WHEREAS, The New England Institute of Technology of Warwick, Rhode Island, instituted a program of study for Surgical Technologists in October of 1994, the first and only such program in the Ocean State at the Associate in Science degree level; and

WHEREAS, Found to be deficiency free by the National Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, the Surgical Technology program won accreditation on its first attempt in August of 1996, thereby bringing well-deserved national status to the program; and

WHEREAS, Surgical Technologists educated by The New England Institute of Technology, specifically educated to work in an operative environment throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts, are highly regarded for their thoroughly professional approach to their duties; and

WHEREAS, Under the dedicated direction of Department Chairperson Jo-Ann Fielding, RN, and Department Coordinator Lisa Reed, RN, the distinguished graduates of the Surgical Technology program at the New England Institute of Technology have passed the Association of Surgical Technologist National Certification exams at an extraordinary rate of 95% compared to the significantly lower national pass rate average of 72%; and

WHEREAS, Surgical Technologists are allied health professionals who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel caring for surgical patients; and

WHEREAS, New England Institute of Technology Surgical Technologist graduates are highly skilled professionals, uniquely prepared to deliver quality patient care, who are proud of their role as integral and valuable members of the surgical team; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby commends Surgical Technologists and the New England Institute of Technology for their important role in providing quality health care to the communities of the State of Rhode Island and our neighboring states. This House, moreover, is pleased to proclaim May 18-24, 1997 as RHODE ISLAND SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST WEEK; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to New England Institute of Technology Department Chairperson Jo-Ann Fielding, RN.