When speaking on what students can expect from the program and courses, Professor Sandmoen explains, “From day one we focus on surgical technology, we review microbiology and create portfolios. Immediately starting the second semester, students will be sent to clinical sites to begin their clinical hours.”
The students attended classes on campus at a temporary laboratory, but thankfully, due to donations to the HCC Foundation, the College is building a state-of-the-art surgical tech lab that will resemble an operating room. “I’m excited for students to have everything they need to feel like they are truly at work and in the best learning environment.”
This spring 2021 semester, the students will begin their clinical hours at either Advent Health or BayCare facilities to complete their hands-on training. “I have to say, with no previous advertising and by relying solely on word of mouth, this program has had an exceptional response. The local medical community is very much looking forward to our students entering the field. I know hospitals are relying on us to train our students well enough so they can skip the orientation period and jump right in. That is my personal goal as program manager. I want to see our students graduate, receive their certification and get straight to work.”
Professor Sandmoen thanks the Dean of Health Sciences, Dr. Leif Penrose, for all his continued support of the surgical technology program.
For more information about the surgical technology AS program at HCC, please contact program manager Kathy Sandmoen at ksandmoen@hccfl.edu or visit the program website here.