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Keeping students engaged in the classroom is among an educator’s top priorities. With the transition to online learning in light of COVID-19, this has become paramount. In this Q&A, hear from Mayo Clinic's Helga Olson, CSA, CSFA, MS, on how she uses Pear Deck, an online, interactive tool, to enhance her student's experience. At the time of writing, Olson was using the tool in-person, but it can also be used online as students learn remotely. 

Oftentimes, program instructors will invite guest lecturers into the classroom to provide students with an outside perspective. These guests can range from operating room managers to human resources experts, and their visits serve as an opportunity for students to get face time with potential employers.

Welcome to 2020 — not just a new year, a new decade! The ARC/STSA continues our commitment to education and programmatic accreditation in surgical technology and surgical assisting, community outreach and development of services. So much is underway as we enter the new decade, so I wanted to take a moment to share just a few highlights.

Preceptors play a critical role in the OR, helping ensure students are set up for success while learning on the job. Before a student sets foot in the OR, however, educators must also do their part and serve as a conduit between student and preceptor. The relationship among these individuals requires thoughtfulness, clear communication and an understanding of expectations.

As a surgical technologist, I am constantly aware of the diversity of our patients. As an educator, I realize the diversity of the students I teach. As a citizen of the world, I understand how we must educate ourselves of the difference and similarities in people around the world.

The ARC/STSA Board of Directors recently met and voted on policy updates that will be implemented beginning in 2020. Below is a brief update on the changes.

Sarah Galbraith is a surgical technology student at Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences, and is quickly approaching graduation. But not long ago, she was a prospective student, applying to the surgical technology program and learning new things along the way. In this interview, Sarah shares many aspects of her program from which she has benefitted, as well as advice for prospective students starting their own application journey.

ARC/STSA would like to congratulate the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) on 50 years of quality care and excellence in the field of surgical technology.

This month, we talked to St. Phillip’s College, whose surgical technology program is also celebrating 50 years. Learn more in this Q&A from Jessica Garza, CST, surgical technology program director, and Raquel Farias, department chair.