30 October ICC Surgical Technology students prepare to be 'unsung heroes' October 30, 2023 By Thomas, Donna S. Career Center, General 0 In the 1940s, surgical technology became an official career path due to the demands of operating rooms in World War II although the first public use of anesthesia was in 1846. Extreme cleanliness and sterilization weren’t normal household words until COVID-19’s extensive global impact. Masks and hand sanitizers became the norm for every individual as well as using cleaning solutions to prevent the spread of disease in homes across the world. However, those words, cleanliness and sterilization, have always been a significant part of the vocabulary of Surgical Technologists, who have made them a priority since the late 1800s. With this awareness comes an enhanced appreciation of the unsung heroes of operating rooms worldwide. According to the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, individuals who are interested in becoming a Surgical Technologist must be detail-oriented since errors could be life threatening. Additional qualities include working well under pressure and having great communication skills. Surgical Technologists serve as members of the surgical team and work with surgeons, anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists, registered nurses and other surgical personnel in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during and after surgery. They prepare the room, instruments and equipment, an important role in healthcare. Among those who have selected that career is Bryanna Petty of Bruce, a student in Itawamba Community College’s Surgical Technology program. “My experience in the Surgical Technology program has been great so far. The instructors are very helpful, but my favorite part is being in the lab and having hands-on experience. My goal is to graduate from the program, become certified and get a surgical tech job, either traveling or specializing in orthopedics.” Classmate Gracie Cox of Pontotoc agrees. “The program has been very educational, and I have learned so much. I feel very prepared to go into the operating room. My favorite part would have to be the lab, although it can be very challenging.” She said that she is focusing on preparation for the clinical setting. Students in ICC’s program spend one year (three semesters) and upon successful completion of all required academic and program courses, they earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the national credentialing exam to become a Certified Surgical Technologist. Registration opens in January for the next class. “Surgical Technologists are a vital part of the operating room staff,” said Alicia Thornton,” ICC Surgical Technology program director. “There have been times when we’ve been referred to as ‘the unsung heroes of the O.R.’ We stand beside the surgeons on surgical procedures, predicting and anticipating their every needs. Oftentimes, we know what the surgeon needs before they even ask for it, and that’s the beauty of being a Surgical Technologist.” From the 1940s to 2023, times and methods have changed in all occupations, including Surgical Technology, but what remains the same is the skill, heart and caring of the true ‘unsung heroes.’ Related Articles ICC's Surgical Technology program achieves 100 percent pass rate Itawamba Community College has received the annual merit award from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting for achieving a 100 percent pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist examination for the cycle of Aug. 1, 2017-July 31, 2018. Graduates obtaining national certification as a CST demonstrate by examination understanding of the basic competencies for safe patient care in the operating room. The CST is widely recognized in the healthcare community as the foremost credential for surgical technologists in the nation. The CST is required for employment within many local, state and national healthcare organizations. “Receiving the Merit Award from NBSTSA is the highest professional honor bestowed upon accredited Surgical Technology programs,” said Tonya Vaughn, ICC Surgical Technology program director. “This honor is a reflection of the unmatched dedication of our program’s students, many of whom have work and family obligations in addition to academic and clinical responsibilities. I am both extremely proud and profoundly honored to help prepare and encourage these capable students as they work to become indispensable members ... ICC's Surgical Technology program adds laparoscopic simulator Itawamba Community College’s Surgical Technology majors will now benefit from top-of-the line equipment as they prepare to enter their field of study. ICC’s program is the first in the state that has added a laparoscopic simulator, which is a tool that demonstrates virtually all major abdominal surgical procedures, chest procedures and pelvic procedures, allowing learners to begin to familiarize themselves with performance methodologies. Simulation training services can augment learners’ dexterity and visualization; eliminate the ergonomic discomfort of long surgery services and work to turn simulators into an essential technology for the patient, learners and hospitals. “Access to this simulator, which is used in medical schools across the country, will enable our students to develop advanced technological literacy as they train to become vital members of the surgical team,” said Tonya Vaughn, program director. “It is absolutely remarkable.” Vaughn said that simulation offers a way for learners to master new skill sets without practicing on real-life patients. “This is important because often the complexity ... ICC's Precision Machining Technology students receive new toolboxes, courtesy of a generous Haas Foundation grant Students in Itawamba Community College’s Precision Machining Technology program have a new toolbox, courtesy of a generous grant by the Gene Haas Foundation. Among the items in the five-drawer steel tool roller cabinet are a micrometer set; caliper; steel rule; tape measure; adjustable wrench; hex key, drill bit and L-handle sets; hammer; sharpening stone and flat file. “We would like to thank the Gene Haas Foundation for their generous contribution and support of our program and for the difference the toolboxes will make not only in the success of our students but also when they graduate and enter the workforce,” said instructor Jerry Pettigrew. The students will be allowed to keep them as a gift from the Foundation. “In addition, we appreciate MSC Industrial Supply Co. for their assistance in putting together this starter toolbox for our students.” MSC is a leading North American distributor of a broad range of metalworking and maintenance, repair and operations products and services. Recipients include Caleb Johnson, Cole Nichols, Parker Rogers, all of Blue Springs; Tyrus ... PN/Surgical Technology Commencement Several area residents will participate in a commencement ceremony for the practical nursing and surgical technology programs at Itawamba Community College at 7 p.m., July 14, at the W.O. Benjamin Fine Arts Center auditorium at the Fulton Campus. Practical nursing graduates include Jercel Weaver of Aberdeen; Chelsea Herndon, Crystal Way, both of Amory; Christopher Underwood of Fulton; Monica Fowler of Golden; Clara Fisackerly, Valerie Moore, both of Houston; Jennifer Finnie of Nettleton; Angela Jackson of New Albany; Connie Robinson of Prairie; Sara Floyd, Phatema Morse, both of Saltillo; Davette Carnathan, Cassidy Homan, both of Shannon; Whitney Foy of Tupelo; and Katesha Daniels of Water Valley. Surgical technology graduates are Katelyn Harbin of Fulton; Duston Mills of Golden; Blake Buse of Guntown; Brody Collums of Houlka; Miranda Starling, Shanna Wagster, both of Mantachie; Mackenzi Eubank, Taylor McKinney, both of Mooreville; Amber Mirfield of New Albany; Taylor Trahan of Plantersville; April Derryberry, Anna Rosenbaum, both of Pontotoc; Jenni Vasquez of Shannon; Jennifer Renfro of Smithville; and Jordan Metcalfe of Tupelo. Upon completion of the 12-month (three-semester) program, ICC’s practical nursing graduates receive a certificate ... ICC students can take advantage of Mississippi Works Career-Tech Scholars Program Itawamba Community College students who enroll in one of 18 career education programs this fall can take advantage of a new scholarship program. The Mississippi Works Career-Tech Scholars Program, administered by the Mississippi Community College Board, has been established to serve as a state-assisted tuition scholarship program for eligible community and junior college students by providing tuition financial assistance to those who enroll in approved, in-demand Career Education certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree programs identified through sector analysis to meet the workforce demands of the state, according to Emily Tucker, ICC adviser and recruitment coordinator. Programs at ICC include Emergency Medical Tech-Paramedic, Health Information Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing, Public Health Technology, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology, Surgical Technology, Computer Networking Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology, Welding and Cutting Technology, Computer Programming Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Technology, Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology. To be eligible for the program, students must be legal residents of Mississippi, admitted to an approved Mississippi Works ... ICC revamps Precision Machining Technology program, introduces one-year Associate of Applied Science dgreee Itawamba Community College has revamped its Precision Machining Technology program, transitioning it from two years to a streamlined one-year Associate of Applied Science degree opportunity, beginning this fall. The newly revised program will equip students with essential skills and knowledge through a carefully designed curriculum, ensuring that they are well-prepared for rewarding careers in the field of precision machining, according to Dylan Baldwin, director of Career Education. The three-semester program will enable students to graduate in July 2024. Upon completion of the program, they will receive a 45-hour certificate, demonstrating their mastery of precision machining techniques. The revised program incorporates several new classes to enhance students’ understanding and proficiency in precision machining. Courses such as Metallurgy, Die Repair and Jigs, Fixtures and Tools along with another Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operations course have been added to the curriculum, ensuring that students receive comprehensive training in cutting-edge machining technologies and industry best practices. These courses will provide students with a well-rounded education and equip them with the skills demanded by the rapidly evolving manufacturing industry, Baldwin said. In addition to ... Comments are closed.