Fast-Track to the Frontline: Evaluating a Surgical Technology Program’s Response to a Workforce Shortage

Author

Jill Theresa DavisFollow

Year of Award

2024

Document Type

Professional Paper

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Name

Education

Department or School/College

PJW School of Education

Committee Chair

Morgen J Alwell, Ph.D.

Commitee Members

Trent Atkins, Ph.D., Paul Crockford, M.Ed.

Keywords

Surgical Technology, fast-track pilot, accelerated program, CST, healthcare workforce shortage

Subject Categories

Other Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

As the demand for Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) continues to grow, traditional educational pathways struggle to meet the urgent workforce needs within the healthcare sector. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of a pilot fast-track surgical technology program implemented at Missoula College, designed to expedite the training of surgical technologists while maintaining high educational standards. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, this study assesses both the quantitative outcomes and qualitative experiences of participants in the fast-track program compared to traditional pathways. Key findings indicate that the fast-track program not only reduces the time required for training but also adequately prepares students for immediate entry into the healthcare workforce without compromising the quality of education. The program effectively integrates innovative teaching methodologies, including asynchronous learning and experiential opportunities with industry partners, facilitating a smoother transition for students into professional roles. This study contributes to the discourse on educational reform in surgical technology by demonstrating that accelerated educational programs can be part of the solution to current CST workforce shortages. Recommendations for future research include exploring the scalability of fast-track programs and their long-term impacts on the surgical technology field. This evaluation underscores the potential of innovative educational strategies to significantly impact healthcare workforce development in response to evolving industry demands.

Recommended Citation

Davis, Jill Theresa, "Fast-Track to the Frontline: Evaluating a Surgical Technology Program’s Response to a Workforce Shortage" (2024). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12338.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12338