At the Sacramento K-16 Collaborative, we’re dedicated to fostering educational opportunities that connect K-12, higher education, and industry. Today, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Sierra College’s innovative Surgical Technician Program, a key initiative funded by the Career Pathways Workgroup with a $217,000 grant for FY24. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and training needed for high-wage, in-demand careers in the healthcare sector.
Creating High-Wage Job Opportunities
The one-year Surgical Technician Program at Sierra College is making significant strides toward helping students secure careers in a growing field. By June 2025, Sierra College plans to launch a dual enrollment/CTE dashboard that will connect K-12 education directly with higher education, providing students with an integrated pathway into careers in surgical technology. This initiative is part of our broader goal to enhance workforce development in the region and create access to high-paying careers for students at all levels.
Key Milestones and Accomplishments
The team at Sierra College has been hard at work on several key components of the program, and we’re thrilled to highlight the progress made so far:
- Curriculum Development: The curriculum for the Surgical Technician Program has been written and approved, laying the foundation for a comprehensive, hands-on educational experience.
- Partnerships with Industry Leaders: Sierra College has partnered with major healthcare providers, including Kaiser, Sutter Health, Dignity Health, and UC Davis, ensuring the program aligns with industry standards and provides students with real-world insights into the field of surgical technology.
- Accreditation Process: The program has completed research into accreditation and is poised to move forward with the necessary steps to ensure that students receive certification that meets the highest professional standards.
- Instructor Recruitment and Industry Collaboration: The college is in the process of hiring qualified instructors to teach the program and is also exploring ongoing collaborations with healthcare industry partners to provide consulting services and additional staff support.
- Equipment and Instrument Acquisition: Sierra College is working on ordering the specialized equipment required for the program, ensuring students gain hands-on experience with the tools they will use in the field.
- Program Promotion: The Surgical Technician Program is being actively promoted through Sierra College’s Distance Education and Allied Health Introductory courses, sparking interest among students eager to pursue a career in healthcare.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Students and Industry
As Sierra College continues to develop this exciting program, the benefits extend beyond students – they will have the opportunity to enter one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy, with a clear path to high-wage job opportunities. Through the collaboration between K-12, higher education, and industry, we’re building a stronger, more connected workforce that meets the needs of our region’s healthcare sector.
At the Sacramento K-16 Collaborative, we’re proud to support Sierra College’s efforts and look forward to the continued success of the Surgical Technician Program. Stay tuned for more updates as we follow this program’s journey and celebrate the ways it is transforming education and careers for our community!
