WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Dr. and Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust, Pennsylvania College of Technology has purchased PeriopSim, a virtual reality simulation learning system for its surgical technology program.
Using virtual reality headsets and hand controls, students are immersed in a virtual operating room environment, allowing them to repeatedly practice surgical procedures in a safe, controlled environment.
“We are excited to introduce this cutting-edge technology,” said Elizabeth S. Gyzenski, PhD, Director of Surgical Technology at the University of Pennsylvania. “Incorporating VR into our daily curriculum will revolutionize our surgical technology program, providing students with a safe and effective platform to master critical skills.”
Specifically, simulation helps students develop fine motor skills essential for surgical procedures, provides an immersive experience that allows students to get realistic experience with procedures they may not have a chance to participate in during their clinical education experiences, and allows instructors to provide corrections and guidance in real time without worrying about the outcome, Gizhenski explained.
This marks the third gift in three consecutive years from the Dr. and Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust to the University of Pennsylvania's School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
“We are grateful for the continued support of the Dr. and Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust,” said Ashley E. Day, manager of grants and communications. “This donation will provide our surgical technology students with the opportunity to learn through a virtual reality experience, enhancing their skills and confidence.”
Surgical technologists are the heart of surgical teams, performing life-saving tasks every day: preparing the operating room, assembling and testing specialized equipment, ensuring a sterile environment, ensuring patient safety and assisting during surgery. The job requires attention to detail and knowledge of surgical procedures.
For more information about Pennsylvania University's Associate of Arts in Surgical Technology, which can be continued into a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Leadership and Management, please call 570-327-4518 or visit www.pct.edu/surgical.
For more information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu , email [email protected] or call toll-free at 800-367-9222.
