FSCJ's Surgical Technology Workforce Certificate program has created a unique partnership with Baptist Health and Memorial Hospital to train incumbent hospital workers to become surgical technologists. Through this partnership, 12 hospital workers who currently hold positions in various departments at the hospitals, including billing and insurance clerks, floor technicians and nursing assistants will receive hands-on training. 

The student employees will receive instruction on anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, pharmacology and anesthesia. They will also be trained to create and maintain the necessary sterile environment for surgical procedures. In addition, the students will be able to maintain their full-time position within the hospital along with their full pay and benefits.

Upon completion, the students will earn their certification and be promoted within their facility to begin earning a higher income and thus more stability for their future.

This partnership addresses the shortage of well-qualified, certified surgical technologists within the local community. The effort was led by Dr. Neal Henning, dean of health sciences, Dr. Monica Franklin, academic director of health sciences, Ms. Shannon Baum, with Baptist Health and Mr. Scott Brown, with Memorial Hospital.

The first cohort of 12 students began in October 2016 and will complete the program this October. A second cohort of 12 Baptist Health and Memorial Hospital incumbent workers will begin the surgical technology program in November 2017.