Fast Facts

Join StraighterLine as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for healthcare certification courses, where you'll validate course content for accuracy and relevance. This remote contract position spans from December 2025 to May 2026, ideal for experienced healthcare professionals looking to influence the next generation of certification candidates.

Responsibilities: Review and validate course content for clinical accuracy, provide expert feedback, collaborate with academic teams and vendors, and approve final course materials.

Skills: Experience in medical billing, coding, sterile processing, or surgical technology; active certifications in relevant fields; strong background in healthcare.

Qualifications: Associate degree or higher in a related healthcare field; at least 3 years of relevant professional experience; additional advanced certifications and teaching experience preferred.

Location: Remote | Based in Arlington, VA

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $50 - $100 per hour.

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) - Healthcare Certification Courses 

Location: Remote | Type: Contract | Duration: December 2025 - May 2026 (may extend into June+)

Application Deadline: ASAP (scheduled to begin mid January)

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 experienced healthcare professionals to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for 4 healthcare certification courses launching June 2026. You'll review and validate course content developed by our vendor partner, ensuring clinical accuracy, exam alignment, and industry relevance. 

We're hiring SMEs for:

• Medical Billing & Coding

• Sterile Processing Technology

• Medical Assisting

• Surgical Technology 

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• Provide expert feedback on errors, gaps, outdated information, and improvement opportunities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: 20-30 hours total over 2-4 weeks (flexible schedule)

Review Period: December 2025 - May 2026

Compensation: Competitive contract rate (details provided in offer) 

Position Requirements 

1. Medical Billing & Coding SME

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher in related healthcare field

• Active certification - hold one or more of:- CPC (AAPC)- CCA (AHIMA)- CCS (AHIMA)- CBCS (NHA)- Equivalent nationally recognized coding certification

• 3+ years of professional medical billing and coding experience 

Preferred:

•Bachelor's degree in Health Information Management or Healthcare Administration

•Multiple advanced coding certifications

•5+ years with audit, compliance, or multi-specialty coding experience

•Teaching experience in the subject area

2. Sterile Processing Technician SME

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher in related healthcare field

• Active certification - hold one or more of:- CRCST (HSPA)- CSPDT (CBSPD)- Equivalent NCCA-accredited sterile processing certification

• 3+ years of sterile processing experience in a healthcare facility 

Preferred:

•Associate degree in Health Science or related field

•Multiple sterile processing certifications or specialty credentials

•5+ years with QA/QC, training, or leadership responsibilities in sterile processing

•Teaching experience in the subject area 

3. Medical Assistant SME

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher in related healthcare field / strong clinical background preferred 

• Active certification - hold one or more of:- CMA (AAMA)- RMA (AMT)- CCMA (NHA)- NCMA (NCCT)- CMAC (NWCA)- Equivalent nationally recognized medical assistant certification

• 3+ years of professional medical assistant experience in outpatient settingsNote: Candidates with 5+ years MA experience may substitute certification with demonstrated clinical expertise 

Preferred:

•Bachelor's degree in Healthcare, Health Sciences, or related field

Multiple MA certifications or specialty credentials (e.g., phlebotomy, EKG)

•5+ years with both administrative and clinical responsibilities in multi-specialty practices T

•Teaching experience in the subject area

4. Surgical Technology SME

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.) T

•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. 

Timeline:

Application Deadline: ASAP

Contract Signing: By January 13th, 2026

Orientation: January 20-30, 2026 (1-2 hours, virtual)

Review Period: December 2025 - May 2026 (flexible remote scheduling)

Final Course content Approval: April 2026 

How to Apply:

Please specify which SME position(s) you're applying for and 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.