The Journal Record Health Care Briefs: June 26, 2012

Beginning of article

Training program gains accreditation

TAHLEQUAH - A program to turn Cherokee students into surgical technologists at W.W. Hastings Hospital has gained accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

The Hastings surgical technology education program received a five-year accreditation. Upon graduation of the nine-month program, students can become nationally certified.

"Cherokee Nation is the first Native American tribe to have a surgical tech program accredited through CAAHEP," said Health Services Executive Director Connie Davis.

Tommy Hays and Patricia Sumner are program instructors.

The program …