Abington launches surgical technician training and certificate program

ABINGTON, Pa. — High school graduates seeking a career in health care can register now for the 70-hour training and certification for surgical technicians at Penn State Abington. The weekend program follows the guidelines of the National Board of Surgical Technicians and Surgical Assistants.

Surgical technicians work in a variety of health care settings, including in-patient operating rooms, hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and ambulatory care centers. With the increase in demand for health care-related services and the national shortage of health care professionals, the need for surgical technicians is growing substantially.

"Penn State Abington Continuing Education's environmental scanning of area health care organizations has indicated that surgical technicians are in demand and in short supply. We decided to offer the surgical tech training to help bridge this skills gap," said Randy Ingbritsen, assistant director of Continuing Education at Abington.

This course will cover the surgical technician’s role from pre-op to operative procedures to post-operative room breakdown. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate from Penn State.

The curriculum includes anatomy and physiology; microbiology; pharmacology; introduction to the operating room; the role of the surgical technician; legal aspects; patient preparation; equipment handling; sterilization techniques; wound closing and healing; patient care and safety; surgical case management; surgical instruments; and operating room equipment, operation and maintenance.

Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from March 2 through March 30. Tuition includes materials.

To register, email Randy Ingbritsen, call 215-881-7405, or find more information here.