THOMASVILLE — Thousands of surgical technologists around the country celebratED National Surgical Technologist Week, which ended Sunday. In recognition, Southwest Georgia Technical College (SWGTC) Surgical Technology Program Director and Instructor Stephanie Pierce, treated her students with breakfast and gifts on Sept. 17.

“While you are ‘sleeping,’ they are working! We honor the surgical technologist profession for their commitment to assisting the physicians in their care for us while under anesthesia. We may only remember masks, gowns, and gloves, but underneath is a healthcare professional dedicating their lives to our wellness. We honor and thank you during your special week,” Dr. Annie McElroy, SWGTC vice president for Academic Affairs.

According to the Association of Surgical Technologists, surgical technology is one of the fastest growing professions in the country. It is projected to grow faster than the average of all other occupations through the year 2012. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistic’s 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook stated that there were approximately 91,500 surgical technologist jobs in the United States in 2008. Because of the increased number of expected surgeries, the number of jobs in surgical technology is expected to grow 25 percent through 2018. The median annual income of these individuals in 2008 was $38,740, with the national average earning between $32,490 and $46,910 annually.

“Surgical technologists play a critical role in the safe and efficient practice of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures. Their role is to provide a safe operating room environment, properly sanitized and functioning equipment, and provide sterile equipment and supplies to surgeons during the intraoperative phase of surgical cases. Surgical Technologists work under the direct supervision of a board certified surgeon, and strive to provide safe and quality care to each and every surgical patient. National Surgical Technologist week is celebrated in order to promote surgical technology, and show students and staff members how important the surgical technologist is to health care and surgical patients. It also allows society to learn more about the people behind the masks,” Stephanie Pierce, SWGTC Surgical Technology Program director/instructor.

SWGTC’s Surgical Technology Degree program prepares students for employment in a variety of positions in the surgical field. This program provides learning opportunities which introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and technical knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills or to retrain in Surgical Technology. Graduates of the program receive a Surgical Technology degree and are qualified for employment as surgical technologists.

SWGTC offers more than 80 certificate, diploma, and degree programs. Many of these programs provide training for some of the nation’s fastest-growing career fields including Nursing, Automotive Technology, Clinical Laboratory Technology, and Criminal Justice Technology. More information may be obtained by calling 229-225-4096 or by logging onto www.southwestgatech.edu.