(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Joshua Viera is getting closer to possibly turning his childhood dream of becoming a surgeon into reality.
Having worked for DHR Health as a sterile processing technician since 2017, Viera made the decision to join the Associate of Applied Science degree program in Surgical Technology at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, where he is now in his first semester.
“My job as a sterile processing technician has been unparalleled,” Viera said. “I’ve been fortunate to see multiple surgical departments and some operating rooms outside of work hours when I’ve asked to shadow a surgical professional.”
Javier Garza is a sterile processing charge technician at DHR Health.
“Joshua’s hands-on training with the reprocessing of instruments should give him an advantage when understanding proper care and inspection of every instrument he could face in an operating room,” he said.
Yolanda Ramirez, TSTC’s Surgical Technology program team lead, said although a student’s decision to pursue the program might not be the traditional route to becoming a surgeon, it is possible.
“It will require significant additional education and training,” she said. “A certified surgical technologist background can provide valuable hands-on experience in the operating room, a deep understanding of surgical procedures, and strong teamwork skills, all of which can be beneficial in medical school and beyond.”
Viera said TSTC is preparing him for success.
“The hands-on assignments are great because the instructors explain how it’s going to be and how you should prepare for it,” he said.
Instructor Marissa Gonzales said the hands-on assignments play a crucial role by allowing students like Viera to develop skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and more.
“Joshua’s experience has given him the advantage to understand what he’s practiced at his workplace to the theoretical techniques and concepts with minimal struggle,” she said.
Viera said the college has provided him with a great opportunity.
“This is the only surgical technology program in my area where I can expand on my surgical experience,” he said.
According to onetonline.org, surgical technologists earn a yearly median salary of $59,810 in Texas, where projected job growth for the profession was forecast to increase 18% from 2020 to 2030.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology, as well as an occupational skills achievement award in Sterile Processing, at its Harlingen campus.
To learn more about TSTC’s Surgical Technology program, go to tstc.edu/surgicaltechnology.
