The week of September 15-21 is National Surgical Technologists Week in recognition of those who keep you safe and healthy during surgery. Onondaga Community College has a Surgical Technology A.A.S. degree program where students learn how to scrub and assist during operating procedures, how to prepare, maintain, clean, and store instruments, and how to become a valuable member of a surgical team. As we celebration Surgical Technologists nationwide, we share the story of one of our students.
Ben LaLone grew up hearing his grandfather tell stories about working in operating rooms in Florida where he was a surgeon. LaLone hoped he could work in a similar environment one day. "I looked up to him very much but didn't want to go through the years of schooling it took to become a surgeon. I figured surgical technology was a good way to be part of an operating room team."
His dream brought him to the Surgical Technology program at OCC. "It's a great program. It's very hands-on and very intuitive. You come here, learn the things you need to know, and are well educated. Once you get in the operating room, everything clicks. Things we learned here are familiar there."
LaLone knows what it's like to be in the operating room because he recently started doing his clinical rotations at SUNY Upstate's Community campus. He enjoys being the person in the operating room who is handing doctors the medical devices they need during surgery. "It's exciting. It can be nerve-wracking at times, but the way they teach us here really prepares us."
When LaLone completes his degree next May, he will be entering a profession where workers are in demand. Employment of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow 6 percent over the next decade. And the fact they are honored every year during the third week of September is icing on the cake. "I think it's awesome! It's nice to be recognized. It's nice to have a week that, when you graduate, you will be the one celebrated!"
You can learn more about OCC's Surgical Technology program by visiting our website.
