Texas Children’s Hospital Launches Surgical Technology Entrance into Practice Program
Texas Children’s Hospital is committed to nurturing careers and fostering growth within the health care community. We are excited to announce the launch of our new Surgical Technology Entrance into Practice Program (STEPP).
STEPP is a comprehensive educational program that aims to support the next generation of surgical technologists. Designed exclusively for students enrolled in the Houston Community College (HCC) Coleman College for Health Sciences Surgical Technology program, STEPP offers a unique opportunity for aspiring professionals to advance their education and open doors for potential job placement.
Financial Support and Commitment
We are dedicated to investing in the education and professional development of talented individuals. One of the key highlights of STEPP is the financial support provided by Texas Children’s Hospital. If chosen from prospective candidates, our hospital will pay for the last year of Surgical Technology School at HCC’s Coleman College in return for a signed 2-year contract.
“We anticipate that this innovative approach to creating a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) pipeline will have positive long-term impacts for our hospital’s surgical teams. Not only will this impact our ability to recruit and onboard CSTs, but the partnership has the potential to impact the number of students entering the HCC Program and available CSTs in our community.”
– Amanda Ward, AVP of Perioperative and Trauma Services at Texas Children’s Hospital
STEPP Eligibility and Application Process
Enthusiastic first-year students enrolled in the Coleman Surgical Technology program are eligible to apply and interview. Students currently eligible must submit their applications by Wednesday, March 6, 2024. The interview process for selected applicants will take place between April 29 and May 4, 2024. Texas Children’s will notify successful candidates of their acceptance into the program by Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
Exclusive Opportunity for Houston Community College’s Coleman Campus Students
We support the aspirations of local students, contributing to the growth of the healthcare workforce in our community. STEPP is exclusively available to students pursuing a career in surgical technology at HCC’s Coleman College for Health Sciences.
“The HCC STEPP Partnership will provide valuable learning opportunities for our students and enhance their learning and skill development,” says HCC Surgical Technology Program Director Melissa Bruton. “I believe this will address the needs of the profession and build a great career prospect and longevity at Texas Children’s Hospital. This can open the doors for potential job placement, benefitting both Houston Community college, our students, and Texas Children’s Hospital.”
Texas Children’s team members with HCC leaders following our presentation to the first cohort eligible for the Surgical Tech Entrance into Practice Program.
Qualities and Skills Required
“We will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate a strong understanding of the need for integrity and ethical behavior at work because of the amount of autonomy they have as surgical technologists,” says O’Keima Kirt, Texas Children’s Interim Assistant Clinical Director of Perioperative Services.
She also notes that a perioperative setting requires teamwork. Surgical Technologists must be able to play an active role on their OR team to provide safe patient care and successful outcomes. Therefore, someone with effective communication skills, a positive attitude and who works well with others is essential to good team dynamics.
Surgical technologists are important members of our surgical teams. Texas Children’s has over 35 operating rooms in the Houston Medical Center, providing surgical services in various specialties. These include Adolescent GYN, Cardiovascular, Dental, Dermatology, Fetal, General, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Otolaryngology, Plastics, Robotics, Transplant, Trauma, Urology, and Women’s Surgery.
Learn more about surgical technologists, their daily tasks, the benefits of choosing this in-demand career, and the crucial role they play on our team.
Will You STEPP Up?
Texas Children’s Hospital is creating a healthier future for children and women by empowering aspiring surgical technologists. Join fellow students on a rewarding and meaningful career path in surgical technology at HCC and seize your opportunity to STEPP into a brighter future at Texas Children’s.
