Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Andrea Bowser

Trafford,PA

Summary

Driven Surgical Technologist offering 9 years' experience in ambulatory and hospital settings. Well-versed in trauma orthopedics, total joint replacement, general surgery, neuro surgery procedures. Familiar with Mako, Mazur and DaVinci robots and educating staff on new policies, procedures and equipment. Eager to take next career step with growing organization offering opportunities for professional development and advancement.


Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Surgical Technology Instructor

Great Lakes Institute of Technology
10.2024 - Current
  • Delivered engaging curriculum through diverse methods of classroom instruction, computer lab activities and online learning systems.
  • Delivered clear, effective feedback to improve quality and efficiency of student-written computer programs.
  • Met with students outside of class to answer questions, explain difficult concepts, and address individual concerns.
  • Used lectures, demonstrations and discussions to instruct students individually and in small groups.
  • Compiled reading lists and other relevant assignments to bolster student understanding of class concepts.
  • Composed course syllabus to clearly outline curriculum, expectations, and deadlines at beginning of course.

Surgical Technology Instructor

Westmoreland Community College
08.2024 - Current
  • Attended faculty meetings and professional development opportunities to stay abreast of current teaching strategies and content knowledge related to surgical technology.
  • Created clear, engaging lessons to draw interest and develop students skills.
  • Implemented instructional accommodations as required to maintain compliance with ADA requirements.
  • Developed accurate course description and select high-quality learning materials to maintain consistency across different course sections.
  • Met with students outside of class to answer questions, explain difficult concepts, and address individual concerns.
  • Conducted lab for on hands learning.
  • Delivered engaging curriculum through diverse methods of classroom instruction, computer lab activities and online learning systems.
  • Compiled reading lists and other relevant assignments to bolster student understanding of class concepts.
  • Maintained orderly classroom stocked with appropriate supplies.

Travel Certified Surgical Technologist

Trustaff-Reston Hospital Center
06.2024 - 08.2024
  • Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
  • Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
  • Demonstrated adaptability when faced with emergency situations or unexpected complications during surgeries, providing prompt support to surgical teams.
  • Expedited surgery room turnover times by swiftly preparing operating rooms for subsequent surgeries, maximizing efficiency within the department.
  • Enhanced patient safety by maintaining a sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
  • Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.

Travel Certified Surgical Technologist

American Mobile Healthcare AHN WestPenn Hospital
02.2024 - 05.2024
  • Enhanced patient safety by maintaining sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
  • Performed accurate instrument counts, preventing potential surgical complications due to retained items.
  • Contributed to reduced infection rates by diligently practicing proper sterilization techniques for instruments and equipment.
  • Expanded knowledge of surgical procedures through continuous professional development, staying current with industry advancements.
  • Demonstrated adaptability when faced with emergency situations or unexpected complications during surgeries, providing prompt support to surgical teams.
  • Ensured proper handling of specimens during surgeries, aiding in accurate diagnostic results for patients.
  • Maintained high infection control standards.
  • Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
  • Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
  • Collected, prepared and disposed of medical specimens.

Travel Certified Surgical Technologist

Prolink Staffing, Marietta Memorial Hsopital
12.2023 - 02.2024
  • Enhanced patient safety by maintaining a sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
  • Assisted surgeons in complex procedures, ensuring efficient completion and minimized complications.
  • Performed accurate instrument counts, preventing potential surgical complications due to retained items.
  • Contributed to reduced infection rates by diligently practicing proper sterilization techniques for instruments and equipment.
  • Expanded knowledge of surgical procedures through continuous professional development, staying current with industry advancements.
  • Created unobstructive operative fields by using retractors, sponges, and suction and irrigating equipment.
  • Created safe operating environments for invasive and non-invasive procedures.
  • Maintained high infection control standards.
  • Managed operating room setup by cleaning and sterilizing instruments and surfaces, maintaining supply inventories, and organizing surgical tools.

Travel Certified Surgical Technologist

AMN Agency, UPMC Altoona Hospital
09.2023 - 12.2023
  • Level II Trauma
  • Performed initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts using circulator
  • Sponged or suctioned operative sites
  • Organized ORs for new surgeries by following specific surgeon's preference card
  • Cut suture material as directed by surgeon
  • Coordinated camera and changed out robotic arms during endoscopic surgeries
  • Completed patient skin prep before draping by sterile surgical team
  • Measured and passed medications, hemostatic agents and irrigation solutions utilized during surgical procedures
  • Set up back tables and stands with instruments, supplies and medications needed for procedures.
  • Created safe operating environments for invasive and non-invasive procedures.
  • Maintained high infection control standards.
  • Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
  • Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
  • Controlled bleeding during procedures by applying hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures and electrocautery equipment.

Surgical Technology Program Director

South College
10.2022 - 06.2023
  • As program director, I was responsible for overseeing the Surgical Technology Program
  • I applied for accreditation, ordered all lab material, taught classes.
  • Enhanced students'' technology skills by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world applications into lessons.
  • Developed engaging curriculum content, resulting in increased student interest and understanding of technology concepts.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary lesson plans that integrated technology components, fostering a well-rounded education for students.
  • Increased student proficiency in various software programs through targeted instruction and practice exercises.
  • Assessed students'' technology competencies and tailored instructional strategies to address individual needs, promoting skill development for all learners.
  • Continuously updated personal knowledge of emerging technologies, ensuring relevant and up-to-date instruction for students.
  • Delivered engaging curriculum through diverse methods of classroom instruction, computer lab activities and online learning systems.
  • Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
  • Monitored program performance to identify areas for improvement.
  • Coordinated budgeting, scheduling and resource allocation to facilitate smooth flow of operations.

Travel Certified Surgical Technologist

AMN Agency
08.2022 - 10.2022
  • Utilize proper aseptic technique and practices standard precautions
  • Before an operation, help to prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions
  • Assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment
  • Adjust and check equipment to ensure it is working properly
  • Sets up the operating room with all necessary instruments and supplies
  • Sets up back table and mayo stand for procedures
  • Assists with prepping, draping and surgical timeout
  • Label all medication and solutions on the surgical field
  • During surgery, efficiently pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants
  • Hold retractors or instruments, cut sutures, sponge, or suction the operative site and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments
  • Serves as a resource to other staff members, precepts students and new employees
  • Assist in the preparation, care for, and disposal of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and helps apply dressings
  • Experience with Da Vinci, Mako robots.
  • Created unobstructive operative fields by using retractors, sponges, and suction and irrigating equipment.
  • Maintained high infection control standards.
  • Operated, adjusted, and monitored diagnostic equipment and other machines used during procedures.
  • Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
  • Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
  • Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
  • Created safe operating environments for invasive and non-invasive procedures.

Surgical Technology Instructor/ Clinical Coordinator

Pittsburgh Career Institute
07.2021 - 08.2022
  • Taught classes
  • Supervised clinical students at their sites
  • Kept all necessary paperwork
  • Did weekly visits to clinical sites
  • Prepared students for certification exam.
  • Enhanced students'' technology skills by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world applications into lessons.
  • Increased student proficiency in various software programs through targeted instruction and practice exercises.
  • Assessed students'' technology competencies and tailored instructional strategies to address individual needs, promoting skill development for all learners.
  • Continuously updated personal knowledge of emerging technologies, ensuring relevant and up-to-date instruction for students.

Surgical Technologist

Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital
01.2021 - 07.2021
  • Assists with prepping, draping, and surgical timeout
  • During surgery, efficiently pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants
  • Hold retractors or instruments, cut sutures, sponge or suction the operative site and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments
  • Serves as a resource to other staff members and new employees
  • Utilize proper aseptic technique and practices standard precautions
  • Assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves
  • Before a procedure, help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, and sterile drapes
  • Assemble sterile and non-sterile equipment
  • Adjust and check equipment to ensure it is working properly
  • Set up the operating room with all necessary instruments and supplies
  • Sets up back table and mayo stand for procedures.

Senior Surgical Technologist

UPMC Magee Women
09.2018 - 09.2020
  • Utilize proper aseptic technique and practices standard precautions
  • Assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves
  • Before an operation, help to prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions
  • Assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment
  • Adjust and check equipment to ensure it is working properly
  • Sets up the operating room with all necessary instruments and supplies
  • Sets up back table and mayo stand for procedures
  • Assists with prepping, draping and surgical timeout
  • Label all medication and solutions on the surgical field
  • During surgery, efficiently pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants
  • Hold retractors or instruments, cut sutures, sponge or suction the operative site and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments
  • Serves as a resource to other staff members; precepts students and new employees
  • Assist in the preparation, care for, and disposal of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and helps apply dressings
  • Experience with Da Vinci, Mako robots
  • When at Magee would take shifts down in OB to scrub for C-Sections.

Surgical Technician II

Allegheny Health Network Forbes Hospital
01.2016 - 09.2018
  • Utilize proper aseptic technique and practices standard precautions
  • Assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves
  • Before an operation, help to prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions
  • Assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment
  • Adjust and check equipment to ensure it is working properly
  • Sets up the operating room with all necessary instruments and supplies
  • Sets up back table and mayo stand for procedures
  • Assists with prepping, draping and surgical timeout
  • Label all medication and solutions on the surgical field
  • During surgery, efficiently pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants
  • Hold retractors or instruments, cut sutures, sponge or suction the operative site and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments
  • Serves as a resource to other staff members; precepts students and new employees
  • Assist in the preparation, care for, and disposal of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and helps apply dressings
  • Experience with DaVinci, Mazur and Mako robots.

Surgical Technician

UPMC Passavent Hospital
06.2015 - 01.2016
  • Utilize proper aseptic technique and practices standard precautions
  • Sets up the operating room with all necessary instruments and supplies
  • Performs all sponge, needle and instrument counts
  • Assist with patient positioning, prepping, draping and the surgical timeout
  • Anticipates the needs of the surgical team.
  • Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
  • Used sutures, staples, clips and other tools to close wounds.
  • Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Health-Sciences

Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
11.2022

Associate, Science Degree - Surgical Technology

Pittsburgh Technical Institute
Oakdale, PA
07.2015

Skills

  • Student Records Management
  • Classroom Management
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Policy Implementation
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Group and Individual Instruction
  • Manage sterile field
  • Prepare instruments
  • Position patients
  • Multitasking
  • Trauma
  • Pre- and post-surgical counts
  • Pre-surgical preparation
  • Infection control protocols

Certification

  • Certified Surgical Technologist, 160503, 06/2025
  • CPR/AED, American Heart Association Healthcare Provider, 09/2024
  • BLS American Heart Association

Additional Information

  • Trauma
  • Mako Robot
  • Mazur Robot
  • Vascular
  • Neuro Surgery
  • OB
  • ENT
  • General Surgery
  • Trauma Orthopedics

Timeline

Surgical Technology Instructor

Great Lakes Institute of Technology
10.2024 - Current

Surgical Technology Instructor

Westmoreland Community College
08.2024 - Current

Travel Certified Surgical Technologist

Trustaff-Reston Hospital Center
06.2024 - 08.2024

Travel Certified Surgical Technologist

American Mobile Healthcare AHN WestPenn Hospital
02.2024 - 05.2024

Travel Certified Surgical Technologist

Prolink Staffing, Marietta Memorial Hsopital
12.2023 - 02.2024

Travel Certified Surgical Technologist

AMN Agency, UPMC Altoona Hospital
09.2023 - 12.2023

Surgical Technology Program Director

South College
10.2022 - 06.2023

Travel Certified Surgical Technologist

AMN Agency
08.2022 - 10.2022

Surgical Technology Instructor/ Clinical Coordinator

Pittsburgh Career Institute
07.2021 - 08.2022

Surgical Technologist

Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital
01.2021 - 07.2021

Senior Surgical Technologist

UPMC Magee Women
09.2018 - 09.2020

Surgical Technician II

Allegheny Health Network Forbes Hospital
01.2016 - 09.2018

Surgical Technician

UPMC Passavent Hospital
06.2015 - 01.2016

Bachelor of Science - Health-Sciences

Southern New Hampshire University

Associate, Science Degree - Surgical Technology

Pittsburgh Technical Institute
  • Certified Surgical Technologist, 160503, 06/2025
  • CPR/AED, American Heart Association Healthcare Provider, 09/2024
  • BLS American Heart Association
Andrea Bowser