West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) Surgical Technology students recently traveled to Orlando, Florida, to attend the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) National Conference, where they demonstrated excellence, leadership, and professionalism on a national stage.

Students Liliana Lara, Ashland Linton, and Lyndsay Ward represented WGTC at the conference, participating in educational sessions, networking with surgical technology students and professionals from across the country, and competing in the AST Student Association (ASTSA) National Scrub Bowl.

WGTC earned an impressive third-place finish in the national competition, which challenged students with questions in key areas of surgical technology, including anatomy, pharmacology, microbiology, aseptic and sterile technique, surgical procedures, instrumentation, and perioperative care. The students competed against top-performing teams from technical and community colleges across the United States.

“WGTC was a fierce competitor and received many compliments for answering some of the most difficult questions,” said Nicol Bates, WGTC Surgical Technology Program Director. “I am excited that our students were able to attend the AST National Conference. It is an incredible opportunity for them to grow professionally, compete nationally, and gain insight into leadership roles within their future profession.”

Lara and Linton, who serve as president and secretary of WGTC’s Surgical Technology Club, the College Union of Surgical Technology Students (CUTS), also had the opportunity to attend the AST National Board meeting. There, they observed firsthand how professional organizations conduct official business, including policy amendments and national voting procedures.

The conference also featured keynote speakers and a variety of professional development sessions, giving students the chance to deepen their knowledge and build connections with peers and professionals from across the country.

For more information about WGTC’s Surgical Technology program, visit www.westgatech.edu.