Regional hospitals in Payne, Creek and Tulsa counties are actively recruiting successful graduates of the new Surgical Technology Program at Central Technology Center in Drumright. Representatives of Stillwater Medical Center and Hillcrest's Tulsa Regional Medical Center have visited the campus in recent days with visits scheduled later this semester by other major hospitals in the region.

Stillwater Medical Center recruiter Shellee Beatty, RN, says: "There is a definite shortage of Surgery Technicians right now. It is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the healthcare field. The period of formal instruction is relatively short, less than one year, and the pay and benefits are very good."

"Single mothers are often attracted to this profession because they usually will work weekdays from about 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and can be home to take care of their children when they need to be there. They are also usually free on weekends and holidays unless they are on call by their employer," says Beatty.

Nellie Rhea, Tulsa Regional Medical Center 's Director of Surgery, and Amanda Wilson, TRMC Nurse Recruiter visited instructor Todd Prough's class at Central Tech and students an opportunity to talk in detail of the role of the Surgical Technician and the working environment each will face after graduation. "Doctors and patients alike depend on the technician to be well trained and alert to what is happening during surgery. You have excellent facilities in which to train at Central Tech and one of the most respected instructors in the state," said Rhea.

Beatty also told the Central Tech students of a remarkable scholarship program available to anyone interested in training for skills and positions needed at the Stillwater Medical Center . "Our hospital will pay up to $8,000 for tuition, books and any other supplies required by the technology center or college that a student chooses. We can assist up to ten students annually, but applications must be submitted by March 1 st . For each year of education funded by the scholarship program, the graduate must agree to work a year on staff at the Stillwater hospital," said Beatty.

Anyone interested a career change or re-entering the workforce and interested in the Surgical Technology Program can contact Prough or a counselor at Central Technology Center , 918-352-2551. Applications are now being accepted for the fall class that begins instruction in August.