Conemaugh School of Allied Health Graduates 14 Students

In recent weeks, the Conemaugh School of Allied Health graduated 14 medical professionals, many of whom will continue to serve the local community. Of the recent graduates, eight completed training at the School of Histotechnology and six trained at the School of Surgical Technology.

Among the Histotechnology graduates, two have decided to continue their careers with Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center including Inger Brix and Sydney Distefano. Brix is a Virginia native and a Colorado State University graduate. A Westmont resident, Distefano is a Pennsylvania Highlands Community College graduate. Among the Surgical Technology graduates, Emily Becker, Macy Bowser, and Christina Morris are the recipients of the 1889 Foundation scholarships, which were awarded based on clinical preceptor evaluations and didactic achievement. All three will remain with the Conemaugh Health System, which has also retained Hollidaysburg native Alexis Stevens. All of the students earned associate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting has announced a 100% pass rate for Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center’s Program for Surgical Technology, Class of 2020-2021. The CST examination is a fully accredited examination by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. The program has received a 100% pass rate for first attempts for thirteen of the last fourteen years.

“Our Allied Health programs provide excellent academic training combined with unique on-site learning experiences to grow and develop the next generation of medical professionals serving our community," said Bonnie Mazurak-Riga, DNP, MBA, RN, and Director of Conemaugh School of Nursing and Allied Health Programs.

Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the Conemaugh School of Histotechnology provides comprehensive education for Histotechnologists who help guide clinicians in diagnosis centering the microscopic detention utilizing reagents, dyes, and chemicals. The two year program provides theoretical and clinical laboratory training preparing students to excel as laboratory scientists, supervisors, specialists, and educators. For more information, visit Conemaugh.org/Education or contact Gerard Campagna.

The School of Surgical Technology program features a five semester, 21-month accredited program which teaches students the knowledge, skills, and affective behaviors of a competent entry-level Surgical Technologist where they will provide care in a responsible, accountable manner and within ethical-legal dimensions. Students complete over 1,000 hours of clinical practicum as part of their training, which is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. For more information, visit Conemaugh.org/Education or contact Patricia Pavlikowski.