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HGTC Surgical Technology Team Members and Professors display their 1st Place National Trophy.
(left to right) Erin Ivey, HGTC Assistant Chair and Professor of Surgical Technology; Rebecca Yates, HGTC Surgical Technology Student; Samantha Kemmerer, HGTC Surgical Technology Student; Cheyenne Mallery, HGTC Surgical Technology Student; Karey Covington, HGTC Associate Professor/Clinical Coordinator Surgical Technology
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is thrilled to announce Surgical Technology students were awarded 1st place national honors in the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) National Scrub Bowl Championship. This prestigious event was held at the 54th Annual AST Surgical Technology Conference in Denver, Colorado, from May 30 to June 1, 2024.
The National Scrub Bowl Championship is a highly competitive event that tests the knowledge and skills of surgical technology students from across the country. HGTC was the only college representing South Carolina and a fierce competitor beating out more than twelve (12) four-year and two-year schools that qualified for the Bowl. Cabarrus College in North Carolina took the second-place prize, and Blackhawk Technical College in Wisconsin received the third-place position. HGTC Surgical Technology students competed against other technical colleges and community colleges from across the nation. Other participating colleges included Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana, Houston Community College in Texas, and Monroe Community College in New York just to name a few.
Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President, expressed immense pride in the students' achievement. "This is a remarkable accomplishment for our Surgical Technology program and a proud moment for our entire College community. Our students have demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge, and their success at the national level underscores the quality of education and training provided by our dedicated faculty. We are committed to continuing to support our students as they pursue excellence in their chosen fields."
The victorious team from HGTC includes Samantha Kemmerer, Cheyenne Mallery, and Rebecca Yates, who showcased their expertise and teamwork in a series of rigorous challenges that culminated in their well-deserved first-place win. Their achievement not only highlights their individual talents but also brings national recognition to HGTC and its Surgical Technology program.
“Our students' outstanding performance is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the exceptional education they receive at HGTC. Students were given the rules for the tournament just one week prior to the event. During this competition, students were presented with categories that covered Preoperative, Intraoperative, Postoperative, Anatomy, Microbiology, and Surgical Procedures. Each team raced against the clock to answer as many questions in these categories as they could before the buzzer. The competition was fierce and our students who are only in their second semester of training were up against teams that were seniors and would be graduating in a few short weeks and sitting for their National Board exams,” said Erin Ivey, HGTC Assistant Chair and Professor of Surgical Technology.
HGTC’s Associate in Applied Science Surgical Technology degree prepares skilled students to enter the healthcare environment as surgical technologists. Graduates work with other healthcare members, performing duties vital for surgical patient safety and care during operative procedures, such as preparing and maintaining sterile fields; passing instruments, sutures, and sponges; and functioning as a key part of the surgical team. Students are trained in aseptic techniques, medical-equipment nomenclature, and human anatomy for the operating room. HGTC's Surgical Technology program provides students with classroom study, laboratory practice, and clinical experience.
Registration is underway for the Fall Semester with ZERO Tuition programs available.
For more information about the Surgical Technology program or other programs at HGTC, visit www.hgtc.edu or call 843-347-3186.