The surgical technology program at Northern Michigan University has received national accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs announced the decision last month. It will increase the marketability of current and prospective students because, beginning in March 2000, only graduates of accredited programs will be eligible to take the national certification exam. Many employers only consider applicants who are certified or certification-eligible. They fmd these people are of a higher caliber, and it's more cost-effective to hire someone who is trained than to train someone on the job.
Surgical technologists are responsible for maintaining a sterile field for surgical procedures.
Historically, registered nurses carried out these responsibilities. That's where the job started. But that has changed. Kontio, who worked in the field for 24 years, said the demand has reached a critical level nationwide. The pay scale varies by state.