Laurel Ridge Surgical Technology Students Get Hands-On with Cutting-Edge Simulators

Surgical Technology students at Laurel Ridge Community College are stepping into the future of healthcare education with the help of state-of-the-art LAPSIM® surgical simulators. The hands-on training devices were introduced this week at both the Middletown and Fauquier campuses, marking a major upgrade in how students prepare for real-world operating room experiences.

Funded through a federal Labor-Health and Human Services-Education spending package, the simulators were made possible with support from U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. The LAPSIM® units, developed by Surgical Science, allow students to practice delicate, laparoscopic procedures using a high-tech interface that mimics actual surgical conditions.

In a demonstration at the Middletown Campus, a representative from Surgical Science showed students how to control a camera and two interactive arms—tools that simulate the use of surgical instruments inside the body. Movements are displayed in real-time on an attached screen, allowing students to observe and refine their skills.

Tina Putman, Director of the Surgical Technology Program at Laurel Ridge, said the simulators are a game-changer.

“I’m very excited about it,” Putman said. “It’s very state of the art. It will give them so much more experience before they start clinicals in the operating room in the fall. You can book teach the material and somewhat simulate situations, but to actually feel what it’s like to follow with the camera is pretty amazing.”

Surgical technologists play a critical role in the operating room, from preparing equipment and patients to assisting surgeons during procedures. While they don’t perform incisions or suturing, they manage surgical tools, hold retractors, and operate cameras that help guide the surgery.

Dr. Scott Vanderkooi, dean of health professions at Laurel Ridge, sees the addition of simulators as a key step in advancing student readiness.

“We start with didactic lecture, and then we have labs,” Vanderkooi explained. “These simulators add a new level of realism. Our goal for all of our applied science students is career readiness. These are just going to elevate the value of our graduates in our community and among local employers.”

For students like Katie Glascock, one of 27 currently enrolled in the program, the simulators offer a unique opportunity to build confidence and competence early in their training.

“It’s a very nice piece of equipment and it’s going to help us a lot,” said Glascock, who is in her first year. “I’ve always had an interest in working in the operating room, but I also need direct patient care hours for the PA program, so I decided to give the Surgical Technology program a shot, and I’m really enjoying it.”

The median salary for surgical technologists in the region is $63,672, and the demand for skilled professionals in this field continues to grow. Laurel Ridge’s program also qualifies for Virginia’s G3 funding, which can cover tuition and fees for eligible students, making the path to a healthcare career more accessible than ever.

As students begin to incorporate these advanced simulators into their weekly training, Laurel Ridge reinforces its commitment to real-world, career-focused education that meets the needs of both learners and local healthcare employers.

To learn more about the Surgical Technology program at Laurel Ridge, visit laurelridge.edu/surgtech.