The Blinn College District Surgical Technology Program encourages individuals interested in playing an indispensable, high-demand role on a surgical team to attend a virtual information session on Zoom from 10-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8.
To participate, prospective students must register at www.blinn.edu/surgical-technology/information-session.html. The session will offer a description of the program, prerequisites for entry, and career opportunities following completion of the program. The application cycle for Spring 2021 admission to the Surgical Technology Program is currently open. Application materials must be postmarked by Nov. 30, 2020, to receive consideration.
Surgical technologists are essential to surgical teams, assisting surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses in providing care to patients in the operating room. They ensure that the surgical team operates in a safe environment, that equipment functions properly, and that operative procedures are conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Blinn’s Surgical Technology Program is based at the RELLIS Academic Complex on the RELLIS Campus, which features state-of-the-art simulation labs and an innovative learning environment.
“Surgical technologists support surgeons while ensuring a safe environment for the patients under their care,” Program Director Linda Hill said. “Our graduates are highly sought after by employers because their specialized training prepares them to embark on fulfilling careers as soon as they complete the program.”
In addition to their classes, Blinn surgical technology students gain hands-on clinical experience at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-College Station, CHI St. Joseph Hospital, the CHI St. Joseph Medical Center, The Physicians Centre Hospital, and St. Mark’s Medical Center-La Grange. Students must complete more than 200 surgical cases across a variety of surgical specialties prior to graduation. This externship-like training provides students a direct link with area hospitals and graduates have successfully obtained employment at many of the same facilities where they refined their skills. The program’s inventive classroom and clinical requirements also provide some flexibility and can support working professionals.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for surgical technologists is expected to increase 7% between 2019 and 2029, creating 7,600 new jobs during that span. Nationwide, the median wage is $48,300 per year. Texas has the nation’s highest demand for surgical technologists.
Surgical technologists often are employed at hospitals but can work in any setting that conducts surgical procedures, including doctor’s offices, day surgery facilities, and dental offices. Blinn’s Surgical Technology Program also can serve as a springboard to other careers in the healthcare field.
To learn more about the information session and application process for Blinn’s Surgical Technology Program, visit www.blinn.edu/surgical-technology or contact Victoria Parnell at [email protected] or 979-694-2408.
