JALC Ready and Able to Train Surgical Technicians to Meet State Demand
Published on March 25, 2025
As Illinois lawmakers move forward with SB 251 / HB 1598, legislation designed to improve the quality and certification of surgical technicians in the state, John A. Logan College (JALC) is ready to play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the operating room.
The bills require surgical technologists to graduate from an accredited program and maintain a national certification. Supporters, including JALC’s faculty and local healthcare professionals, are rallying behind the legislation as a necessary step toward ensuring safer surgeries and a better-trained healthcare workforce.
“This legislation is vital in ensuring that our local operating rooms are staffed with certified professionals, not just individuals with little to no formal surgical training,” said JALC Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing Dr. Kristin Yosanovich. “Requiring accreditation for surgical tech programs will ensure that hospitals don’t have to resort to training workers on the fly—making our surgeries safer and more efficient.”
Jennifer Jordan, a Surgical Technology Faculty Member at JALC, echoes Yosanovich ‘s sentiments. “Please help us pass this much-needed legislation in Illinois, which will require surgical technologists to graduate from accredited programs and maintain a national certification, ensuring that those working in our operating rooms have the highest level of training,” said Jordan.
John A. Logan College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December for a new state-of-the-art lab supporting Surgical Technology, previously offered through the Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market (SICCM).
About the Program:
JALC, with its comprehensive surgical technology program, stands ready to provide high-quality education and certification training to meet the needs of hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout southern Illinois. As hospitals and medical centers face the challenge of filling surgical technician positions with qualified candidates, JALC is positioned to be part of the solution by ensuring that surgical techs are trained and certified.
For more information on JALC’s Surgical Technology program, visit www.jalc.edu.