KATIE COSEO
The Corsair
Surgical tech week was held Sept. 21- 25, a national recognition for all surgical techs in and out of the operating room.
“It’s like National Bosses day. It’s sort of a way to show appreciation for surgical techs,” explained Dr. Pat Miller-Coburn, program director at the Warrington Campus.
On Sept. 24 visitors were given a demonstration and experienced the job of surgical technicians. Surgical tech students were also there to demonstrate and explain their skills in the operating room.
The program at PJC is one year and is a vocational study. Those who attend do not need to complete prerequisites, but need a high school diploma or GED, and have to be at least 18 years old. Only 20 students are accepted every August.
“I think it’s very high paced, but very exciting,” said Nicola Rosario, a new surgical tech student who was accepted into the program after a number of years as a marine aviator.
Because many apply for the program, Rosario commented on starting on the program as, “just exciting. Just being accepted to the program is exciting.” So far since 2004, all of the surgical tech students at PJC have passed their national certification exam the first time.
Surgical technicians are trained professionals in the operating room.
“We assist the surgeon,” explained Miller-Coburn. “We are the ones that make sure the instruments and procedure is done in an aseptic manner. It’s a very exciting career,” continued Miller-Coburn, who explained that even some surgeons were once surgical technicians before going to medical school. The experience from the vocation prepared them for the surgical atmosphere.