NMU Program Marks Surgical Tech Week

Northern Michigan University's Surgical Technology program will celebrate its students and staff during national Surgical Tech Week Sept. 15-21. Twenty-one students are preparing for careers that involve working alongside surgeons and other medical professionals to create and maintain a safe, efficient operating environment.

Surgical technologists (ST) sterilize the room and related equipment, prepare the patient for the procedure, verify that necessary supplies are stocked, and provide support for the surgeon by handling instruments and other items.

"An ST is important to the medical field, as they are trained in instrumentation and products used specifically in the operating room," said Jenny Laurin, program director and instructor. "This knowledge also helps to reduce the length of surgery time and the amount of time a patient is under anesthesia, both helping to reduce overall costs. The ST is also responsible for counting instruments, sponges, needles, etc. before and after the procedure to avoid retained objects."

Northern's Surgical Technology program allows students to get hands-on experience with instrumentation and how to set up procedures, along with performing mock surgeries.

"The best part about my major is the hands-on experience that I got from day one," said alumnus Blake Thomas. "From the moment you enter the program, you get to work in a lab that's designed just for future surgical techs to help get us as prepared as possible for what's to come."

Laurin said Northern provides opportunities for clinical training through its collaboration with UPHS-Marquette. The NMU Surgical Tech program staff works closely with UPHS-Marquette managers in developing clinical rotation schedules and job shadowing opportunities.

"Our ST Advisory Board consists of operating room directors, managers, surgeons, STs and registered nurses from surrounding hospitals, all of whom offer valuable input on how to produce the most highly trained graduate possible," she added. "Students benefit because the facility offers all surgical specialties, allowing the students to gain experience in each area. Performing at UPHS-Marquette is essentially a 16-week job interview, if the student wishes to seek employment there. UPHS-Marquette benefits from having ST students by having a first pick of graduates."

Northern not only offers an associate of applied science degree in the field, but is also among a select few colleges nationwide that offer the opportunity to ladder up to a bachelor's degree in clinical health sciences with a surgical technology specialty. Learn more about the program here.