TAMPA, Fla. — As some industries are struggling to stay profitable during this pandemic, others are expected to grow over the next decade.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for surgical techs will grow 7% faster than all occupations.
“Every single surgery there is a surgical technician besides the physician,” Program Manager for the surgical technology program at Hillsborough Community College said.
Sandmoen has worked in the industry for 32 years, first as a surgical tech, and now as an educator.
“We do everything, we know the circulators job,” Sandmoen said. “I teach them from bringing the patient into the room, prepping positioning to actually draping assisting the physician.”
Sandmoen said the only thing the tech doesn’t do, is perform the surgery. But, it is not for everyone.
"If you are squeamish with blood and weird smells this definitely is not the job for you,” Sandmoen said.
The college is currently building a state-of-the art operating room. The current class has eight students enrolled.
"I found out about this program and I love it,” Chelsea Gonzalez said. “I definitely wanted to be hands on and with this program it’s definitely hands on.”
Gonzalez was studying respiratory therapy at HCC but switched when she learned about the new program.
“It’s a stable job there is a big need a big demand right now,” Gonzalez said. “I think it’s a great way to show my sons that it doesn’t matter what’s going on in life if you can put your mind to something you can succeed.”
The average starting salary for a surgical tech is $48,300 per year.
For more information on the program, clickhere.
