SOWELA’s Jennings-based Surgical Technology Program Also Honored with Association of Surgical Technologists 2020 Galaxy Award
(Jennings, Louisiana – August 18, 2021)
SOWELA’s latest class of Surgical Technology students recently achieved a 100% pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Students took their exams on July 30, and the perfect test results were released on August 2 with all 10 students enrolled in the Jennings-based program receiving a passing grade. This is the first time in SOWELA’s Surgical Technology Program’s history that a class of students has achieved the perfect pass rate.
SOWELA’s Surgical Technology Program was also honored with the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) 2020 Galaxy Award. The prestigious award is presented to academic programs which display a commitment to recruiting and educating students in the field of surgical technology. This is the second time SOWELA has been honored with the esteemed award.
“We are extremely proud to receive the Galaxy Award and for the recognition of our surgical Technology program and faculty. This award, as stated by the Association of Surgical Technologists, recognizes surgical technology program directors who promote their students’ future success in the field by encouraging membership in their national professional organization,” said Kristine Stout, School of Nursing and Allied Health Dean. “Our program director, Amy Broussard, is a great role model for future Surgical Technologists and exemplifies professionalism as a faculty member as well as a Surgical Technologist. She stresses this with her students and encourages them to join the AST. By joining the AST, while enrolled in our program, the students receive the benefits of being a part of the professional organization but also scholarship opportunities, discount on certification exam as well as membership in the national organization.”
The mission of SOWELA’s Surgical Technology program is to provide a learning environment and experiences in both didactic and clinical training that reflects occupational trends and meets the medical needs of the Southwest Louisiana region. The profession of surgical technology is service-oriented and requires trained, disciplined personnel. The high-quality, selective admission, affordable training is designed to allow students to acquire a competent knowledge of the hands-on skills to render them competitive in the area healthcare job market. The curriculum encourages students to be self-directed in learning both during training and after completion.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for surgical technology assistants is expected to increase by a faster-than-average 7% with the addition of 7,600 jobs by 2029. According to the same statistics, the median wage for those in the surgical technology field in Louisiana is $42,140. Currently, surgical technology positions make up nearly 2,000 jobs in Louisiana.
“Certification is an important milestone for any student to achieve as it proves a minimum standardized level of knowledge for employers. Through this incredibly difficult year amidst so many obstacles and challenges – it is a testament to the students’ determination and dedication to have all graduates to pass the national certification exam,” said Amy Broussard, Surgical Technology Program Director. “I would also have to give credit to the amazing clinical site partners, the staff preceptors, and all of the program faculty for their hard work to provide quality education for the profession.”
Recently, SOWELA achieved the highest retention rate among the community and technical colleges in Louisiana. The college was also named WalletHub’s (opens new window) #1 community college in Louisiana in 2021 for the third straight year. SOWELA is also ranked #27 overall in the entire U.S. out of all 698 community colleges in the rankings. More information about SOWELA’s Surgical Technology Program can be found by visiting our Surgical Technology page.
SOWELA offers more than 30 technical and academic programs, including Aviation Maintenance Technology, Industrial Electrical Technology, Welding, Vehicle Maintenance Technology, Forest Technology, Sterile Processing and Practical Nursing (LPN).
For more information about any of SOWELA’s programs or to apply online, visit this page. Anyone needing additional assistance can contact onestop@sowela.edu for more information.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College provides traditional, online, and lifelong learning experiences and awards associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. The College empowers learners in career and technical education and enables transfer students to pursue a four-year degree, so all learners excel as globally competitive citizens. The College has been educating the region’s workforce for 80 years and has locations in Jennings, Lake Charles and Oakdale, Louisiana.