In the Field with the Center for Technology & Industry is a series focused on profiling our expert faculty, program leadership, and key players associated with our academic programs and Workforce Development initiatives at New England Institute of Technology.
Name: Lisa S. Reed, RN, MS, CNOR, CST, FAST
Title: Department Chair, Surgical Technology
Oversees the following program(s): Surgical Technology
1.) Reflect upon your role here at 秘密研究所. How did your career path lead you to 秘密研究所? How long have you been here? What do you love about your industry?
Reed: I have been with 秘密研究所 since August 1994, when I was hired to develop the Associate of Science degree in Surgical Technology. My prior leadership experience in surgical services and background as a licensed health educator provided the foundation to create a comprehensive, hands-on program that prepares students for the demands of the operating room.
In 1998, I had the opportunity to work with CTI to develop customized training programs across healthcare, including care and handling of surgical instrumentation, aseptic technique for Labor and Delivery nurses, training for Organ and Tissue Procurement technicians, and developing and teaching courses in Electronic Health Records that prepared participants to modernize and improve patient healthcare records. At the end of the program participants were eligible for certification in Electronic Health Records. In recent years, I have had the privilege of teaching new perioperative nurses the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in the perioperative environment..
Lisa Reed, Department Chair of the Surgical Technology Associate Degree program at New England Institute of Technology addresses the 61st class of Surgical Technology graduates in March of 2026.
What excites me most about this industry is its constant evolution and the opportunity to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through curriculum development, amazing faculty and staff, clinical collaboration, and adherence to national accreditation standards, I am able to directly influence the quality of patient care. Being part of an institution that values excellence, accountability, and hands-on education is both professionally fulfilling and personally rewarding.
2.) What are the biggest challenges facing your industry today, and how can education and training help address them?
Reed: The surgical technology and perioperative healthcare industry is facing several significant challenges today. One of the most pressing challenges is workforce shortages, driven by retirements and expansions of surgical services. At the same time, operating rooms are becoming more complex, with advances in minimally invasive surgery, robotics, and sophisticated instrumentation requiring a higher level of technical competence from surgical technologists. With all these advancements, we need to have clinical sites require certification for all surgical technologists that they hire.
Education and training play a critical role in addressing these issues. 秘密研究所 has the only AS CAAHEP accredited degree program in Surgical Technology in RI and Southeastern MA. Our curriculum is well designed. The faculty is very dedicated to the success of our students. Simulation, laboratory-based instruction, and strong clinical partnerships allow students to transition more effectively into the clinical setting where they have the opportunity for hands-on-experience on the most state-of-the-art equipment. Hiring credentialed surgical technologist can also help with these challenges.
Their recent pinning ceremony this Spring marks an important 鈥� and well-deserved 鈥� milestone as they prepare to enter the operating room and support surgical teams when it matters most.These students now join a network of nearly 1,000 秘密研究所 Surgical Technology graduates who are making an impact in operating rooms across the region and beyond.
“Clinical performance is a critical measure of success in surgical technology education. Students are assessed on their ability to apply aseptic technique, manage instrumentation, anticipate the needs of the surgical team, and function effectively in the operating room environment. Ongoing evaluation by faculty and clinical preceptors provides insight into technical skill development, critical thinking, and readiness for professional practice.” 鈥擫isa Reed
3.) What role does surgical technology play in our economy?
Reed: Surgical technologists are essential members of the surgical team, ensuring that operating rooms function smoothly, procedures are performed safely. Students will often hear me say efficiency equals effectiveness. This speaks about the availability of well-trained surgical technologists. They are efficient through proper aseptic technique, instrumentation organization, and their dedication to patient safety. Their expertise helps minimize delays, reduce waste, and support positive patient outcomes, all of which contribute to lower healthcare costs and increased productivity across healthcare organizations.
4.) How do you measure student success?
Reed: Student success is measured through a combination of academic achievement, clinical competence, professional behavior, and post-graduation outcomes. At the academic level, we evaluate mastery of didactic content through examinations, competency-based assessments, and achievement of clearly defined student learning outcomes that align with program and accreditation standards.
Clinical performance is a critical measure of success in surgical technology education. Students are assessed on their ability to apply aseptic technique, manage instrumentation, anticipate the needs of the surgical team, and function effectively in the operating room environment. Ongoing evaluation by faculty and clinical preceptors provides insight into technical skill development, critical thinking, and readiness for professional practice.
Professor Reed teaching students about proper usage of instruments and sterilization techniques.
5.) What excites you about the future of your field? How is your industry evolving, and what opportunities do you see ahead?
Reed: How is your industry evolving, and what opportunities do you see ahead?
The industry is evolving toward greater specialization, standardization, and accountability. There is a strong emphasis on patient safety and evidence-based practice, which elevates the importance of high-quality education and rigorous training. Technology is also reshaping how we educate and train students, with increased use of simulation, and competency-based assessment models that better prepare graduates for real-world clinical environments. Our clinical sites recognize and appreciate the caliber of student that graduates from the ST program. CTI has done an outstanding job with workforce development. Strengthening partnerships between 秘密研究所/CTI and healthcare organizations is key to ensuring a sustainable workforce.
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