TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation Surgical Technology Program graduated four students recently during a ceremony inside the Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center.
The program’s graduating class included the following: valedictorian Payton Blackford of Locust Grove, Okla.; Surgeon’s Helper Kendra Dashti of Dallas, Texas; Aydann Potts of Locust Grove; and Zachary Crow of Peggs, Okla.
“Congratulations to our newest class of surgical technologists. Programs like this one show what’s possible when we invest in our people, giving Cherokee citizens the training and opportunity to build careers close to home while strengthening the quality of care available across our health system,” said Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner. “We are proud of these four graduates and excited to see the impact they’ll make.”
The Surgical Technology Program prepares competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive-, skills-, and behavior-learning domains. A surgical technologist is an integral member of the surgical team, responsible for the preparation and handling of sterile supplies, equipment, and instruments while assisting the surgeon in their use. A surgical technologist may also assist the surgeon by performing tasks such as retracing incisions, cutting sutures, and utilizing suction to maintain a clear field of vision for the surgeon.
The program, accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, strives to fill surgical technologist positions in the Cherokee Nation’s healthcare system with educated and well-trained Cherokee people.
“These graduates have worked hard to build the skills and confidence needed to step into the operating room and make a difference,” said Surgical Technology Program Director Rochelle Lewis. “We’re excited to see them begin their careers and contribute to the future of healthcare in our communities.”
All four graduates of the Cherokee Nation Surgical Technology Program passed the Nation Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting CST Certification Exam.
“My favorite experience from being a part of this program is how we all came together like our own little family,” said Blackford. “Everyone was just great. Our instructors were always there for us and were willing to answer any questions we had. The support you feel from being in this program is just amazing.”
This is the 27th graduating class for the Cherokee Nation Surgical Technology Program, which has graduated a total of 106 students since 2011.
For more information about the Surgical Technology Program, visit https://www.cherokee.org/all-services/career-services/surgical-technology-program/.