Program Details

Sara Treat has been working as a Certified Surgical Technologist at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, since July 2024. Prior to that, she held the same position at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. Sara’s journey in the medical field began in the late summer of 2021 when she visited the WlOA office and expressed her desire to pursue training in this area. Although she already had a Bachelor of Arts and an Associate in Arts degree, she was working part-time as a copy editor for a newspaper in Carbondale, Illinois. After exploring options from our approved list and consulting with an advisor at Shawnee Community College, she ultimately decided to enroll in the Certified Surgical Technologist program for the fall 2021 semester. Throughout her training at Shawnee Community College, Sara consistently achieved A's and B's, with the exception of one C during her second semester. Determined to improve, she excelled in her coursework, and by the time she completed the program in May 2024, her grades reflected her hard work, with only A's and B's. During her training, Sara lived with her parents, who provided her with motivation and support from day one. She was committed to not disappointing them and was determined to become the best surgical technologist possible. Sara studied diligently for all her exams and quizzes, engaged attentively during lectures, and actively sought guidance from her instructors on how to enhance the skills she was developing during her clinical rotations in various medical facilities. The role of a surgical technologist is critical for maintaining a sterile and well-organized operating room environment. Throughout her clinical training, Sara embraced the responsibilities that came with being a surgical technologist. She prepared the operating room by setting up a sterile field and ensuring that supplies were readily available. She assisted in preparing patients for procedures and sometimes transported them to and from the operating room, always accounting for all instruments and supplies before and after each procedure. During surgeries, she passed sterile instruments and supplies to the surgeon, ensuring a sterile environment to prevent infection. After each procedure, it was her responsibility to break down the sterile field and clean and prepare instruments for sterilization. Sara has learned that surgical technologists must think quickly and work effectively as part of a team. Her perseverance reflects her commitment to professionalism and excellence in patient care. There is no doubt she is an asset to St. Francis Medical Center. Sara attributes her successful completion of the Certified Surgical Technologist training program to her parents, her instructors at Shawnee Community College, and the WlOA program. She expresses gratitude, stating she is doing what she truly loves because of their support!