Essentia Health celebrates first graduate of surgical technologist apprenticeship program

Essentia Health-Fargo on Wednesday celebrated the graduation of Tessa Connors, the first apprentice to complete Essentia's new registered surgical technologist apprenticeship program.

A registered apprenticeship through the U.S. Department of Labor and with the State of North Dakota, the 12-month paid program combines on-the-job training with mentorship from certified surgical technologists and formal instruction through STAT 605. Essentia Health is the first hospital in North Dakota to implement such a program.

"We are extremely proud to offer this apprenticeship program, and it was truly a team effort," said Amber Huez, surgical services director at Essentia Health-Fargo. "This program is a promise to our patients and our community that we are finding local talent, we are investing in our employees and providing this local opportunity to produce highly skilled professionals who will work and live in our community."

Surgical technologists are essential members of the surgical team, working alongside surgeons, nurses and other health care professionals to ensure that procedures are conducted safely and efficiently. Their primary responsibilities include preparing the operating room, assisting during surgeries by passing instruments to surgeons and maintaining a sterile environment to prevent infections. 

The health care industry is facing a significant shortage of surgical technologists driven by several factors, including an aging population and a decrease in accredited surgical technologist programs nationwide. As the demand increases, traditional educational pathways have struggled to meet this urgent workforce need.

In response to this challenge, and facing its own shortage of surgical technicians, Essentia Health took proactive measures by developing a registered apprenticeship program.

"We saw an opportunity to create a model that allows aspiring health care professionals to earn a living while gaining hands-on experience," added Huez. "This program not only bridges a gap in workforce challenges, but it also removes barriers for those who are looking to take the next step in their career."

Connors joined Essentia Health-Fargo in 2022 as a sterile processing technician. In her role, she got to see firsthand the innerworkings of the OR and was immediately drawn to it. Yet returning to school full-time wasn’t an option for her. Essentia's paid apprenticeship program was the perfect solution.

"When Essentia presented me with the opportunity, I couldn't pass it up," said Connors, who started her apprenticeship in the fall of 2024. "I enjoyed working with the instruments downstairs, but being in surgery and being able to help people — making a difference for patients — that's what I wanted to do."

Having graduated from her apprenticeship, Connors will now take her certification test on Oct. 20. She looks forward to continuing her career with Essentia as part of the OR’s "red team," which is focused on general surgery and cardiovascular procedures.

"As surgical technologists, we help people," she added. "Patients are our number one priority and everything we do in the OR is based around them."

Essentia’s second apprentice is anticipated to graduate in the spring of 2026.