HARLINGEN — During an evening of celebration, a group of 18 Texas State Technical College Surgical Technology program graduates pledged to provide the best patient care possible in a recent pinning ceremony held at TSTC’s Harlingen campus.
Each graduate walked across the stage and received a pin that signifies their completion of the program and their commitment to the surgical technology profession.
TSTC associate provost Jean Lashbrook said many doors will open for this group of Surgical Technology graduates.
“Never stop learning and growing,” Lashbrook told the graduates. “Always remember to put your patient and their safety first. Be compassionate in the care of every patient. That’s what everyone trusts you will do.”
Anna San Pedro, a Surgical Technology instructor, said it was a pleasure to see her students complete their academic journey.
“It is surreal to think about how life-changing the past year has been,” San Pedro said. “We are privileged to be a part of the students’ journey to success. They are ready to begin their career as surgical technologists.”
TSTC alumna Brenda Perez, who graduated from the program in 2014, was the event’s keynote speaker.
“The Surgical Technology program was a blessing in my life,” Perez said. “Not only did I obtain a set of skills that are very rare to find, I also had the privilege to learn from great mentors, doctors and surgical technologists who I made excellent friendships with.”
A valedictorian award was presented to graduate Daniella Ramirez.
“Daniella is an inquisitive student who has always been eager to learn more,” instructor Yolanda Ramirez said. “She demonstrated a strong dedication while in the Surgical Technology program.”
Celestino Salazar said it was humbling to be one of the new graduates.
“I have always had an interest in anatomy and physiology, and to give back to the community,” Salazar said. “I’m thrilled that I’ll make the transition to an operating room at DHR Health. There’s no doubt in my mind that my peers and I will become great surgical technologists.”
At the event’s conclusion, the graduates recited the Surgical Technologist Pledge.
According to onetonline.org, surgical technologists can earn a yearly median salary of more than $50,930 in Texas, where projected job growth for the profession was forecast to be 14% from 2018 to 2028.
At its Harlingen campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology and an occupational skills achievement award in Sterile Processing.
Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
