West Virginia University at Parkersburg is celebrating National Surgical Technologists Week, Sept. 15-21, along with professionals around the country to educate the community about the vital role surgical technologists play in the health care field.

National Surgical Technologists Week is promoted by the Association of Surgical Technologists to celebrate and honor the profession. The theme of this year’s observance is “Surg Tech Superhero.”

To celebrate, WVU Parkersburg surgical technology program students will deliver appreciation bags and posters to local health care partners in the Mid-Ohio Valley as a thank you for their hard work and dedication to providing excellent patient care. The students will also decorate the college’s sidewalks with chalk art and paint rocks to hide on campus and throughout the community.

Along with these activities, the surgical technology program will host a winter clothing drive, from Sept. 16 – Oct. 18, for the local street ministry, Momma T and the Warriors, to help provide clothing to people in need in the community.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, faculty and students will attend the West Virginia State Assembly of Surgical Technologists in Morgantown to learn more about the profession and network with others in the field.

“National Surgical Technologists Week is not only a fun week of activities for our students, but a great chance to celebrate and promote our profession,” said Amy West, assistant professor and surgical technology program director, WVU Parkersburg. “We show our clinical sites and preceptors how much we appreciate them.”

WVU Parkersburg offers a 16-month associate degree program in surgical technology nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Graduates who successfully complete the program are prepared to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting exam to become certified surgical technologists.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s surgical technology program, contact the Center for Student Services at admissions@wvup.edu or 304-424-8210.