Penn College News

Penn College Students Celebrate Surgical Technologists Week

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s surgical technology major is joining hospitals and colleges throughout the country in celebrating National Surgical Technologists Week, Sept. 17-23.

National Surgical Technologists Week is a promotional event of the Association of Surgical Technologists to celebrate those who work in the field. The college’s surgical technology program participated by setting up an educational display in the Madigan Library.



Penn College surgical technology students gather to celebrate National Surgical Technologists Week. Front row (from left) are Amanda A. Crevier, of Fairfield; Brianna N. Tucker, of Scranton; Megan E. Berdanier, of Pottsville; Torri M. Johnson, of Smethport; Krysten M. Miller, of Robertsdale; and Breana N. Miller, of Pittston. Second row (from left) are Carissa M. Neece, of Williamsport; Alex J. Donati, of Kutztown; Anna G. Thompson, of Mount Carmel; Alexis I. Ashby, of Williamsport; Brittany R. Hartman, of Myerstown; and Miriam Brooke R. Minium, of Montoursville.Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms and equipment, ensure a sterile environment and patient safety, and assist doctors during surgeries. The work demands attention to detail and knowledge of surgical procedures. No two days are the same, and each patient and procedure will vary. Such high-pressure situations can make for a very exciting career.

Penn College’s surgical technology major helps to prepare graduates to take the national certification exam in surgical technology, to enter the workforce and to continue their education. The 2017 graduating class achieved a 100-percent first-attempt pass rate on the certification exam.

The role of the surgical technologist in helping patients began during World War II. Today, advances in medical technology, including robotic-assisted procedures, have made surgery safer, less invasive, and more precise and effective.

As a result, increasing numbers of intricate and complex operations are being done to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries, boosting employment opportunities for surgical technologists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for surgical technologists to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, with work available in both urban and rural areas for properly trained surgical technologists.

To learn more about Penn College’s surgical technology program, call 570-327-4519.

For information about the college, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.