LRSC and Altru partner to deliver Surgical Technology program
Erin Wood
LRSC

Altru Health System and Lake Region State College are partnering to educate surgical technologists.

Lake Region State College recently received approval to offer a certificate in Surgical Technology from the North Dakota University System, ND State Board of Higher Education, and LRSC’s accrediting agency. The 36-credit certificate will launch this August.   

“This program addresses a crucial healthcare need. Surgical technology is an integral component of efficient and safe surgical procedures,” said Dr. Carmen Simone, Interim President of Lake Region State College.

The program will be offered using both the apprenticeship and collegiate model. Theory courses will be online, and the lab/clinical experiences completed inside Altru’s facilities. While some Surgical Technology students will be employees of Altru when starting their classes, others will enroll as traditional students.  

As hospitals and surgical centers continue to grow, the demand for these skilled individuals remains strong. The work they do is vital to supporting patient care and improving outcomes.

“We are excited to work with a great academic partner in LRSC. They understand the current healthcare employment climate and are actively looking for ways to help.  This program provides an easy path into a great career.  We are elated about how this will serve our patients and our community,” said Cory Geffre, Altru’s EVP of Hospital Operations & Chief Nursing Officer.

Those interested in applying for the Surgical Technology program should contact Lisa Howard at Lisa.Howard@lrsc.edu or 701.662.1644.

Altru Health System’s partnership with Lake Region State College marks a significant step in addressing the growing demand for surgical technologists by launching a new certificate program approved by the North Dakota University System and accrediting bodies. The program combines classroom theory delivered online with practical, hands-on training inside Altru’s facilities, ensuring that students gain both the academic foundation and clinical experience needed for success. By offering both an apprenticeship and traditional collegiate path, the initiative opens doors for current healthcare employees as well as new students seeking a rewarding career.

As healthcare systems expand, the need for trained surgical technologists becomes increasingly urgent, highlighting the importance of programs that align education with real-world workforce needs. Just as future professionals rely on evidence-based knowledge to deliver safe and effective care, individuals navigating personal health decisions also benefit from reliable resources, such as trusted information about Viagra treatment, which underscores the broader value of accessible and accurate guidance in supporting overall well-being.

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