On May 21, 2021, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) awarded initial accreditation to the Surgical Technology Associate Degree program at Blackhawk Technical College. The recent peer review conducted by the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) and CAAHEP’s Board of Directors recognized the program’s substantial compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards.

In 2019, Blackhawk Tech launched the Surgical Technologist program to give students a balanced set of experiences in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical setting. Students are trained in procedures, aseptic (sterile) techniques, medical equipment nomenclature, human anatomy and physiology, physics, robotics, and pharmacology for the operating room. Graduates of the program may be employed in a variety of areas such as the operating room, labor and delivery, physicians’ offices, catheter labs, and outpatient surgery centers.

Upon receiving the news, Jessica Donahue, Surgical Lab Tech Instructor, said, “Accreditation to BTC program means that we offer the terminal degree and prepare students to become national-certified. This opens the doors for students to work anywhere within the US. CAAHEP accreditation is recognized and desired by most healthcare facilities. We offer the students the highest level of education to equip them to become competent entry-level surgical technologists.” As the program director, Jessica was explicitly noted in the report as demonstrating strong working relationships with students, the Program Advisory Committee, and the clinical affiliates.

Moira Lafayette, BTC’s Dean of Health Sciences and Public Safety, noted that “Jessica Donahue’s leadership in launching the Surgical Technology Program in 2019 has positioned BTC to offer a high-quality learning experience in all aspects of the program, and that is very well regarded in the community. The program’s accreditation is a reflection of her strength as a leader in all aspects of program planning and delivery.”