New Surgical Technology Program Offered at Lackawanna College’s Towanda Center

Lackawanna College’s Towanda Center has introduced a Surgical Technology Program, a new field of study that began with the start of the spring semester. The certificate program is being offered in cooperation with the Robert Packer Hospital and the Guthrie Clinic.

Surgical Technologists are a vital part of the team in medical operating rooms. They are responsible for maintaining a sterile environment there, preparing equipment and instruments, and providing general patient support before, during and after surgery. During procedures, they may operate suction machines, sterilizers, diagnostic equipment and room lighting. In addition, they prepare sterile dressings for patients to wear after surgery.

Lackawanna College’s program provides 49 credits spread out over the spring, summer and fall semesters and leading to a certificate. Courses combine academic and hands-on education and cover such areas as anatomy, medical terminology, sterilization techniques and surgical procedures. Lab and clinical assignments are required to complete the program. Graduates may sit for the national registry examination to be accredited as Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Average salaries for CST’s are in the $30,000+ range.

In addition, Lackawanna College offers an option to students of taking 21 more credits in order to obtain an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology.

The program is currently being given only at Lackawanna’s Towanda Center. The initial class has 15 members. One program will be held every year and applications will be accepted on a year-round basis. Enrollment is limited. Financial aid will be available for future programs.

Julia L. Jennings of Sayre is serving as Director of the Program. A highly experienced Registered Nurse, she has served in the operating room at Robert Packer Hospital since 1998. Prior to that, she was a cross country travel nurse who worked in various hospitals and as a CST at Robert Packer.

Ms. Jennings earned an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology from Luzerne County Community College, an Associate Degree in Nursing from Corning Community College, NY, a certificate in Perioperative Nursing from Delaware County Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Mansfield University and has also taken courses toward a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education at the University of New Mexico. She is a member of the Association of Operating Room Nurses and the American Nurses Association.

Lackawanna College has created a number of health and medical studies programs in the past few years. Vascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Paramedic Training, Nurse Aide and Phlelbotomy are offered at various college locations. The Surgical Technology Program is the first such course at the Towanda Center.

The program has been in the works for several years. Originally planned to be introduced in Scranton, the program was moved to Towanda because of the active interest and support of the Robert Packer Hospital and the Guthrie Center. “The commitment of these institutions to improve the well being of residents of the Northern Tier was extremely impressive and highly persuasive,” said Ann Marie Stelma, Ph.D., Lackawanna’s Vice President of Continuing Education who guided the program’s creation. “They wanted the program in their region and have made certain that it was possible.”

Lackawanna College is in the process of acquiring accreditation from the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) for the new major. Headquartered in Chicago, CAAHEP accredits educational programs that prepare health professionals in 21 different disciplinary areas. Accreditation protects the student and the public and also ensures a supply of the most qualified health care professionals.

“The surgical technology program represents an exciting opportunity for individuals wishing to acquire new skills so as to enter a secure and rewarding career path,” said Joyce Kerrick, Director of the Towanda Center. “As with our new Weekend Achievement Program, this course provides another way for the Towanda Center to serve our community.”