A group from Western Dakota Tech attended the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) 47th National Conference in San Diego at the beginning of June. Instructor Tiffany Howe attended the conference with 13 first-year students in the Surgical Tech program. The group had the opportunity to network with more than 1,400 surgical technicians and 200 students.
Students were introduced to the AST Student Officers and listened to presentations with topics such as various career options, job search techniques, certification exam Q&A, and professionalism in the workplace.
Instructors at the conference had the opportunity to update knowledge and skills through presentations on the latest technology and updates to safety in the operating room, comparing various methods of surgical treatment, learning about legislative efforts in relation to credentialing, and learning from renowned surgeons.
One student in attendance ran for a national student liaison position and placed fifth, the top four places were selected for positions. Another student in attendance received a $400 scholarship from the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
The next conference will be held in New Orleans in 2017.
For more information about the Surgical Technology program, visit WDT Surgical Technology.