TSTC Surgical Technology student’s internship leads to job offer at area medical facility

(HARLINGEN, Texas) - Zoe Betancourt, a Surgical Technology student at Texas State Technical College, recently began an internship at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, where she has been offered a full-time job as a surgical technician pending completion of her internship there and passing the required certifying examination.

"As an intern, some of my duties are to set up the back table with the instruments, ensure a sterile field, drape a patient for a surgical procedure, and other duties under the guidance of a certified surgical technician."

Betancourt said her internship is preparing her for her upcoming job duties.

"I appreciate that the medical staff have let me take some cases because I'm going to work at Valley Baptist Medical Center," she said. "That, and I'm learning about the preferences a doctor will have during a surgery."

Betancourt, who will graduate from TSTC's Surgical Technology program in December, said she is thrilled about her new career opportunity.

"I was offered the job in September and need to pass an examination to be a certified surgical technician," she said, referring to taking the national certifying exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Priscilla Martinez is a clinical supervisor for Valley Baptist Medical Center.

"Zoe has done an excellent job by learning from our feedback," she said. "She corrects her errors, which will allow her to continue learning from our team of surgical technicians."

The San Benito resident said is grateful for the training that she has received at TSTC.

"The Surgical Technology instructors are very supportive of each student," she said. "I've experienced clinicals at different facilities. That's helped me learn about a variety of specialties and which ones I am interested in."

Marissa Gonzales, a TSTC Surgical Technology instructor, said Betancourt actively engages in opportunities to refine her skills.

"Zoe's ability to take initiative, seek feedback and improve her performance highlights her readiness for the challenges of her internship and future career," she said.

Betancourt said TSTC prepared her well for her internship.

"My goal was to increase my skills during clinicals to prepare for an internship before I graduate," she said. "I did that, and I'm close to earning my college degree."

According to onetonline.org, surgical technologists can earn a yearly median salary of $59,810 in Texas, where projected job growth for the profession was forecast to increase 18% from 2020 to 2030.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology, as well as an occupational skills achievement award in Sterile Processing, at its Harlingen campus.

For more information, go to tstc.edu.

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