Surgical Technologist Program

Surgical technologists are key members of the surgery team. They are responsible for making sure the equipment needed for a procedure is in the operating room and in working order. Then, they stand by to hand the equipment as needed to the surgeon or the surgeon's assistant.

A new program to train surgical techologists started in August 2000 at John Wood Community College. The three-semester course includes classroom education, practice in a simulated operating room at Blessing Hospital, and actual experience in the operating rooms of six area hospitals, including Blessing, under the supervision of the surgery staff at those hospitals.

Admission requirements for the program include being a high school graduate, or holding a General Equivalency Degree (GED); completion of a high school or college level biology course within the last five years; being trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); taking a placement test; and being interviewed by the admission committee.