ON-THE-JOB SURGICAL TRAINING PROGRAM GRADUATES FIRST CLASS
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Friday, August 9, 2024) – Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) is proud to announce the graduation of the first apprentices of its new Surgical Technology Apprenticeship Program, an initiative aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled Certified Surgical Technologists and advancing career opportunities in the region.
The nation expects more than 8,000 openings for Surgical Technologist and assistant roles in the next decade. With shortages of qualified Surgical Technologists impacting healthcare organizations across the country, TMH has taken proactive steps to cultivate skilled professionals by using resources within TMH and community partners.
“The Surgical Technology Apprenticeship Program at TMH represents our commitment to meeting the region’s healthcare needs while investing in the growth and development of our community members,” said Logan Van Wagenen, Assistant Vice President of Surgical Services at TMH.
Susan Branham, Nurse Manager of Surgical Education and Orientation, developed the 12-month, 2,000-hour apprenticeship from a summer internship program, combining classroom instruction with clinical education at no expense to the apprentice. While apprentices earn hands-on experience, they also earn the full wages and benefits of being a TMH colleague.
“Our program avoids the difficulties observed in a traditional school route, including the cost, the length of training and class times, potentially straining working students and those supporting families,” Branham said. “With our program, we cover the expenses and pay our apprentices for their time.”
Apprentices will be promoted to Surgical Technician upon completion of the program and promoted to Certified Surgical Technologist upon certification from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). After certification, the technologists commit to a two-year working contract with TMH.
Tallahassee mom Tyneshia Arnold is one of the graduating apprentices. She was prepared to go to school in Georgia to become a Certified Surgical Technologist when Branham told her about the apprenticeship.
“I was a Surgical Support Tech at TMH and knew I wanted to develop my healthcare passion into a career,” Arnold said. “The apprenticeship program helped me because I didn’t have to go to school all day and work another job all night. Being a single mom of two – that was amazing. Now that I’m official, I’m happy to be here at TMH. It’s home; it’s where my support system lives. I’m excited for what the future holds.”
The apprenticeship program operates five days a week, eight hours per day for the 12-month duration. The TMH Training Facility, located off Weems Road, houses the apprentices for classroom instruction and features an exact replica of an operating room within the M.T. Mustian Center, allowing students to practice. For half of the week, the apprentices observe and assist Surgical Technologists on the main TMH campus. The program will train and graduate two classes of 10-12 apprentices per year, with new classes of apprentices starting each February and August. The next class, which is already full, starts August 19.
More than 17,000 surgeries were performed at TMH in 2023. Each procedure relies on the critical support provided by Certified Surgical Technologists. Surgical Technologists are responsible for preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment and assisting surgeons during procedures. They ensure sterility, anticipate surgical needs, pass instruments and help maintain a safe environment.
TMH offers career paths that lead to higher levels of education and compensation, with tuition reimbursement or scholarships available to colleagues interested in pursuing clinical education. Anyone interested in careers at TMH is encouraged to explore TMH.ORG/Careers.
