To address a workforce gap, Fox Valley Technical College launched a Surgical Technology associate degree program in the fall of 2022. When the first class graduated in the spring of 2024, Madelyn Sonn was proud to be a part of this historic moment.
Less than one year in the workforce, Madelyn is a huge contributor to the safety and success found in the operating rooms where she works. She explains how FVTC prepared her for this hands-on career.
Tell us what you do in your role.
Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms by arranging equipment and assisting doctors during surgery.
I work at Aurora East Mequon and travel among a few different surgery centers. On average, I assist with about five surgeries per day, but it could be more depending on the specialty I am doing that day.
In the OR, I am responsible for setting up my tables with equipment and tools used during the procedure. I assist with draping the patient for the procedure, and gown and glove the surgeon. During the procedure, I assist the surgeon by helping retract, cauterize, suction and hand the proper tools needed during surgery.
Why did you choose Fox Valley Technical College?
I chose FVTC because I loved how much of a hands-on experience the program would be for me. I feel this is the best way to learn, especially in this field.
What did you enjoy most about FVTC?
Being a part of the first graduating surgical tech class offered at FVTC, there were a lot of fun memories that came along the way. Instructor Amber Nevala was an amazing teacher who was always coming up with fun hands-on lessons to help us learn as students. I also loved how Amber was previously a surgical tech, and she used her experience to teach us a lot of the ins and outs of the job.
FVTC also provided so much for us surgical tech students to make sure we received the proper training needed to be successful in a healthcare setting by ourselves. The college has a full mock operating room where we learned everything we needed to be prepared for our clinical experiences.
What advice would you give someone interested in Surgical Technology?
A career as a surgical tech is an excellent choice for those interested in healthcare and looking for a hands-on role in the operating room. Surgical technologists play a vital role in promoting patient safety and facilitating efficient surgical procedures. With the right education and certification, a commitment to patient care, and a willingness to work as part of a team, you can thrive in this profession. Being a surgical tech is such a rewarding career.
