UCC and SOWIB partner to create Oregon’s first apprenticeship program for Surgical Technologists

ROSEBURG, Ore., – Umpqua Community College (UCC) and the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board (SOWIB) are partnering to address a critical shortage of surgical technologists in Oregon. Together, they are launching the state’s first apprenticeship program for surgical technologists with the Oregon Ambulatory Surgery Center Association. The BOLI Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council has approved the Health Star Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Program. This initiative aims to fill vacancies in operating rooms across the state, particularly in rural areas with high demand for trained professionals. 

UCC and SOWIB aim to provide a direct pathway for candidates to gain the necessary skills and certification while staying in their communities through the new apprenticeship program. The 12-month program offers a unique combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. After completing the program, apprentices will be eligible to sit for the Tech in Surgery (TS-C) certification exam through the National Center for Competency Testing. Passing the exam enables students to work as surgical technologists in any location in the state of Oregon.

“This new program brings a positive solution to Douglas County by offering an opportunity for students to gain valuable skills that support our hospital. This program will produce students ready to step into our healthcare team which helps fill the needs of our growing healthcare opportunities. This is a win-win for Umpqua Community College and our healthcare community,” Russell J. Woolley, Market President, CHI Mercy Health, Roseburg, Oregon said.

Oregon currently faces a shortage of certified surgical technologists, forcing many hospitals and surgery centers to rely on registered nurses to fill gaps. With only four educational programs statewide and no programs available in southern Oregon, the number of graduates is insufficient to meet the projected need of 111 annual openings, according to the data provided by qualityinfo.org. 

“SOWIB is thrilled to collaborate on the development of this surgical technologist apprenticeship. Through extensive discussions with community partners and industry experts, it’s clear that Oregon faces a significant need for surgical technologists, and current training pathways are falling short. We are optimistic that this apprenticeship will help address workforce challenges employers are experiencing while providing apprentices with livable-wage jobs in a field they are passionate about,” Laura Pumphrey, Apprenticeship Manager, Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board said.

“We now have an open door for individuals who want to pursue a career as a surgical technologist, especially within southern Oregon,” UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt said. “It allows hospitals to train local talent, allows students to earn a good wage while completing their education, and eliminates the need for them to move outside of the area.”

The apprenticeship program is currently accepting applications from employers to become Training Agents, as well as applications from apprentices. Applications are accepted year-round with no submission deadline.

Learn more at: umpqua.edu/surgical-technologist