Beatrice Edmonds '25

Beatrice Edmonds '25
Surgical Technology Certificate

From Desk to Operating Room: How Lasell's Surgical Technology Program Transformed Beatrice Edmonds' Career

From working as an administrative medical assistant, Bea knew she liked healthcare – and helping people. But after COVID burnout and lots of desk work – scheduling surgeries and appointments, retrieving images – she was eager to learn more and work with patients instead of paper. Working with a vascular outpatient group, she got a taste that cemented her interest in surgical technology.

“I loved the OR. It was like being in one of my favorite tv shows. I took to it fast – but I was nervous.”

Lasell’s surg tech program gave her the confidence and skills she was looking for. “The best part was the clinicals,” she reflected. “All the things you’ve been learning start to mean something, and you start to build your confidence.”

As part of a Lasell pilot at UMass, Bea appreciated how that her feedback was not only genuinely heard, but acted on. She also loved learning directly from UMass surg techs, using the same equipment and terminology she’d use on the job months later.

“It made me feel more comfortable, knowing I wouldn’t have to learn that in the moment, and getting to ask questions from people who do exactly what I would be doing,” she said. “The clinical coordinators were also very supportive.”

“This program changed how my future looks,” said Bea, who has been balancing family and personal needs with working toward a bachelor’s degree for nine grueling years. “It’s the hardest this I’ve done, but now I’m not just surviving.”

Bea looks forward to working as a surgical technician at UMass as she continues work on her degree. This role is an important step toward her eventual goal, to be a clinical psychologist, helping kids and their parents overcome trauma.