January 3, 2024 3:30 a.m.
Umpqua Community College and the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board are partnering to address a critical shortage of surgical technologists in Oregon.
A college release said together they are launching the state’s first apprenticeship program for surgical technologists with the Oregon Ambulatory Surgery Center Association. The BOLI Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council has approved the Health Star Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Program. The initiative aims to fill vacancies in operating rooms across the state, particularly in rural areas with high demand for trained professionals.
The college and SOWIB aim to provide a direct pathway for candidates to gain the necessary skills and certification while staying in their communities through the new apprenticeship program. The 12-month program offers a unique combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. After completing the program, apprentices will be eligible to sit in for the Tech in Surgery certification exam through the National Center for Competency Testing. Passing the exam enables students to work as surgical technologists in any location in the state of Oregon.
CHI Mercy Health President and CEO Russell Woolley said, “This new program brings a positive solution to Douglas County by offering students an opportunity to gain valuable skills that support our hospital”. Woolley said, “This program will produce students ready to step into our healthcare team which helps support the needs of our growing healthcare opportunities. This is a win-win for Umpqua Community College and our healthcare community”.
The release said Oregon currently faces a shortage of certified surgical technologists, forcing many hospitals and surgery centers to rely on registered nurses to fill gaps. With only four educational programs statewide and no programs available in southern Oregon, the number of gradates is insufficient to meet the projected need of 111 annual openings, according to data provided by www.qualityinfo.org.
UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt said, “We now have an open door for individuals who want to pursue a career as a surgical technologist, especially within southern Oregon”. Pokrandt said, “It allows hospitals to train local talent, allows students to earn a good wage while completing their education, and eliminates the need for them to move outside of the area”.
The apprenticeship program is currently accepting applications from employers to become training agents, as well as applications from apprentices. Applications are accepted year-round with no submission deadline.
Learn more at www.umpqua.edu/surgical-technologist.