A version of this story originally appeared in our 2024 newsletter. View other featured stories
Jen Mason ’04 i s a surgical technology educator and specialist at Park Nicollet Health Services four sameday surgery centers. Her responsibilities encompass all facets of surgical technology education, from orientation, policy/process education, to building surgical case resources and education for new procedures.
She is also passionate about helping professionals in her field access essential resources and leadership opportunities to cultivate fulfilling careers. Having navigated a similar path herself, Jen brings a unique perspective to that role.
Expanding Horizons
Surgical technologists work closely with surgeons, nurses and other healthcare professionals in the operating room. They are experts in sterile technique, surgical procedures and advocates for patients’ safety. They are best known for being the guardians of the sterile field and anticipating the the surgeons’ next steps during a surgery to help facilitate the best care for their patients.
Traditionally, the scope of surgical techs was largely confined to surgical environments. However, Jen notes that expanding roles like hers are creating new opportunities within the field. “It’s encouraging to realize that a career in surgical technology offers numerous pathways to explore,” she says. “In the past, our role was primarily in the operating room, but now we’re having more opportunities as educators, coordinators and leaders.”
Building Connections
Jen’s influence extends beyond the operating room. As a board director for the Association of Surgical Technologists in Minnesota, she advocates for legislative and regulatory initiatives that benefit over 57,000 surgical technologists in the country.
Additionally, she collaborates with fellow surgical technology educators and supervisors across the Twin Cities, regularly meeting with peers from hospitals to address shared challenges and best practices. Jen is excited about the burgeoning opportunities for new roles in surgical technology.
Jen also works closely with the educator in sterile processing at Park Nicollet. Sterile Processing supports all the instruments and equipment in the operating room. “This collaboration has helped us build a bridge between two departments to support high reliability in our organization,” Jen says.
A Journey of Support and Growth
Jen began her journey in surgical technology at Anoka Tech in the early 2000s, where she thrived in a supportive learning environment filled with exceptional faculty. “As a single mother, I faced many logistical challenges during my studies,” she says. “My program advisors were instrumental in helping me devise a plan that allowed me to succeed. Having a support system that understands your barriers is crucial for achieving your goals.”
After graduating, Jen returned to Anoka Tech as a clinical site instructor and later as a classroom instructor. Drawing on her own experiences, she committed to helping students navigate the balance between life and education.
She recalls a student who consistently arrived late due to rigid family obligations. After learning about the student’s situation, Jen worked with him to create a flexible schedule that accommodated his needs. “At Anoka Tech, the instructors genuinely ask what obstacles students face and actively seek solutions,” she says. “The impact of that support is profound. I experienced it myself 20 years ago, and it resonates just as strongly today. It truly reflects the exceptional environment that Anoka Tech fosters.”