MILWAUKEE -- If you are ever on the operating table, Lesha Knowles is one woman you want in the OR.
No, she's not the anesthesiologist or the surgeon, but she is the doctor's right hand.
"Sometimes they will tell you what you want. Sometimes he is just going to put his hand out there and you should know what is coming next," said Knowles.
Knowles is responsible for more than just handing instruments to the surgeon. She must be just as knowledgeable about the procedure as the doctor.
Surgical techs are in high demand, yet few people know about the health care career.
Mary Olszewski is the surgical technology program director at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
"I am still scrubbing and teaching as well. I graduated from this program. The market is fantastic, I am getting calls from as far as Minnesota looking for graduates to fill the needs."
Knowles thrives from the adrenaline during a procedure, and the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a successful surgery.
"It's the best feeling in the world. It's the best feeling...it's easy now and I don't even have to look at my stand a lot of times, 'cause I already know where it is at."
Friday Knowles will be one of four students graduating from the surgical technology program. Her professors could not be prouder.
"You are going to make an awesome surgical tech, I can't wait to see you out there."
