Surgical Technology

Alumni Nursing & Health Sciences Surgical Technology

Expecting the unexpected in the OR

A “typical week” is anything but for alumna Alexis I. Ashby, a certified surgical technologist for UPMC Williamsport, whose Penn College education has prepared her well for the unpredictable ebb and flow of cases through the hospital’s operating rooms. In a newly published blog post, Ashby – who holds an associate degree in surgical technology (2018) and a bachelor’s in applied health studies: surgical technology concentration (2020) – sensitively expresses appreciation for her life and gratitude for the opportunity to improve others’ lives. “I have done tracheotomies in the ICU, emergency bowel resections at 3 in the morning and leg amputations on those too young to be without,” she writes. “As a surgical technologist, you are a part of an amazing system of saving lives and impacting those who are not always aware of your impact on their health and well-being.”

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Students celebrate National Surgical Technologists Week

Pennsylvania College of Technology surgical technology students embrace their inner superheroes in celebration of National Surgical Technologists Week (Sept. 15-21).

Celebrating their inner superheroes, students in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s surgical technology major are joining hospitals and colleges throughout the country in observing National Surgical Technologists Week, Sept. 15-21.

National Surgical Technologists Week is a promotional event of the Association of Surgical Technologists to celebrate those who work in the field.

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Surgical technology graduates achieve 100% board pass rate

The August 2019 graduates of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s surgical technology major all passed the Certified Surgical Technologist examination on their first attempt.

Every August 2019 graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s surgical technology major has conquered yet another educational milestone: passing the Certified Surgical Technologist examination on the first attempt.

Surgical technologists are an integral part of the operating room team. They prepare operating rooms and equipment, ensure a sterile environment and patient safety, and assist doctors during surgeries. The work demands attention to detail and knowledge of surgical procedures.

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Simulated medical cases guide students toward real-life care

Scott A. Geist (right) director of surgical technology, leads physician assistant students through a simulated surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Outside the surgical technology lab’s mock operating room, PA students fulfilling the roles of emergency room and hospital staff members observe the work of their classmates.

Physician assistant students recently visited the surgical technology lab for the last of three simulated patient cases that allowed them to participate as care providers in the emergency room, as operating room assistants and as hospitalists. Students in the ER role encountered the patients, portrayed by nursing students. They diagnosed their patient’s malady and recommended treatment. In the surgical technology lab, Scott A. Geist, director of surgical technology, led OR students through a hands-on simulation of the recommended surgery. Students acting as hospitalists then provided follow-up care.

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From living space to makerspace, summer visitors have their hands full

Learning the skills and craftsmanship required of a builder in the newest pre-college offering: Building Construction.

A dozen residential Pre-College Programs and a daytime Creative Art Camp brought hundreds of young women and men to Penn College’s campuses in mid-June, providing hands-on entry to the myriad career opportunities reflected in the institution’s postsecondary curriculum. Keeping campers (and PCToday photographers) busy in recent days were these fun learning opportunities, some of which involved culminating projects: Architecture Odyssey, Autism Spectrum Post-Secondary Interest Experience (ASPIE), Automotive Restoration, Aviation, Building Construction (new this year), Creative Art Camp, Engineering, Future Restaurateurs, Graphic Design Summer Studio, Grow & Design Horticulture, Health Careers, Information Technology and SMART (Science and Math in Real-world Technologies) Girls.

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College employees recognized in end-of-semester tradition

Award recipients at a Penn College Employee Recognition event are (from left) Brenda M. Kline, Distinguished Staff (Classified); Janet L. McDermott, Distinguished Staff (Regular Part-Time); Becky J. Shaner, Distinguished Staff (Administrative, Professional and Technical); Elizabeth S. Gizenski, Excellence in Academic Advising; and Mary Jo DeVinney, Distinguished Staff (Service).

Pennsylvania College of Technology celebrated the contributions and commitment of its staff and faculty during an Employee Recognition Week gathering on May 16.

As part of an all-college meeting to end the spring semester, President Davie Jane Gilmour presented Distinguished Staff, Excellence in Academic Advising and Outstanding Assessment awards, as well as recognizing retirees, members of the Quarter Century Club, and employees hitting the 30- and 35-year plateaus during the 2018-19 academic year.

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Mock crisis authentically adds to interdisciplinary preparedness

Samer R. Doss, a PA student from Montoursville, listens to the heartbeat of dental hygiene student Megan P. Fitzsimmons, of Portville, N.Y.

Students from Penn College’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences and School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications joined area law enforcement, emergency management and health care professionals in a recent simulation at UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center and a variety of other locations.

The college’s paramedic program has participated in the drill since its inception, and this year, the School of Nursing & Health Sciences decided to participate schoolwide to provide an interdisciplinary learning opportunity. The school had conducted its own Interdisciplinary Professional Experience on campus for several years.

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Pre-College Programs to enrich participants’ summer experience

Young women enrolled in SMART Girls, among the wide-ranging roster of pre-college programs at Pennsylvania College of Technology, assemble a robot during last summer’s camp.

Building construction has been added to the abounding schedule of pre-college initiatives offered at Pennsylvania College of Technology, hands-on summer activities that mirror the nationally renowned opportunities afforded postsecondary students.

“Our Pre-College Programs offer living and learning experiences in which students have opportunities to explore unique academic interests in a state-of-the-art environment,” said Deborah B. Wescott, manager of conference and guest relations. “It’s a chance to work and make connections with industry leaders, meet and mingle with your peers, and establish a path that could lead to all sorts of future possibilities.”

The signup deadline is May 31 for the institution’s 12 residential programs and its one day camp.

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

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.

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