Buckeye Hills Career Center’s (BHCC) Surgical Technology program held a Pinning Ceremony on Thursday, January 9, 2025, celebrating thirteen students for their accomplishments in successfully completing BHCC’s Surgical Technology program.
The Surgical Technology program consists of 1,342 hours of training including lab and clinical experience. During their clinical experience, students exercise the skills they learn in a variety of hospital settings including the operating room, obstetrics, and central supply. Clinicals were completed at 12 locations throughout the region.
The ceremony opened with the presentation of students. Rebecca Polinsky, BSHCA, CST, BHCC’s Director of Surgical Technology program, welcomed all in attendance and addressed the Surgical Technology students, “Empowered with knowledge, skilled in precision—today, you step into the future of saving lives, and I am so proud to be a small part of this incredible journey with you.”
The Surgical Technology program staff was then introduced: Jessica Blevins, clinical coordinator and instructor; Erin Kern, clinical and classroom instructor; and Jennifer Spetnagel, clinical and classroom instructor.
Students Kaitlyn Walters and Tristen Johnson shared speeches with their fellow classmates and audience.
The following awards were then presented: Perfect Attendance Award – Maleah Williams; Highest GPA Award – Nicholas D’Angelo; 1st Semester Clinical Award – Nicholas D’Angelo and Kaitlyn Walters; 2nd Semester Clinical Award – Ashtyn Johnson and Jessica Swain; Buckeye Award – Jessica Swain; Leadership Award – Leslie Fyffe.
Following the presentation of awards, Dave Osborne from O’Bleness Hospital gave the keynote address.
The ceremony concluded with the pinning ceremony and presentation of certificates. Students that received pins included Victoria Bradbury, Nicholas D’Angelo, Leslie Fyffe, Savanna Garrison, Kamryn Graham, Brianna Grass, Ashtyn Johnson, Tristen Johnson, Brinley Patton, Caleb Pearson, Jessica Swain, Kaitlyn Walters, and Maleah Williams.
The January 2024 Surgical Technology cohort welcome the very first early placement student, Kaitlyn Walters. High school students enrolled in the Health Academy pathway at Buckeye Hills Career Center have the unique opportunity to begin the Surgical Technology program during the second semester of their senior year.
The students are now eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
The Surgical Technology program is held twice annually with 45-week cohorts beginning in January and July. Enrollment for the July 2025 cohort will open mid-February.