Surgical Technology instructor interview.

Sitting down with American College of Healthcare and Technology’s Surgical Technology professor and department head we asked a few questions about the program. Our Surgical Technology program is a 19-month program at our Riverside location.

What got you into teaching?  “Always wanted to help others since I was at University since I was at medical school I used to assist classmates like helping them to study and I found my passion for teaching and helping others. Teaching is a gift from God. You can be full of knowledge, but a good teacher teaches more than just book smarts.”

What is the most interesting part of your class? “For me, as a teacher, all of it is interesting, because surgical technology is my passion, though I find those who choose my program the hands-on practice is the most interesting.

What makes your program stand out?  “I believe everything has a heart; the heart of healthcare industry is in the operating room. You work with four of the most knowledgeable and professional people in the health industry: A surgeon, assistant to the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and registered nurse. For me, I love to be a part of that team.”

Why should a prospective student choose your class? “There is a lot of excitement, learning, and activities. Overall time goes fast when you learn and you have fun. The class has to be interesting; otherwise adult learners have a hard time focusing.”

Besides the curriculum what are you trying to teach your students? “Our curriculum is designed to teach the students their needs of the industry and what are required and soft skills (communication, punctuality, integrity and compassion.) From the first day, we try and teach them professionalism, a team player, accountability, how to build self-confidence, be the first to help not the last. Overall we rehabilitate them for the operating room. “

What is something a student will learn they may not expect? “90% of what the students will learn they usually don’t expect. The change to their personal and professional skills they learn in the curriculum is usually a surprise.”

What can students expect on their externship? “They should expect on the first day of externship they could be a potential candidate for employment. From the 1^st day, you must treat your internship as you would full-time employment. It is a great start to your career. They expect you to be ready on the first day and not be learning.”

What is a small change that a student can learn to become more successful in your program? “How to represent yourself. A small change yes, but it changes the entire picture. If you know how to express yourself you are marketable for employment.”

What is the most exciting thing a student will learn in your program? “They will learn they are capable of much more than they think. They can have a better dream and goal in their life. With hard work, they can have everything possible.”

What is a tip students can use to learn more effectively? “Have a passion for everything that you do. Ask yourself, if you want to help others. If you do this is the industry for you. If you do not want to put others first, the healthcare industry is not for you.”

What makes this course so rewarding for students? The course is rewarding because you are working in a career where there are job opportunities. During the course, there is a physical and mental change to become a healthcare professional and you become a role model for others. You earn other people’s respect.

What advice could you give to your students? Be punctual and be a team player. Study smart, not hard. Be the first to ask and not the last. Be sure to have passion in all that you do and be a go-getter.

What is something about the field that students didn’t know of? You are not just a scrub tech. You could be a sterile processing manager, you could work with medical supply companies as a vendor, and you could be a great teacher, clinical instructor or program director. You could do so much more because working with professionals opens doors for you.

For any additional information, visit us online at www.ach.edu or call us at (951) 729-5320 or (323) 585-9000

American College of Healthcare and Technology has three convenient locations.

Our Huntington Park Campus offers the following programs: Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, Veterinary Assistant, Physical Therapy Aide/Massage Therapist, Pharmacy Technician, and HVACR Technician.

Our Huntington Park campus proudly serves the following communities: Bell, Bell Gardens, Compton, Southgate, Los Angeles, Vernon, Maywood, Cudahy, Florence, South Central LA, Watts, Lynwood, City of industry, Lawndale, Paramount, Inglewood, Commerce, Downy, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, Carson, Long Beach, Bellflower, Pico Rivera, Montebello, Whittier, Gardena, Hawthorne, El Monte, La Puente, Monterrey Park.

Our Riverside Campus offers the following programs: Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, Veterinary Assistant, Physical Therapy Aide/Massage Therapist, Dental Assistant, Surgical Technology, Pharmacy Technician, and HVACR Technician.

Our Riverside campus proudly serves the following communities: Corona, Moreno Valley, Norco, Lake Elsinore, Perris, La Sierra, Arlington, Jurupa Valley, Rialto, Pedley, Mira Loma, Rubidoux, Bloomington, Colton, San Bernardino, Redlands, Wildomar, Temecula, Murrieta, Loma Linda, Fontana, Grand Terrace, and Glen Avon.

Our Santa Ana Campus offers the following programs: Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, Veterinary Assistant, and HVACR Technician.

11801 Pierce St., Suite 100
Riverside, California 92505
(951) 729-5320

6330 Pacific Blvd, Suite 201.
Huntington Park, California 90255
(323) 585-9000

1840 E. 17th Street,
Santa Ana, California 92705
(949) 429-0180