A Journey of Education and Passion: Maria Anderson's Path to Becoming a Surgical Technician

Maria Anderson was determined to pursue her passion for the medical field. She traveled from Colombia to Utah and became a surgical technician through Davis Technical College. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in technology systems from Utah State University in hopes of getting into medical device research and development. Her educational journey transformed her life, opening new doors and broadening her horizons.

Moving to Utah introduced Anderson to a new culture and education system. Determined to succeed, she enrolled at Canyon Heights Adult High School, where she improved her English skills and earned a U.S. high school diploma.

Following graduation, Anderson began working in the surgery department at Ogden Regional Medical Center. She soon recognized her desire to contribute more directly to patient care by assisting doctors rather than cleaning instruments. She decided to further her education and become a surgical technician.

She managed the demands of being a full-time student at Davis Technical College while working full-time at Stryker, a renowned medical device company. Her perseverance and dedication enabled her to successfully complete her clinical rotations at Primary Children's Hospital, where she honed her skills and expanded her knowledge of medical procedures and cutting-edge technologies.

Her decision to join Stryker proved highly rewarding. The company's emphasis on building devices to treat strokes aligned with Anderson’s passion for leveraging technology to save lives. Working at Stryker gave her opportunities to develop and manufacture potentially lifesaving products and allowed her to witness the direct impact of her work on people's lives.

Although Anderson had experience with surgical technology, she recognized the importance of continuously improving her skills and knowledge. Using the tuition reimbursement program Stryker offers its employees, Anderson enrolled in classes at Utah State University, working toward a technology systems degree in the Department of Technology, Design and Technical Education. Courses including Data Visualization with Tableau, SPC with Statistics, and Project Management have enabled her to be proactive in data analysis, quality assurance and process improvement, which are essential aspects of her role.

"I am delighted that I have been part of multiple courses with both experts and doctors to make health care better,” Anderson said.

Anderson aspires to work in Stryker's research and development department, where she can test and ensure the quality and efficacy of products using cutting-edge technologies. By joining the R&D team, Anderson seeks to make a significant impact on advancing medical technology and contributing to improved patient outcomes.

Anderson's educational journey has been marked by determination, passion and a commitment to excellence. Her experiences at Canyon Heights Adult High School, Davis Technical College, Stryker and Utah State University have shaped her into a skilled surgical technician with a drive for quality and reliability. She aims to continue her pursuit of knowledge and contribute to medical advancements to ensure better health care outcomes for all patients.