Umar Tirmizi has always been interested in surgery and learning more about health care.

“I wanted to be able to physically make a difference and be an important part of a surgical team,” he said. “I initially decided to attend College of DuPage because it offered me exposure to multiple different professions and areas of study, plus it was located in my hometown.”

It turned out to be the best decision he made. Tirmizi initially earned his Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology and, after working in the field for two years, returned to complete the Surgical First Assistant certificate.

“College of DuPage helped me to reach goals I didn’t even know I could reach,” he said. “The professors and adjunct faculty in the Surgical Technology and Surgical First Assistant programs helped me accomplish way more than I could imagine. Thanks to all of their help, I am now a manager at one of the largest orthopedic surgery centers in the state of Illinois, I run my own surgical assisting business, I sit on the advisory committee for COD’s Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technician certificate, and I briefly taught surgical technology at the College as well.”

Tirmizi, who believes education is the key to a successful and fulfilling life, is exploring the idea of becoming a registered nurse and earning a Master of Science in Nursing so he can pursue an administrative role in a surgical department.

For anyone considering a health care program at COD, Tirmizi suggests reaching out to the faculty for guidance.

“The Surgical First Assistant program is definitely one that requires dedication. With the help of the instructors and Program Chair Ranzie Wilson, it is a course that will teach people the ins and outs of being an effective and efficient surgical assistant. Ranzie is a perfect resource for anyone interested in surgical assisting, while Anna Campbell is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in surgical technology. They are both so helpful. If you have questions, reach out to them because it is the best thing you may ever do.”

Learn more about the Surgical First Assistant program at College of DuPage

Learn more about the Surgical Technology program at College of DuPage