September 21-22, 2000

ITEM 108-2851-R0900  Approval of Proposal to Implement a Surgical Technology Certificate Program; Montana State University College of Technology - Great Falls

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorize Montana State University College of Technology-Great Falls to award a certificate to any student who completes the required curriculum in Surgical Technology.

EXPLANATION: In requesting authorization to offer this certificate program, Montana State University College of Technology-Great Falls is responding to requests by health care providers in the Great Falls region and in central and eastern Montana for personnel who are specially trained to function as the sterile member of the surgical team, providing patient care before, during, and after surgery. A needs assessment conducted for Montana State University College of Technology-Great Falls indicates strong support for a program in Great Falls from health care providers east of the Continental Divide. Several providers report that the shortage of surgical technologists that they are experiencing is severe. The salaries and other benefits of employment as surgical technologists make this an attractive career choice. According to Americas Career InfoNet, the average hourly wage of surgical technologists in Montana is $11.21; nationally, the average hourly wage in this field is $12.39.

ATTACHMENT: Proposal