The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Madison College, Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin and UW Health have partnered to create a surgical technology associate’s degree registered apprenticeship, which launches today.
This registered apprenticeship program is the first in the United States to offer all the coursework leading to an associate degree and credential eligibility to take a board examination for surgical technologists. This program combines academic credit with hands-on apprenticeship training to help address the health care workforce shortage, meet patient needs and reduce educational and professional barriers to attaining a career as a surgical technologist.
The surgical technologist functions as a member of the surgical team, preparing the operating room before surgery, promoting the safety of the patient during surgery, assisting the surgeon and caring for the instruments and supplies used in surgery.