Surgical Technologist Program Graduates 17

Surgical Technologist Program Graduates 17

After completing a rigorous, nationally accredited Surgical Technologist program at the Ulster BOCES Adult Career Education Center, 17 graduates attended a commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 21.

Elisha Rickard of Wappingers Falls, who was awarded a merit-based stipend to attend the Association of Surgical Technologists’ (AST) annual conference this spring in Orlando, Florida, gave the commencement speech. Rickard was selected as this year’s conference winner after submitting an essay in a statewide competition sponsored by the New York State Assembly of the AST. In addition, Rickard and classmate Jalesa Anderson received AST Surgical Technologist Foundation Scholarships. Adding to the class’s accomplishments, 14 of the 17 students were inducted into the National AST Honor Society.

Saugerties resident Joshua Campbell said he’s excited for his new future in the profession. “Unsure of a career path, I was given the opportunity to enter the Ulster BOCES Surgical Technology program. Exceeding my expectations in the program and becoming a member of the National AST Honor Society, I am excited to begin my new career as a Certified Surgical Technologist. I could not have done it without Ulster BOCES.”

Graduates from the program come from towns throughout the area. The 17 graduates are: Jalesa Anderson, Poughkeepsie; Joshua Campbell, Saugerties; Linnea Detweiler, Lake Katrine; Nicole Ferrer, Sparrowbush; Al Giudice, Plattekill; Jacqueline Hebrank, Carmel; Heather Hewett, Montgomery; Carly Larsen, Gardiner; Rebecca Marsden, Newburgh; Rebecca McNally, Rosendale; Erica Morris, Poughkeepsie; Elisha Rickard, Wappingers Falls; Tanya Safran, Wappingers Falls; Sara Sheehan, Wappingers Falls; Jonathan Thorpe, Newburgh; Alyxsandra Tiano, Kingston; and Rebecca Viergutz, Napanoch.

Surgical technologists are an essential part of a surgical team. They work closely with surgeons to ensure that instruments are delivered properly during surgical procedures. They also ensure that the operating rooms/environments are safe, that the equipment functions properly, and that all operative procedures are conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

Surgical technologist students complete a 10-month, 970-hour program that is designed for candidates with no previous medical background. Their real-world experiences include classroom and simulated laboratory work, as well as clinical opportunities at various medical facilities throughout the area.

According to Salary.com, the median annual Surgical Technologist salary is $44,291, as of May 30, 2018, The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted the field would see 14,700 new jobs and employment growth of nearly 15 percent between 2014 and 2024. Surgical technologists who have completed an accredited program have the best job prospects.

To learn more about the Surgical Technologist program at Ulster BOCES, call 845-331-5050 or go here.

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