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    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."