Building the future of the OR: AdventHealth launches first Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Program in Rocky Mountain Region

DENVER, Colo. — In February 2026, AdventHealth’s Rocky Mountain Region launched its very first Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Program - a groundbreaking initiative designed to grow surgical talent from within and address the regional shortage of certified surgical technologists.

The cohort marks the first class in the region, with five team members - one from each hospital - selected for this highly competitive opportunity. A second cohort will begin in July 2026, continuing the program’s momentum.

“This program was launched to help address the regional shortage of surgical technologists while investing in our own team members,” said Maggie McCluskey, BSN, RN, CNOR, Regional Perioperative Educator. “We wanted to shift training efforts toward dedicated AdventHealth employees who are already living our mission.”

A structured path to certification

The year-long apprenticeship program is carefully designed to prepare participants for national certification as surgical technologists. The first nine weeks include a combination of virtual coursework through AdventHealth University and in-person instruction led by McCluskey.

The program primarily takes place at AdventHealth Porter, chosen for its central location among the region’s five facilities. Porter has transformed a former operating room into a fully equipped simulation OR, stocked with the instruments, equipment, and supplies apprentices need to build real-world skills in a controlled environment.

Following classroom and simulation training, apprentices complete 9–12 weeks of clinical rotations at their hiring facilities. After licensure, they receive an additional 9–12 weeks of orientation before practicing independently. Throughout the entire year - from coursework to independent practice - apprentices participate in structured debriefs and review sessions modeled after AdventHealth’s New Graduate Nurse Residency Program.

“Our goal is to support them every step of the way,” McCluskey said. “Surgical technologists play an essential role in every surgery. They truly act as the surgeon’s right hand during an operation.”

A life-changing opportunity

Jim Roybal Hardy, representing AdventHealth Porter in the February cohort, describes the program as transformative.

“I’ve learned that I work for an institution that truly cares about its employees,” Jim said. “If you apply yourself, new beginnings are possible.”

When asked what he would tell others considering applying, Jim’s advice is simple:

“Love what you do today. If you want to grow your career, focus on the role you perform now. Patient care and High Reliability principles are key to building your success.”

Investing in the future

Each cohort includes five apprentices - one from each hospital in the region - ensuring equitable growth across the system. Applicants must have worked at AdventHealth for at least six months in a clinical role to qualify.

Applications for the July 6 cohort open May 1. More information can be found on the Surgical Tech Apprenticeship Resource Page.

By investing in internal talent and creating a structured pathway to certification, AdventHealth is strengthening surgical teams, supporting preceptors, and expanding career mobility for team members across the Rocky Mountain Region.

As McCluskey shared, “This program is about more than filling roles - it’s about building the future of perioperative care.”