Aryana Impacts Lives in the OR & Inspires Future Surgical Techs Online

Aryana L. impacts lives daily as a certified surgical technologist (ST) at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis. A graduate of the Surgical Technology program at Concorde Memphis, Aryana transformed her healthcare training journey into inspiration for others.

By documenting her experience on social media, she's built a platform where she shares her passion for surgical technology and encourages others to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare—no matter what obstacles stand in their way.

Career Beginnings & Discovering Concorde

Aryana has always been driven by a desire to help and serve others. After graduating high school, she joined the Memphis Police Academy and worked as a police service technician for three years.

While serving her community in this role, she frequently helped with traffic due to emergency situations like car accidents—but her involvement always ended at the scene. She found herself questioning what happened after the ambulance drove away.

"I always wondered if the person was okay, and I wanted to know about the medical side of things," Aryana recalls.

That curiosity, paired with a longstanding interest in healthcare, sparked Aryana's interest in surgical technology. She saw it as the perfect opportunity to make a direct impact on patient outcomes by supporting surgeons during critical procedures.

Remembering that recruiters from Concorde’s Memphis campus had visited her high school years earlier, Aryana researched the school and discovered their surgical technology program. Earning her associate degree in under two years appealed to her, so she decided to take the leap and enroll—a decision that changed her life for the better.

Finding Her Purpose in Surgical Technology

From her first day in the ST program, Aryana knew she was exactly where she was meant to be. The hands-on learning environment immediately captured her attention, and she couldn't get enough of learning about surgery.

"The moment we got into the lab, I was so fascinated. I couldn’t keep my hands off all the instruments and tools,” Aryana says.

Through her lab work, Aryana learned how to prepare operating rooms and equipment, and how to assist medical professionals during surgeries. This foundation gave her the confidence she needed when clinical rotations began. She wasn't intimidated—she was ready.

"Concorde set me up for success. By the time I got to clinicals, it wasn't hard for me to hop right in because I knew how to pass instruments and set up for surgery," Aryana says. "I already knew the basics, so the only thing left to do was fly."

Still, Aryana's journey through the program wasn't without challenges. While balancing school with raising her children, she faced multiple personal hardships that cost her sleep and peace of mind, making it difficult to find time to study and feel prepared for exams.

But giving up was never an option. Aryana stayed focused on her goals—taking care of her family and earning her associate degree. Her perseverance through those difficult times is a testament to her unwavering strength and dedication.

"I'm proud that I didn't give up, because who knows where I'd be if I had," Aryana reflects. "At the end of the day, you have to invest in yourself, and if it wasn't for Concorde, I wouldn't have a job."

Influencing Future Healthcare Professionals

Throughout her time at Concorde, Aryana decided to document her ST training on TikTok as a way to stay motivated and track her progress. She vlogged her entire journey—from lab checkoffs and clinicals to passing her exams and providing study tips for fellow ST students.

By sharing both the highs and lows with her growing audience, Aryana discovered something unexpected: an outpouring of support from people across the country. She even started getting recognized during campus tours and clinical rotations by people who had been following her journey online.

Today, Aryana has built an online community of nearly 5,000 TikTok followers who look to her for guidance and inspiration. She's expanded her impact by offering tutoring sessions and Q&A discussions for aspiring surgical technologists.

Aryana never anticipated her TikTok account would take off the way it has, but she's grateful for the opportunity to inspire and inform others about the field she loves. For her, it's a natural extension of her heart for service. 

"It makes me feel good when I look at the comments and someone says, 'You're the reason why I got into the program' or 'You're the reason why I started,'" Aryana says. "A lot of people don't even know about this field, so I'm glad that I can motivate people to go for it."

Making an Impact in the Operating Room

Today, Aryana works as a cardiovascular surgical technologist at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis. On a typical day, she completes her morning scrub, attends a team meeting, reviews her cases, and begins pulling instruments and supplies for the surgeries ahead. 

"I try to have everything ready before the surgeon even walks into the room," Aryana explains. "You can't scrub out to run and get something. Somebody's life is on the line, so you have to be prepared."

Anticipating the surgeon's needs and maintaining the sterile field is crucial in her role. It demands extensive knowledge, focus, and the ability to perform well under pressure.

"If the surgeon needs a suture to close up, you'll need to already have the suture loaded and ready to pass into his hand," she says. "This job is a big responsibility, so you have to pay attention and be ready."

Essential Skills That Make Great Surgical Technologists

Success as a surgical technologist requires more than just technical knowledge. Developing the following skills can help an ST provide effective care and excel in the operating room:

• Attention to Detail: Tracking instruments and maintaining sterile fields without error is non-negotiable in the OR.
• Composure: Operating rooms are high-stakes environments where staying calm and focused during emergencies is crucial.
• Physical Stamina: Long surgeries mean hours of standing while staying mentally alert.
• Communication: Clear communication and anticipating needs without being told makes you an invaluable OR team member.
• Adaptability: No two surgeries are identical. Quick pivots and on-the-fly problemsolving are part of every shift.
• Resilience: Exposure to trauma and difficult cases requires emotional strength while maintaining professionalism.

A Journey Defined by Inspiring Others

Looking ahead, Aryana has big plans. She hopes to continue growing her TikTok platform, gain more experience as a surgical technologist, and eventually return to school to advance her healthcare career.

For anyone considering surgical technology, Aryana's advice is clear: take your education and training seriously. She believes you get out of the program exactly what you put into it.

"Your labs and clinicals are the most important thing, and you know what type of surgical tech you will be depending on how you approach your training," Aryana emphasizes. "Also, be prepared for hard work. This is not an easy career, yet it is so rewarding."

From serving her community as a police service technician to helping patients in the operating room as a surgical tech—and inspiring countless others along the way—Aryana's journey demonstrates that with determination, the right training, and a heart for helping others, anything is possible.

Inspired by Aryana’s story of becoming a surgical technologist to make a real impact? Consider taking the next step by exploring our surgical technology programs at Concorde, where you'll learn from experienced faculty and gain hands-on career training. Contact our admissions team or schedule a tour to learn more and begin your journey.