FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2025
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Pierpont Community & Technical College has received a $300,000 WV Advance Grant from the West Virginia Community & Technical College System to establish a comprehensive Surgical Technology workforce training program at its Advanced Technology Center in Fairmont. The initiative addresses a critical shortage of surgical technologists in North Central West Virginia and creates accessible pathways for students and healthcare professionals seeking career advancement.
“This investment trains skilled surgical technologists for hospitals that need talent now,” said Dr. Michael Waide, Interim President of Pierpont. “The program expands opportunity for students, supports local employers, and strengthens access to quality care in North Central West Virginia. Pierpont is proud to work side by side with industry partners to grow talent and build a strong healthcare future for our communities.”
The program will provide a direct pathway to Pierpont’s Health Science Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, offering graduates a clear route for continued education and career growth. Students will train in state-of-the-art simulation labs, complete clinical rotations at regional healthcare facilities, and receive accelerated instruction in surgical procedures, anatomy, microbiology, and sterile technique. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam and the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential.
Pierpont anticipates training and graduating 36 surgical technologists annually with a 95 percent job placement rate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for surgical technologists is projected to grow by 6 percent through 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations, underscoring the urgency of this initiative.
“This training is a natural extension of Pierpont’s commitment to workforce-driven education,” said David Beighley, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “By integrating advanced simulation technology with clinical partnerships, we’re creating an academic experience that mirrors the realities of modern healthcare. Students won’t just learn surgical procedures; they’ll develop critical thinking and adaptability that employers value. Graduates will enter the workforce with nationally recognized credentials and the skills to make an immediate impact on patient care.”
The curriculum aligns with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) standards and prepares students for certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).
Amy Cunningham, Dean of Pierpont’s School of Health Sciences, highlighted the program’s comprehensive design. “From accelerated classroom instruction to hands-on training with advanced surgical simulators, every component is built for real-world application,” Cunningham said. “Students will gain clinical experience at regional healthcare facilities, benefit from flexible scheduling options, and have clear opportunities for career advancement, including pathways for LPNs, EMTs, and other healthcare professionals ready to take the next step.”
Regional partners, including the Region VI Workforce Development Board, the Monongalia County Technical Education Center (MTEC), and the Monongahela Valley Association of Health Centers, have pledged their support for this initiative. Major employers, including WVU Medicine, United Hospital Center, Fairmont Regional Medical Center, and Mon Health System, have indicated immediate hiring needs and are committed to providing employment opportunities for graduates.
Upon completion, graduates can expect competitive starting wages ranging from $18 to $22 per hour, translating to annual salaries between $37,440 and $45,760. Experienced surgical technologists can earn between $22 and $28 per hour, or up to $58,240 annually, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For more information about Pierpont’s healthcare and workforce programs, visit pierpont.edu.
Pierpont Community & Technical College is dedicated to providing accessible, responsive, and quality education to students and businesses throughout North Central West Virginia. With a focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers a wide range of academic programs and industry-focused training opportunities to support the region’s economic and workforce needs.
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