First surgical technicians pinned at community college

A new program for surgical technicians at Western Nevada Community College received its accreditation, officials announced at a ceremony Tuesday night.

The first 15 students in Western Nevada Community College's Surgical Technology program were honored at a pinning ceremony.

In 2002, WNCC collaborated with NevadaWorks to develop a certificate of achievement in surgical technology for those seeking an operating-room care career.

Upon completion, students are eligible to take the national certification examination for surgical technologists.

Classroom and laboratory work includes instruction and practice in operating-room techniques, infection prevention and control, care of surgical patients, and human anatomy and physiology.

Clinical instruction takes place in area hospitals and other acute-care settings.

Clinical experiences include more than 400 hours of supervised, hands-on, acute-care experiences in scrubbing and assisting with a variety of surgical procedures.

The group pinned Tuesday is the first to complete the program. A second group is enrolled, and the third group will begin in fall 2005.

For information about the pinning ceremony or WNCC's Surgical Technology program, contact the Office of Allied Health at 445-3296 or go to www.wncc.edu.