Your Future in Surgical Technology

At South College, the future of pharmacy is being written every day. With an accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, dual lIf you’ve ever found yourself staring into bright surgical lights before drifting off under anesthesia, chances are a surgical technologist was standing just beyond your view—masked, focused, and ready to support the surgeon in every precise movement. These professionals are the unsung heroes of the operating room, and at South College, they’re trained by one of the most passionate advocates for the field, Chris Blevins, Senior Department Chair of Surgical Technology.
In a recent episode of Live From South College, Blevins joined host Kathleen Stockham to shed light on this fascinating, fast-paced profession and the program that’s preparing the next generation of surgical techs to thrive in the OR.

The Unseen but Essential Professionals
“Surgical technology isn’t a profession most people recognize,” Blevins explains. “And that’s because our patients are usually asleep.” From the moment a patient is wheeled into the operating room, the surgical technologist becomes part of the sterile team essential to every operation.
Before the first incision, surgical technologists are already hard at work—preparing sterile instruments, organizing supplies, and ensuring everything is perfectly ready for the surgeon. Once anesthesia begins and the patient drifts off, their real work starts: maintaining a sterile field, passing instruments, assisting with retraction, and anticipating the surgeon’s every move.
“You come to us drugged and you leave us unconscious,” Blevins laughs. “So you never really know who we are—but you can trust that we’ve been there, protecting you every second you’re in that room.”

Adrenaline, Precision, and Purpose
For those drawn to intensity and teamwork, surgical technology offers the best of both worlds. “If you have a little adrenaline junkie in you,” Blevins says, “this field is incredible. Every day is different.”
Blevins’ career has spanned everything from liver transplants and cardiovascular procedures to labor and delivery. “One day you’re assisting on a C-section, the next day you’re part of a transplant team. It’s challenging, it’s creative, and it’s deeply rewarding,” she explains.
But she’s also quick to stress the discipline and detail required: “If I contaminate a sterile field, that could cause an infection a patient might not recover from. The stakes are high—and that’s what makes it noble. We must be perfect in the operating room.”

Training for Excellence at South College
South College’s Surgical Technology program is built to instill that same precision from day one. Students are introduced to the real world of surgery early through simulation tools, surgical video platforms like Incision and JOMI, and instructors with decades of experience in the OR.
“Nothing we do is theoretical,” Blevins says. “Our students count, prep, and practice until it’s second nature. Nobody’s mom deserves to be a guinea pig.”
Counting, one of the most critical responsibilities in surgery, is a major focus. From needles to sponges to surgical instruments, every item used during a procedure must be meticulously tracked. “Souvenirs are bad in the OR,” she jokes. “Our students learn that what goes in must come out—and we practice that constantly.”

From Fear to Confidence
For new students, that first exposure to surgery can be intimidating. “We never shy away from it,” Blevins notes. “We talk about anatomy, we show real footage, and we demystify the process.”
Television depictions of chaotic operating rooms, she explains, couldn’t be further from the truth. “Real surgery is a beautifully orchestrated dance. Everyone knows their role, and it’s all about teamwork and patient safety.”

Technology That Brings the OR to Life
At South College, the learning experience extends far beyond textbooks. The program’s laparoscopic simulation tools give students hands-on practice with minimally invasive techniques that define modern surgery.
“About 75% of surgeries today are done laparoscopically,” says Blevins. “That means long instruments, small incisions, and a camera. The surgical technologist is literally the surgeon’s eyes.”
Students use simulators that replicate real laparoscopic environments, developing the hand-eye coordination and precision needed in live operations. “They put in their AirPods, get into a rhythm, and practice until they’ve mastered it,” she adds with a smile. “They thrive.

A Program on the Rise
The growth of South College’s Surgical Technology program across its campuses has been remarkable, and Blevins attributes that to reputation, quality, and heart.
“There’s a national shortage of surgical technologists,” she says. “Hospitals need help—but they need exceptional help. Our graduates leave prepared, professional, and ready to make a difference.”
Blevins credits her dedicated faculty for that success. “We have incredible instructors at every campus. They care deeply about their students, and it shows. We offer one-on-one lab appointments, open lab time, and mentorship. The students feel supported—and when you combine that with skill and heart, that’s when programs grow.”

From Student to Leader
The bond between Blevins and her students extends far beyond graduation. Many of her graduates have gone on to nursing school, PA school, or even returned to teach alongside her. “I always give them a chance to leave,” she laughs, “but they keep coming back. That’s the best feeling in the world.”
When she’s not leading programs across the country, Blevins co-hosts a national podcast called First Case, where she discusses all things surgery and medicine. She’s also a national speaker, lifelong learner, and mom of four. “I don’t stop much,” she admits, “but I’m so grateful for the opportunities I have—and I try to pay it forward every chance I get.”

No Crying in the OR—Only Purpose
Blevins’ journey into surgical technology began unexpectedly after a life-altering car accident derailed her plans to attend medical school. A family connection led her to the OR—and to an unforgettable moment that changed her life forever.
“The surgeon grabbed my hand, placed it inside a patient, and said, ‘Don’t move,’” she recalls. “I could feel the patient’s heartbeat, and I started crying right there. That was the moment I knew—this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
Today, she channels that same awe and respect into every class she teaches and every student she mentors. “There’s no crying in the OR,” she says with a laugh, “but there’s a whole lot of heart.”

Find Your Place in the OR
For anyone drawn to medicine, teamwork, and precision, surgical technology offers a direct path into the heart of patient care. And South College provides the hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world readiness to get there.
As Blevins says, “Our graduates aren’t just ready for a job—they’re ready for a calling.”

Ready to explore your future in Surgical Technology?