Programs of Historic Excellence

Two programs at Mount Aloysius College are celebrating milestones this year. The surgical technology program recently celebrated its 40th year and the radiography program is in its 25th year at the College.

“I think it’s a real testament to our students and faculty that the program has this longevity,” said Felicia Holliday, chair of the radiography program at Mount Aloysius. “I think our program has largely impacted healthcare in our area and even beyond.”

Both the surgical technology and radiography programs at Mount Aloysius require their students to participate in clinical rotations, where they work in the field in hospitals and clinics. This provides hands-on learning opportunities that aren’t possible in the classroom. Many who graduate from Mount Aloysius’ health science programs stay in the area.

“The hands-on experiences students get to learn in the lab setting prior to going to the clinical site is advantageous,” said Amanda Minor, surgical technology program director at the College. “Once our students get to the clinical site, they’re able to step right into the role of the surgical technologist and assist the surgeon on day one or two of their clinical experience.”

Healthcare is always changing thanks to emerging technology, and new healthcare workers need to be prepared to enter this ever-evolving field. Currently, there is a high demand for surgical technologists and Ms. Minor believes that this need will only grow as new technology, such as robotics, is introduced to the operating room.

“We have a much higher demand for our graduates with the operating room directors. They know that our students are well-trained and prepared to go into the operating room because of the increased rigor and required knowledge needed to succeed in Mount Aloysius’ program.”

Mount Aloysius students in the surgical technology and medical imaging programs regularly achieved a 100% pass rate on their certification exams, far exceeding the national average. With Mount Aloysius alumni working in organizations such as Penn Highlands, UMPC, the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the Cleaveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Hospital, they are using the skills learned at the College to serve those in their communities.

Even though the surgical technology and radiography programs have a long-standing history at Mount Aloysius, they are not planning to stop their innovation. Both intend to grow to not only address the developing trends of their fields, but also to meet the needs of their future patients.