Blinn College District recognizes Surgical Technology Program graduates with pinning ceremony

Program trains graduates for a high-demand field in the healthcare industry

August 26, 2021

The Blinn College District recently recognized four Surgical Technology Program graduates with a pinning ceremony signifying their skill, training, and dedication to patient care.

Graduates received their pins after successfully completing a rigorous two-year program that encompasses lecture and laboratory classes as well as clinical observation and operating room experience.

The 2021 graduating class includes Faith Harrison (College Station), Alexandra Jackson (Bryan), Kaylie Jaster (Brenham), and Cristal Romero (New Ulm).

“This celebration acknowledges the commitment our students have exhibited throughout this demanding program,” Program Director Linda Hill said. “Surgical technology is a specialized field and the skills and expertise our students acquire at Blinn prepare them to safeguard the lives of the people entrusted to their care.”

Surgical technologists are an integral part of the surgical team, assisting surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses in providing care to patients in the operating room. They ensure a safe operating environment, that equipment functions properly, and that operative procedures are conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Blinn’s Surgical Technology Program is based at the RELLIS Academic Complex on the RELLIS Campus, which features state-of-the-art simulation labs and an innovative learning environment.

In addition to their classes, Blinn surgical technology students undergo hands-on clinical experience at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center-College Station, CHI St. Joseph Hospital, the CHI St. Joseph Medical Center, The Physicians Centre Hospital, and St. Mark’s Medical Center-La Grange. Graduates must complete more than 120 surgical cases across a variety of surgical specialties. This externship-like training provides students a direct link with area hospitals and graduates have successfully obtained employment at many of the same facilities where they refined their skills.

“Blinn provided us with the knowledge to be successful when entering any surgical specialty,” graduate Alexandra Jackson said. “Our instructors worked day in and day out to ensure our success and the hands-on work with certified surgical technologists and surgeons who provided us with their wisdom and experience was truly invaluable.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for surgical technologists is expected to increase 7% between 2019 and 2029, creating 7,600 new jobs during that span. Nation-wide, the median wage is $49,710 per year. Texas has the nation’s highest demand for surgical technologists.

Surgical technologists often are employed at hospitals but can work in any setting that conducts surgical procedures, including doctor’s offices, day surgery facilities, and dental offices. Blinn’s Surgical Technology Program also can provide a launching pad to other healthcare careers.

The application cycle for spring 2022 admission to Blinn’s Surgical Technology Program is currently open. To learn more about the program, visit www.blinn.edu/surgical-technology.