Baptist Golden Triangle has created a surgical tech program in partnership with East Mississippi Community College (EMCC). Surgery scrub technologists work in operating rooms to assist surgeons and keep rooms sterile.
In February 2018, officials with Baptist Golden Triangle approached EMCC about a local need for certified surgical technologists. When officials at EMCC explained there was no space available at the college for a new program, Baptist offered the use of one of its buildings for both a surgical technology program and the college’s paramedic program.
In addition, hospital officials also offered to equip classrooms, supply computers and labs, and provide a mini operating room at the training facility. After months of discussions and accreditation approvals, the surgery tech program started in January 2019.
The program lasts two years, and students earn an associate degree after completing it. The scrub tech program is the first of its kind in the Golden Triangle area.
Interest has been so high that EMCC added a second instructor to accommodate an additional five students.
As a result of this partnership, EMCC restored its paramedic program, moving into the same building on the Baptist Golden Triangle campus. These students will be EMT-certified and can graduate with a certificate in as little as a year or up to two years if they want to earn an associate degree.
