WVUP students mark National Surgery Technologists Week
Debbie Hewitt, surgical tech with Marietta Memorial Hospital, stands with pre-packaged snack bags and appreciation posters made by students at West Virginia University at Parkersburg for resident and teaching surgical techs in honor of National Surgical Technologists Week, Sept. 20-26. (Photo Provided)
Students at West Virginia University at Parkersburg made appreciation posters for resident and teaching surgical techs in honor of National Surgical Technologists Week, Sept. 20-26. (Photo Provided)
Debbie Hewitt, surgical tech with Marietta Memorial Hospital, stands with pre-packaged snack bags and appreciation posters made by students at West Virginia University at Parkersburg for resident and teaching surgical techs in honor of National Surgical Technologists Week, Sept. 20-26. (Photo Provided)
Students at West Virginia University at Parkersburg made appreciation posters for resident and teaching surgical techs in honor of National Surgical Technologists Week, Sept. 20-26. (Photo Provided)
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PARKERSBURG -- Students from West Virginia University at Parkersburg's Surgical Technology program will be visiting healthcare centers as part of National Surgical Technologists Week.
The students will visit clinical sites at Camden Clark Medical Center, Marietta Memorial Health Systems, Thomas Memorial, and Charleston Area Medical Centers to distribute pre-packaged snack bags and display appreciation posters for resident and teaching surgical techs in honor of their special week which is Sept. 20-26.
"Manual dexterity and physical stamina are essential, and the ability to perform under stressful and emergency situations is required in this health care profession," said Torie Jackson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at WVU-P. "Surgical technologists and other essential workers are superheroes, and WVU Parkersburg would like to recognize and thank those who choose these career paths."
Chad Crumbaker, Provost/Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, said many within the program were excited about participating in the activities this week.
"Our Surgical Technology program is excited to celebrate National Surgical Technologists Week through visiting and sharing our appreciation to our many partners who host our students throughout their program," he said. "The hands-on experience and education they provide is critical to the success of our Surgical Technology students."
According to the Bureau or Labor Statistics, Surgical Technology jobs are projected to increase 7 percent nationwide from now until 2029. This is faster than average for all occupations.
Surgical Technologists must be NBSTA (National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assisting) certified, and WVU-P assists students in gaining this certification with hands-on training through campus laboratory practice and clinical experience, officials said.
The college also offers and Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology for individuals to continue their training and work under the supervision of a surgeon to assist the safe and efficient performance of invasive surgeries.
Kathryn Frum, Chairperson/Professor for the Nursing and Health Sciences program, said WVU-P is grateful for the robust community relationship it enjoys with the clinical sites in the area.
"These facilities provide a rich learning environment for the Surgical Technology students," Frum said. "We could not function without the willingness of the preceptors to teach and to guide our students to be high-quality Surgical Technologists."