MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – An innovative WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital career training program designed to prepare participants for a high-demand healthcare career in surgical technology is now accepting applications to its 2025 cohorts. The Surgical Technologist Academic Teaching (STAT) Program allows students to gain valuable clinical experience and earn national practice certification as they build skills in diverse surgical settings.
in the operating room.
The six-month paid training program consists of 560 hours of classroom instruction and 400 hours of onsite clinical practice rotation at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, including WVU Medicine Surgical Services, WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital, and the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute.
STAT students will not only receive hands-on training using state-of-the-art technology, but also mentored learning experiences from a range of clinical experts. Students who complete the program will earn national certification through the National Center for Competency Testing and possess new perioperative competencies in aseptic technique, surgical specialties procedures, and professional teamwork.
“A surgical technologist is a very vital part of the surgical team,” Jennifer Malcolm, A.A.S., C.S.T., the program’s clinical education coordinator, said. “We open up the operating room, we get our instruments, and help the surgical team get the patient ready for surgery. We actually do the surgery right along beside the surgeon, the residents, and, of course, the nurse.”
STAT participant Cody Friend was working in construction when he learned about the program and made the decision to train for a medical career.
“I had some work accidents, and I thought it would be nice to see the other side of the OR table,” Friend explained. “I’ve enjoyed it. It takes a whole team, and it’s a really good program.”
Both internal and external applicants must meet Program requirements and will be screened for upcoming cohorts. Six-month cohorts, each comprised of 12 students, will begin in January 2025 and July 2025.
Upon admission to STAT, candidates will receive an offer of employment as a surgical technologist and must agree to full-time employment at WVU Hospitals during their program completion and certification obtainment.
For more information about STAT, contact Malcolm at [email protected].
For media inquiries: Leigh Limerick, Manager of Marketing and Communications
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