Rasmussen College Launches Surgical Technologist Associate’s Degree Program at Romeoville/Joliet Campus

“The launch of the Surgical Technologist Associate’s degree program at our Romeoville/Joliet campus is another example of how Rasmussen College is committed to providing students with the educational foundation needed to thrive in today’s workforce,” said Christian Wright, dean, School of Health Sciences at Rasmussen College. “We’re excited to help meet the demand from employers in the Chicago metro area by establishing this degree program and 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 30 percent by 2022—much faster than the average for all occupations. In Illinois, a 15 percent increase in job growth is anticipated over the next 10 years with more than 700 job openings—many in the Chicago metropolitan area. 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 and industry-standard 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 a real-world healthcare environment. 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.

“The surgical suite at our Romeoville/Joliet campus looks and feels much like an operating room, including instruments our students need to be familiar with when prepping and assisting during a surgery,” said Diane Nowaczyk, campus director, Rasmussen College Romeoville/Joliet. “Through this hands-on, practical setting, combined with an externship in a real-world healthcare environment, our graduates enter surgical technologist positions with the knowledge, skills and experience to become valuable members of a high-performing surgical team.”

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 Romeoville/Joliet campus during an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 15. The Romeoville/Joliet campus is located at 1400 W. Normantown Road, Romeoville, Ill., 60446. For more information about the open house, please contact Julie Battcher at 815-306-2663 or [email protected].

For more information about the Surgical Technologist Associate’s degree program, please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/surgical-technologist/.