Melissa’s Story

When Melissa Jones had the opportunity to observe a hysterectomy during a visit to Franklin Square, she was hooked on healthcare. “That is the moment I knew I wanted to be a part of surgery,” Melissa says.

After learning that central sterile processing (CSP) was a good entry point to achieve this goal, Melissa earned her CSP certification. Just a few years later, she had two sons and decided to temporarily delay further education so she could raise her children while still working in CSP.

The next step in Melissa’s career journey was to become a laparoscopic technician. “This gave me the opportunity to work more in the operating room with surgeons, nurses, and surgical technologists, where I helped set up and trouble shoot issues with laparoscopic and Da Vinci robotics surgery,” she explains.

After nearly 20 years in the field of healthcare, Melissa recently took another step forward by joining BACH’s Surgical Technology Apprenticeship Program at UMMC. She appreciates the support from UMMC’s educators as well as help and guidance from her instructors at the Community College of Baltimore County. “I am looking forward to continuing the rest of this program,” Melissa shares.

Kudos to Melissa and the 80+ BACH participants who have gone through apprenticeship programs for Central Sterile Processing Technician, Environmental Care Supervisor, Licensed Practical Nurse, Medical Assistant, and Surgical Technologist.

Please help us fund slots for future apprentices by donating today.