Graduates of Angelina College’s surgical technology program will receive their pins Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. in Hudgins Hall.
Lufkin graduates are Laura Dean, Dalia “Vanessa” Garcia, Jessica Madera, Cindy Peters, Zuri Rojo, Rebecca Sorrells Orta and Jenifer Dougherty.
Other graduates are Janay Castillo of Lumberton, Contonia Coleman of Hemphill, Riley Mitchell of Center, and Connie Robertson of Nacogdoches.
Stefanie Vaughn, program director, said, “This class has worked tirelessly to complete 624 clinical hours in less than a year. They made it though and are ready to join the workforce and a begin a new chapter in their lives.”
Vaughn said that few people realize exactly what surgical technologists do. “They are an integral part of the surgical team and yet they are the faceless team member that not many patients will ever remember or know that they were there, not to mention the important role they play.”
Surgical technologists are members of operating room teams and work under the supervision of the surgeon. Before an operation, they prepare sterile surgical instruments, equipment and supplies. They assemble the sterile equipment and ensure it is all working properly.
During the surgical procedure, the surgical technologist passes instruments and needed supplies to the surgeon and receive tissue specimens. They ensure that there are no breaks in sterile technique so that the patient does not acquire an infection.
The surgical technologist program runs from January to December, prospective students must meet prerequisites or be in process of taking them, to apply. For more information about this program at Angelina College, contact Stefanie Vaughn at svaughn@angelina.edu.
