings as requested.


• Build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, standardized patients, clinical partners, and other university departments.


• Provide leadership and guidance to employees, student workers, standardized patients, and other individuals supporting simulation activities, as assigned.


• Assist with special projects and initiatives that support the mission and goals of KYCOM.


• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Simulation, Chair of Primary Care, or Dean.

Education and Skill Requirements:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in medical education, healthcare simulation, clinical sciences, nursing, education, instructional technology, or a related field is required.


• A healthcare-related background, such as registered nurse, physician assistant, physician, emergency medical professional, or other clinical experience, is preferred.


• A minimum of two years of experience in medical simulation, clinical education, medical education, or a related field is preferred.


• Experience working in an academic, medical school, healthcare, or clinical training environment is preferred.


• Demonstrated proficiency in the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of high-fidelity simulation technology, task trainers, medical equipment, and audiovisual systems.


• Knowledge of simulation scenario development, facilitation, learner assessment, and debriefing practices.


• Strong leadership, organizational, project-management, and problem-solving skills.


• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.


• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with faculty, staff, students, standardized patients, and external partners.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, and simulation activities in a fast-paced environment.


• Ability to maintain accurate records, organize data, and prepare reports.


• Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) or Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) certification is highly desirable.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and other relevant software applications is required.


• Experience creating, maintaining, and managing databases or electronic records is preferred.


• Ability and willingness to participate in professional development activities that support the mission, objectives, and educational goals of KYCOM.


• Experience operating standard office and audiovisual equipment, including computers, video cameras, telephones, printers, and related technology.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.


• Other duties as assigned.

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts. UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: 

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received on or before 08/17/2026 will be given priority consideration.

Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, copies of their transcripts, and the contact information for three to five professional references.