As one of the oldest programs at Texas Technical College, the Surgical Technology Program has been providing operating room technicians to Rio Grande Valley hospitals for nearly 40 years.
Program chairman Robert Sanchez has been involved with the program for 33 years and said all graduates are placed in jobs and 95 percent of technicians working in Valley hospitals are TSTC graduates.
The ST Program is accepting applications through April 11 for new students who will begin classes this fall.
Sanchez said since most of the students complete their clinical studies in hospitals from Brownsville to Mission, it’s easy to be placed in jobs soon after graduation and certification exams.
The current class has 18 students, who will graduate in August.
The first three semesters consist of academic classes followed by three semesters ST studies. Sanchez said each class accepts 20 students.
“It’s not difficult at all to place students in jobs right after college,” Sanchez said. “They get job offers right away. As of right now, six of our 18 students have already received job offers.”
A surgical technicians’ role vary from place to place but it involves working in an operating room and making sure all necessary supplies and equipment are ready for the surgeon during the procedure.
“They have to know what every instrument is used for and be able to react to stressful situations when those situations arise,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez said the starting salary for a surgical technician can run between $15-18 per hour.
After five years of experience, technicians can take their Certified First Assistant and Licensed Surgical Assistant exams. These certifications give the technician a greater role in the operating room, Sanchez said.
Several graduates also go on to pursue a nursing degree and become Registered Nurses, Sanchez said.
Sanchez said that two ST alums are currently Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, two are Physician’s Assistants and one is a medical doctor.
Clinical Coordinator Yolanda Ramirez graduated from the program in 2002. She returned five years ago and has been part of the instruction team at TSTC.
She credited the program for her success in this field.
“The ST program has provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in our profession,” said Ramirez, who went on to receive a Bachelor’s of Applied Technology in Allied Health Studies from the University of Texas-Brownsville.
Senior Instructor Anna San Pedro said the program provided a strong foundation for her to continue her education after TSTC. San Pedro earned a Bachelor’s of Applied Arts and Sciences in Interdisciplinary Studies from UTB and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from UTPA.
San Pedro said the success of the program and the students should be credited to Sanchez.
“He’s established a strong network around the nation that has greatly influenced the success of the ST program at TSTC,” San Pedro said.
For more information about the ST Program, go to www.tstc.edu/harlingensurgtech/home.
