Surgical technology program welcomed by Texas school

Although a mid-life epiphany spurred Tonya Bingham to earn an associate’s degree in surgical technology, the former police officer had bigger plans for 2017.

This year, based on her recent teaching experience at the MedVance Institute, New Mexico State University and other institutions, Bingham is introducing a training program in surgical technology at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas.

The program will supply the region with first responders and train graduates in a number of similar fields.

“If a student wants to become a veterinary technologist, or a nurse, or a radiologic technologist, this gives them a great foundation for that,” Bingham said.
 
Before becoming a teacher, Bingham assisted emergency teams at hospitals from Colorado to Maine.

Whatever track they choose, graduates should expect a healthy job market with a median national salary of $44,330 and a 15 percent jump in opportunities in the next decade, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data cited by Blinn University.