Independent Contractor/ Sonography Program Development Consultant

Position Description

Scope of Work & Deliverables
Zane State College seeks an experienced Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Education Consultant to serve as the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Development Director. In this contractor role, the consultant will lead the design, regulatory documentation, accreditation preparation, and startup planning for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, ensuring alignment with Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), and CAAHEP/JRC-DMS accreditation standards and requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key Deliverables & Responsibilities
Curriculum & Program Development

• Develop the complete Diagnostic Medical Sonography curriculum, including course descriptions, syllabi, competency requirements, student learning outcomes, program outcomes, and assessment plans.
• Design instructional frameworks for classroom, laboratory, scanning, simulation, and clinical education experiences.
• Ensure curriculum alignment with CAAHEP/JRC-DMS accreditation standards and workforce needs.

Accreditation & Regulatory Approvals

• Prepare and compile program proposals, accreditation applications, self-studies, policies, outcomes plans, and supporting documentation required by HLC, ODHE, CAAHEP, JRC-DMS, and other regulatory entities.
• Lead accreditation readiness planning, including site visit preparation, compliance reviews, and documentation development.
• Establish processes for ongoing outcomes tracking and accreditation reporting.

Clinical Education Framework

• Identify prospective clinical affiliates and assist in developing affiliation agreement frameworks.
• Create clinical education plans, competency evaluation tools, scheduling models, and student tracking processes.
• Develop procedures for evaluating clinical sites and clinical education effectiveness.

Student & Program Policies

• Draft admissions requirements, progression standards, retention policies, graduation criteria, credentialing examination preparation plans, and student handbook content.
• Develop student advising and academic support frameworks to promote retention and completion.

Assessment & Continuous Quality Improvement

• Design assessment strategies for evaluating program effectiveness, including retention, graduation rates, credentialing examination performance, employment placement, employer satisfaction, and student satisfaction.
• Establish continuous quality improvement processes consistent with accreditation standards.

Resource & Budget Planning

• Provide recommendations regarding ultrasound equipment, laboratory resources, simulation technologies, instructional materials, software, and facility requirements.
• Develop startup budget recommendations and resource acquisition plans.

Faculty & Advisory Committee Framework

• Recommend organizational structures, staffing plans, faculty qualifications, and workload models.
• Develop the initial structure and charter for the Sonography Advisory Committee and provide recommendations for community and employer representation.
• Assist with position descriptions and hiring recommendations for future program personnel.

Community & Workforce Engagement

• Support workforce development efforts through collaboration with healthcare providers, employers, and community partners.

Assist with recruitment, marketing, and outreach planning activities for program launch.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Sciences, Allied Health, Education, or a closely related field.

Credentials

• Possess appropriate credential(s) in one or more of the following concentrations:
• Abdominal Sonography - Extended
• Adult Cardiac Sonography
• Breast Sonography
• Musculoskeletal Sonography
• Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography
• Pediatric Cardiac Sonography
• Vascular Sonography

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience as a credentialed diagnostic medical sonographer.
• Documented experience in instruction, supervision, student advising, evaluation, and application of educational theory and teaching methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, program administration, accreditation compliance, or educational leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Health Sciences, Allied Health, Education, Healthcare Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience developing or launching Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs.
• Experience preparing or maintaining CAAHEP/JRC-DMS accreditation documentation.
• Community college teaching or academic leadership experience.
• Experience establishing clinical affiliation agreements and supervising clinical education activities.
• Demonstrated success leading continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of Diagnostic Medical Sonography practice and CAAHEP/JRC-DMS accreditation requirements.
• Expertise in curriculum development, assessment methodologies, outcomes reporting, and continuous improvement processes.
• Strong technical writing, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to analyze data and formulate evidence-based program improvement recommendations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Teams, Zoom, Blackboard, and related educational technology platforms.
• Ability to work independently while managing complex regulatory and accreditation deliverables

Employment and Benefits

Engagement Details, Compensation & Terms

• Contract Rate: $50.00 per billable hour. Invoices submitted bi-weekly or monthly based on verified hours and deliverable milestones (expected range: 20-30 hours per week). Duration of assignment to be no longer than 12-18 months and may be completed in less time.
• Completion Incentive: A one-time milestone payment of $5,000.00 will be paid upon successful completion of approved startup deliverables, initial program approval activities, and accreditation readiness milestones.
• Modality & Schedule: Work is performed remotely. The contractor exercises independent judgment regarding scheduling and methods utilized to complete project deliverables.
• Contractor Status & Benefits Notice: This engagement is strictly an Independent Contractor (1099) relationship and does not constitute employment. The contractor is not eligible for employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition waivers, or workers' compensation coverage. The contractor is solely responsible for all federal, state, and local tax obligations.

Background Checks & Compliance

• The selected contractor must successfully complete reference checks and standard background screening requirements.
• The contractor must maintain all required professional credentials throughout the contract period.
• Equal Opportunity: Zane State College is committed to equal opportunity and compliance with all applicable state and federal non-discrimination laws and Ohio Revised Code §3345.0216.