Rasmussen College Launches Surgical Technologist Associate's Degree Program at Rockford Campus

ROCKFORD, Ill., July 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college, today launched a Surgical Technologist Associate's degree program at its Rockford, Ill. campus with classes beginning in October. The program, which can be completed in as few as 21 months^*, prepares students to work as a surgical technologist—one of the fastest-growing professions in the healthcare field. Surgical technologists are an integral part of the surgical care team, helping prep for and assist during a surgery. To celebrate the launch of the new program and the opening of the surgical suite at its Rockford campus, Rasmussen College will host an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony from 12:00–2:00 p.m. on Aug. 9.

To learn more about the Surgical Technologist Associate's degree program, please visit http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/surgical-technologist/.

"The launch of the Surgical Technologist Associate's degree program at our Rockford campus is another example of how Rasmussen College is committed to providing students with the educational foundation needed to thrive in today's workforce, as well as helping strengthen the nation's skilled technical workforce," said Dr. Christian Wright, School of Health Sciences department dean at Rasmussen College. "According to a recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, the United States is not adequately developing and sustaining a workforce with the skills—many within the healthcare field—needed to compete in the 21^st century. We're excited to help close the skill gap and meet the demand from employers in Rockford and its surrounding communities by graduating skilled, career-ready surgical technologists."

Surgical Technologists in High-Demand
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of surgical technologists needed across the country is expected to grow 15 percent by 2024—much faster than the average for all occupations. In Illinois, there were more than 1,000 job postings for surgical technologists last year, according to labor analytics firm, Burning Glass. That's up more than 143 percent from the number of job postings just five years ago. The aging Baby Boomer generation and advancements in surgical technology are leading to more surgical procedures being performed, creating an employment gap in the healthcare industry that includes the need for skilled surgical technologists.

The Rasmussen College Surgical Technologist Associate's degree program provides hands-on learning in a fully equipped, simulated surgical suite so that students can learn common procedures and technology used in the operating room, as well as tactics for handling high-pressure situations. Critical skills developed in the surgical suite include proper sterilization of equipment, instrument preparation for surgery and collaboration with surgeons to ensure successful outcomes. Students also complete a surgical technologist practicum in real-world healthcare environments.

"The surgical suite at our Rockford campus will look and feel much like an operating room, including instruments our students need to be familiar with when prepping and assisting during a surgery," said Craig Steege, campus director, Rasmussen College–Rockford. "Through this hands-on, practical setting, combined with clinical experiences in supervised settings, our graduates enter surgical technologist positions with the knowledge, skills and experience to become valuable members of a high-performing surgical team."  

The Surgical Technologist program is also offered with Flex Choice^®—a more flexible and affordable learning option that allows students to combine traditional courses and optional self-directed assessments. Upon graduation, students can choose to enter the workforce or continue their education by transferring their credits into the Rasmussen College Health and Wellness Bachelor's degree program.

Community Invited to Open House
The community is invited to learn more about the Surgical Technologist Associate's degree program and tour the new surgical suite at the Rasmussen College Rockford campus during an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony 12:00–2:00 p.m. on Aug. 9. Members of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce will assist with the ribbon-cutting. The Rockford campus is located at 6000 East State Street. For more information about the open house, please contact Trisha Kamis at 815-316-4817 or [email protected].

^*Completion time is dependent on transfer of credits accepted and courses completed each term.

ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE:
Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college and Public Benefit Corporation that is dedicated to changing lives and the communities it serves through high-demand and flexible educational programs. Since 1900, the College has been committed to academic innovation and providing the highest standard of education while empowering students to pursue a college degree. Rasmussen College offers certificate and diploma programs through associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online and across its 22 Midwest and Florida campuses. A pioneer in online education, the College is helping lead advancements in innovations such as competency-based education and comprehensive student support services that help working adults advance their careers. The College is also committed to providing a positive impact on society through public service and a variety of community-based initiatives. For more information about Rasmussen College, please visit www.rasmussen.edu.

SOURCE Rasmussen College

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