With the completion of the new Law Enforcement and Allied Health building at Manatee Technical Institute  (MTI) East this year, Manatee Technical Institute is offering a new health occupation program, Surgical Technology. This program is a 1330 hour course designed to prepare students for employment as surgical technologists.  This is an area of expertise vital to the functioning of the many surgery centers and operating rooms that exist in Manatee and neighboring counties.

This program was selected as a result of the many inquiries received from callers to our school asking if we offered the Surgical Tech program.  A needs assessment was developed and sent to local surgeons in hospital and surgery centers, which confirmed the need.  Several physicians responded and an advisory committee representing  personnel from surgery centers and hospitals was formed.

A first class of seventeen (17) students was started in January, 2008 with grant funding for teacher and equipment.  This class will complete in January, 2009. MTI plans to start another class  in January, 2009 and already more than twenty (20) students have applied.

The Surgical Technician instructor must be a board certified Surgical Technician with six years of successful full-time experience in the field.  This position is extremely important for the continuation and success of this new Surgical Technology program.

The Superintendent recommends approval to add one Surgical Technician Instructor position for Manatee Technical Institute (MTI).

Motion and approval to add one Surgical Technician Instructor position for Manatee Technical Institute (MTI).

This position would meet Board approved salary and benefits for an 11 month instructor.

Adult, Career and Technical Education Department

DW/ph

10/27/08