News about Surgical Technology

Alexis I. Ashby chosen as October’s ‘Student of the Month’

Alexis I. Ashby

Alexis I. Ashby, enrolled in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences, has been selected as the October “Student of the Month.”

A resident of Williamsport, Ashby earned an associate degree in surgical technology in August.

She is employed full time by UPMC Susquehanna as a certified surgical technologist and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in applied health studies: surgical technology concentration. She is taking additional classes in hopes of pursuing a master’s in physician assistant studies after graduation.

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School of Nursing & Health Sciences hosts celebration

Pennsylvania College of Technology welcomed several School of Nursing & Health Sciences alumni back to campus to speak at an event celebrating the school’s name change, its academic majors, and milestone anniversaries for two programs: occupational therapy assistant (30 years) and physician assistant (20 years). From left are Megan Wright, ’12, a physician assistant practicing physical medicine and rehabilitation; Brian Webster, ’06, a nurse practitioner specializing in emergency and family nursing; President Davie Jane Gilmour; Sandra L. Richmond, dean of nursing and health sciences; and Michele “Mindy” Tedesco, ’88, a registered occupational therapist specializing in home health care.

The School of Nursing & Health Sciences at Pennsylvania College of Technology held a multifaceted celebration on Oct. 4 by hosting an open house of its facilities and welcoming accomplished alumni, who reflected on how their education has shaped their careers.

“We come together … to celebrate the positive impact all 10 of our nursing and health sciences programs have on our students’ lives, the professions in which they work, and the communities they serve,” said Sandra L. Richmond, dean of nursing and health sciences.

Of particular significance during the celebration was a change to the school’s name: from the School of Health Sciences to the School of Nursing & Health Sciences, and the anniversaries of the occupational therapy assistant program, whose first students graduated 30 years ago, and the physician assistant program, which graduated its first students 20 years ago.

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Penn College to Again Make Impression on Farm Show Attendees

Students in Penn College’s hospitality majors join their instructor, Chef Michael J. Ditchfield, on the Culinary Connection stage at the Pennsylvania Farm Show last January.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors will soon flock to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center to celebrate the commonwealth’s leading industry, and Pennsylvania College of Technology students and employees will be on hand for an interactive peek into the real-world applications of “degrees that work.”

“A beloved tradition of Penn College, the Pennsylvania Farm Show continues to be the highlight of the new year. During the weeklong festivities, members of Admissions, Alumni Relations and Academic Affairs bring Penn College to Harrisburg and showcase all of the amazing opportunities that await students on campus,” said Claire Z. Biggs, coordinator of admissions events and services. “Through our interactive and hands-on activities, we hope that friends of the college will come to learn what makes applied technology education so special.”

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Surgical Technology Grads Achieve 100 Percent Board Pass Rate

Members of the Penn College Surgical Technology Class of 2017 achieved a 100 percent pass rate on their first attempt on the national Certified Surgical Technologist Examination. Standing (from left) are Travis J. Honicker, of Coal Township; Katelyn M. Bittner, of Williamsport; Melina S. Digruttola, of Spring Grove; Kelob J. Herman, of Jersey Shore; Sydney N. Caurvina, of Portage; Cynthia M. Wilt, of Perry, Fla.; Sarah J. Palm, of Peabody, Mass.; Janell M. Remensnyder, of Alexandria; and Michael R. Harer of Williamsport. Seated front (from left) are Megan L. Hawk, of Lancaster; Daniele A. Hebert, of Mechanicsburg; Cindy M. Ruiz, of Easton; and Rebecca L. Knee, of Williamsport. Missing from the photo are Nicole R. Case, of Beach Lake, and Derrike B. Kulp, of Ephrata.

One hundred percent of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s 2017 surgical technology graduates passed the national Certified Surgical Technologist Examination on their first attempt. The group graduated in August and took the exam the same month.

“Such incredible pass rates by this cohort, referring to themselves as the ‘100 percent club’ early on in the program, is a testament to our accredited program’s rigorous, evidence-based approach to classroom, lab and clinical learning expectations and assessments,” said Edward A. Henninger, dean of health sciences.

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Penn College Students Celebrate Surgical Technologists Week

Penn College surgical technology students gather to celebrate National Surgical Technologists Week. Front row (from left) are Amanda A. Crevier, of Fairfield; Brianna N. Tucker, of Scranton; Megan E. Berdanier, of Pottsville; Torri M. Johnson, of Smethport; Krysten M. Miller, of Robertsdale; and Breana N. Miller, of Pittston. Second row (from left) are Carissa M. Neece, of Williamsport; Alex J. Donati, of Kutztown; Anna G. Thompson, of Mount Carmel; Alexis I. Ashby, of Williamsport; Brittany R. Hartman, of Myerstown; and Miriam Brooke R. Minium, of Montoursville.

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s surgical technology major is joining hospitals and colleges throughout the country in celebrating National Surgical Technologists Week, Sept. 17-23.

National Surgical Technologists Week is a promotional event of the Association of Surgical Technologists to celebrate those who work in the field. The college’s surgical technology program participated by setting up an educational display in the Madigan Library.

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Penn College Summer Commencement to Take Place Aug. 5

Penn College’s Summer 2017 Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport.

Nearly 250 students have petitioned to graduate in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Summer 2017 Commencement ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Community Arts Center.

The student speaker for the ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m., is Michael Raymond Harer, of Williamsport, who will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science in surgical technology. He will be presented with the Surgical Technology Outstanding Academic Achievement Award before commencement. Harer will be employed as a surgical technologist with UPMC Susquehanna following graduation.

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Emergency Scenarios Translate to Real-Life Benefit for Students

Occupational therapy assistant student Rachel N. Zimmerman, of Pine Grove, shows physician assistant student Zachary S. Kimble, of Bellefonte (acting as a hip-replacement patient who later in the simulation would have a stroke) and other students watching how to use a “reacher” to help with dressing. Observing is Christine A. Tilburg, clinical director of physical therapist assistant.

Emergency medical services student Ian P. McClure, of Littlestown, and paramedic technician student Megan E. Bobby, of Dysart, explain the actions they would take when called to the Dental Hygiene Clinic to help a patient experiencing an allergic reaction to Novocain.

Surgical technology students simulate a laparoscopic gall bladder removal.

Around 250 students in the School of Health Sciences – an academic division that spans 11 distinct health care and allied health fields – are participating this week in a series of hands-on emergency health simulations. The school’s fourth annual Interdisciplinary Professional Event involves 24 student teams, each made up of a cross section of health disciplines, discussing and observing one another’s role in their assigned case. Students in the physician assistant major played roles of patients, whose health problems ranged from an allergic reaction to Novocain in the Dental Hygiene Clinic to a loss of consciousness in the Keystone Dining Room, and surgeries to replace hips and remove gallbladders. As “patients” moved through the health care system, they moved, with their observers, from lab to lab in the Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center. The purpose of the experience is to prepare the students to deliberatively work together as patients interact with each of them during their health care experience, with an ultimate goal to improve patient care. Also involved were 23 staff and faculty from the school, who planned and managed the event and led groups through their simulations on Tuesday and Thursday.

Students Celebrate National Surgical Technologists Week

Members of the Penn College surgical technology class of 2017 gather for National Surgical Technologists Week. Standing (from left) are Travis J. Honicker, of Coal Township; Katelyn M. Bittner, of Williamsport; Melina S. Digruttola, of Spring Grove; Kelob J. Herman, of Jersey Shore; Sydney N. Caurvina, of Portage; Cynthia M. Wilt, of Hughesville; Sarah J. Palm, of Hesston; Janell M. Remensnyder, of Alexandria; and Michael R. Harer of Williamsport. Seated front (from left) are Megan L. Hawk, of Williamsport; Daniele A. Hebert, of Mechanicsburg; Cindy M. Ruiz, of Easton; and Rebecca L. Knee, of Williamsport.

Students in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s surgical technology major joined hospitals and colleges throughout the country in celebrating National Surgical Technologists Week, Sept. 18-24.

National Surgical Technologists Week is a promotional event by the Association of Surgical Technologists to celebrate those who work in the field. This year’s theme was “Get Hooked.” To help educate others about the field of surgical technology, surgical technology students set up a display in the Madigan Library.

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Health Sciences Students Learn From One Another in Simulations

During a three-day set of emergency simulations that involved 320 Penn College students, Timothy F. Schwartzer (in hat), an emergency medical services student from Bensalem, explains to students in other health sciences majors how paramedics would begin treatment for a patient – played by a volunteer actor – who had fallen from a second-floor balcony.

Because a patient experiencing a health emergency will likely be cared for by many health care professionals with differing specialties, Pennsylvania College of Technology has taken an active approach to ensure that students understand the roles and collaboration necessary on a health care team.

The college’s School of Health Sciences took part in two recent events that involved more than 400 students in mock patient cases on its campus.

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Penn College Program Receives Merit Award From National Board

In a Penn College laboratory, surgical technology students learn to facilitate safe and effective surgical procedures.

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s surgical technology program has received the annual merit award from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting for achieving at least a 90-percent pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist examination between Aug. 1, 2014, and July 31, 2015.

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 credential is required for employment as a surgical technologist within many health care organizations.

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Penn College Celebrates National Surgical Technologists Week

Students in Penn College’s surgical technology major join hospitals and colleges nationwide in celebrating National Surgical Technologists Week. Front row, from left, are Michelle Acosta, Williamsport; Kelly M. Anderson, Montgomery; Kelly L. Jones, Camp Hill; Meghan E. Androsik, Perryopolis; Jessica K. McCloskey, Bellefonte; and Jon R. Tyler, Bloomsburg. Back row, from left, are Billie L. Snyder, Williamsport; Angelika Y. Goncharova, Boalsburg; Andrea L. Whitley, Nesquehoning; William A. Wyatt, Williamsport; Dezirae R. Dreese, Selinsgrove; Haley A. Rhinehart, Jersey Shore; Tiffany J. Hoffman, Troy; and Madison E. McCracken, Morrisdale.

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s surgical technology Class of 2016 is joining hospitals and colleges throughout the country in celebrating National Surgical Technologists Week, Sept. 20-26.

The occupation demands attention to detail and procedures. Surgical technologists provide care to surgical patients before, during and after surgery and are an integral part of the surgical team during surgery, working under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of surgical procedures.

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Diagnosis: Future – Campers Examine Potential Health Careers

Bambi A. Hawkins, learning laboratory coordinator for the paramedic program, shows a camper proper hand placement to create a “seal” when using a bag valve mask to provide oxygen.

An important part of a fitness assessment, campers record one another’s blood pressure in the exercise science major.

A camper uses a laparoscopic camera and surgical tools in the surgical technology lab.

With assistance from a Penn College student, a camper positions radiographic equipment as she prepares to X-ray her smartphone.

A camper shows the results of her work in the dental hygiene lab: a model of her teeth.

Penn College’s School of Health Sciences was the destination for 30 high schoolers attending Health Careers Camp, a joint, two-day program of the college and Susquehanna Health. The camp offers students a chance to explore careers in the health care field. Students entering grades nine to 12 attended hands-on workshops Wednesday and Thursday in the college’s exercise science, paramedic technology, occupational therapy assistant, physician assistant, nursing, radiography, dental hygiene and surgical technology majors. To round out their experience, they toured Susquehanna Health’s Williamsport Hospital.

Surgical Technology Program Director Named to Accreditation Board

Scott A. Geist

Scott A. Geist, Surgical Technology Program director at Pennsylvania College of Technology, was recently appointed to the eight-member Board of Directors of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Geist has served as an ARC/STSA accreditation site visitor since 2009. His three-year term on its Board of Directors will begin June 1.

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Emergency Scenarios Aid Students’ Real-Life Readiness

While students from other majors observe, nursing student Amanda S. Kopczick, of Mifflinburg, takes the temperature of “patient” Kristina N. Varner, of Lewisburg.

Around 250 students and employees from the School of Health Sciences participated in three days’ worth of emergency simulations on campus this week. In its third year, the exercise is known as the Interdisciplinary Professional Event and provides a unique opportunity for students and faculty from different majors within the School of Health Sciences to collaboratively care for patients.

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Small-Group Discussions Reflect Big-Picture Import of Health Care Collaboration

Whit Worman, director of Penn College's physician assistant program, facilitates a discussion that includes Kyle G. Stavinski, an emergency medical services major from Elysburg (left) and physician assistant student Kevin Z. Richardson, of Williamsport.

Scott A. Geist (left foreground), director of the surgical technology program, and Cletus G. Waldman Jr. (right-center), clinical director of radiography, engage their roundtable participants.

Heather S. Dorman, clinical director of physician assistant, lays out a scenario during the interactive exercise.

Mark A. Trueman (center), director of paramedic technology programs at the college, follows the flowing conversation.

As part of an event that spanned northeastern and northcentral Pennsylvania and involved more than 1,000 students at various locations across the region, the sixth annual Collaborative Care Summit convened at Penn College on Wednesday. Nineteen dedicated  faculty/staff facilitators from a variety of health professions, including physicians, led discussions in the Bush Campus Center among students from several colleges and universities who are pursuing studies in a wide range of health disciplines. The Collaborative Care Summit is arranged by the Northeastern/Central Pennsylvania Interprofessional Education Coalition – of which Sharon K. Waters, associate dean of health sciences, is a member. Waters coordinated the Penn College event, and co-presented the opening session with Dr. Keith Shenberger, Susquehanna Health TCMC, which brought together about 100 students from Penn College, Lock Haven University, Wilkes University and The Commonwealth Medical College. The students participated in roundtable discussions of a medical case, learning from one another how each discipline contributes to a patient’s care. “The goal of interprofessional learning is to prepare all health professions students for deliberatively working together, with the goal of building a safer and better patient-centered and community-orientated health care system,” Waters explained. “It was impressive to hear what each student contributed to the interprofessional discussion and rewarding to know our students are being prepared to work  as a collaborative team toward quality patient care.” Student participants represented 10 professions, from paramedic to pharmacy to medicine to nursing. Simultaneous events were held in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre at Marywood University, The Commonwealth Medical College, The University of Scranton, Kings College and Misericordia University.

Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State