Elizabeth Gizenski

Penn College does not just offer an education, it cultivates a dynamic campus life with a strong focus on serving its student community. From exciting events to dedicated support services, Penn College goes the extra mile to ensure a vibrant and enriching experience for all students.

Building meaningful relationships with students as an advisor, guiding students on their path to academic and personal success, and journeying with students every step of the way.

A friend’s mother was a surgical technologist and I thought that the career sounded interesting. While I worked in food service at the hospital, I went to Penn College to earn my degree in surgical technology. I transferred to the operating room where I spent several years scrubbing for a variety of procedures. As I grew comfortable in my position, working alongside nurses every day sparked my interest in nursing. The path wasn't easy, juggling work and studies, but earning my nursing degree opened doors I never imagined. 

• Resilience
• Ability to handle tough situations
• Ability to work under pressure
• Focus and attention to detail
• A strong sense of teamwork and collaboration
• Ability to adapt to unexpected situations and make quick decisions
• Be an active listener with clear, concise communication skills

What do surgical technologists do? What is surgical technology? 

Hands-on education is valuable because it throws you right into the thick of things. You are not just learning concepts – you are actively applying them in a real-world setting. This immersion helps you develop a deeper understanding of the material. Hands-on learning also involves working with experienced mentors or instructors. These experts can share their knowledge and practical tips in a way that textbooks simply cannot. By observing and working alongside them, you gain valuable insights and hone your skills through real-time feedback.

Seeing the skills and knowledge we helped instill come to life as I work alongside our graduates, is a constant source of pride.

We need more!