David-Shane Kershner's Journey to Surgical Technology

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated November 2, 2021. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.

    David-Shane Kershner began working full-time at the age of 14 after dropping out of school to help financially support his family in Tennessee. After holding several types of jobs for over 30 years, including manufacturing and clothing retail, David-Shane began searching for a more rewarding career in surgical technology to fulfill his lifelong passion.

“Growing up, my family didn’t have much but we did have a TV. I remember being 7 years old and watching ‘911 Rescue' every night with my dad,” David-Shane said. “One night, I asked my dad who helped the surgeon and that’s how I discovered surgical technology.”

Although David-Shane did not learn in a traditional setting, he took leadership courses and volunteered in the community to enrich his education. In 2002, he went back to school to obtain his GED and eventually became an assistant store manager for Gap Outlets in Orlando. Even though surgical technology was always in the back of David-Shane’s mind, he put aside his own aspirations and stayed in retail.

As an adult, his fascination with the medical community only began to grow. Finally, he decided to make his dream a reality. After researching several colleges, David-Shane came across Concorde Career Institute-Orlando, which offers a Surgical Technology program.

Overcoming His Challenges

As a middle-aged man who had been out of school for almost 20 years, David-Shane had to re-learn how to study and find motivation to complete courses during the coronavirus pandemic.

When David-Shane enrolled in the Surgical Technology program, he knew that he was going to face some difficulties memorizing course material. He looked up to his peers and learned how to self-study through their actions. Holding himself accountable and repetition were keys to his success.

“From my Gen-ED classes to the surgical technology program, it definitely was not a breeze or easy,” David-Shane said. “Everything was so brand new to me – on top of going to school during a pandemic. Having to balance work and a full-time job was almost overwhelming, but true dedication allowed me to get over that hump. ”

David-Shane’s instructors were his biggest supporters. They were passionate and driven to help their students to flourish beyond graduation.

“The open door policy was honored and taken seriously,” David-Shane said. “The campus team truly had me and every other student in their best interest.”

Beginning His Surgical Technology Career

After graduating in May 2021 and completing the Certified Surgical Technology exam, David-Shane began working at Winter Park Adventhealth, where he is a part of a surgical technology team. Every day, David-Shane communicates with his team to prepare for, assist and clean up after surgeries.

David-Shane has fallen in love with surgical technology and is happy to be living his professional dream.

“I love knowing I am relied on for such an important purpose and am needed to properly take care of patients,” David-Shane said. “My career challenges me daily and pushes me to be the best person I know how to be.”

David-Shane is grateful for Concorde-Orlando as he wouldn’t be where he is today without pursuing a new career by enrolling in the Surgical Technology program.

“Concorde is absolutely the school that can help you accomplish your dream,” David-Shane said. “Just prepare to do the work, push through no matter what, never give up and always believe in yourself."

Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.