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Penn Highlands And Conemaugh Expand Partnership With New Surgical Technology Degree

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has partnered with Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center’s School of Surgical Technology to launch a new Surgical Technology (A.A.S.) degree, with the program set to begin in the Fall 2026 semester.

The new program will provide students with specialized education and hands-on training, preparing them for success in surgical settings. Through this partnership, the two institutions combine academic instruction with practical experience to equip students for high-demand careers in the operating room and strengthen the regional healthcare workforce.

“Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College through the launch of this new Surgical Technology degree program,” said Rodney Reider, CEO of Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. “By combining high-quality academic instruction with hands-on clinical experience, we are creating meaningful opportunities for students to pursue rewarding healthcare careers close to home while helping address the growing workforce needs across our region. This program reflects our shared commitment to educating the next generation of skilled healthcare professionals and strengthening the communities we serve.”

The Surgical Technology degree consists of 61 total credits completed over five semesters, including a summer session at the end of the second year. Students will attend daytime classes in person at the College’s Richland Campus, while clinical courses will be held at the Conemaugh School of Surgical Technology.

As part of the program structure, Penn Highlands accepts a block transfer of 30 credits from the Conemaugh School of Surgical Technology toward the Associate of Applied Science degree in Pre-Health Professions: Surgical Technology. This pathway allows students to combine specialized clinical training with college-level coursework in a clear and efficient format.

“This new Surgical Technology degree reflects the strength of our long‑standing partnership with Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and our shared commitment to meeting regional workforce needs,” said Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “By combining Penn Highlands’ strong academic foundation with Conemaugh’s exceptional clinical training, we are creating clear, efficient pathways for students to enter high‑demand healthcare careers while strengthening the healthcare workforce that serves our communities.”

To earn the degree, students must first apply to and be accepted by Conemaugh’s School of Surgical Technology. Eligibility requires meeting all admission criteria set by the School of Surgical Technology, which includes completing any prerequisite coursework with a satisfactory grade of “C” or higher.

The new agreement further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Penn Highlands Community College and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. Together, the two institutions now offer four associate degree pathways: Histotechnology, Paramedic, Surgical Technology, and Radiologic Technology. The expanded collaboration reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for in-demand healthcare roles and supporting the workforce needs of local employers and communities.

The partnership between Penn Highlands and Conemaugh offers students unparalleled access to the skills and experience vital for success in today’s healthcare industry. This collaboration opens doors to state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and immersive hands-on training in real-world clinical settings.

Tapping into Conemaugh’s extensive network of professionals and resources ensures graduates are well-prepared to excel in their fields. By creating a pipeline of qualified, job-ready graduates, this partnership not only fosters academic and professional development, but also strengthens the local workforce and addresses regional healthcare challenges.

Penn Highlands contributes a strong foundation of academic excellence, innovative curricula, and a steadfast commitment to student success. With experienced educators and modern infrastructure, the College cultivates an environment that encourages critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and lifelong learning.