Tyreshia Levett’s Journey Through East Alabama Health’s Scrub Tech Apprenticeship

Tyreshia Levett didn’t just find a job at East Alabama Health, she found a calling. Through the hospital’s Scrub Tech Apprenticeship Program, Levett transformed uncertainty into confidence and built a career in the operating room.

“I always liked working with people, and I always wanted to take care of people,” Levett said. “That program gave me a way of learning how to work with people.”

Levett started her career as a multi-care tech (MCT), gaining hands-on experience caring for patients. But when she heard about East Alabama Health’s Scrub Tech Apprenticeship Program, she saw an opportunity to grow — even if it seemed daunting at first.

“I got a little discouraged because I thought I couldn’t do it,” Levett admitted. “I was frustrated about the situation. But my colleagues encouraged me, and I was accepted into the first group of the scrub tech program.”

Balancing work, classes and life as a mother of four was no easy feat. The coordinators for the program worked with her to create a flexible schedule, ensuring she could attend classes and complete clinical rotations without sacrificing her responsibilities at home.

“I was like, ‘How can I do both — working and classes?’ It was challenging,” she said. “But I was able to get it done. I try to tell people, don’t be afraid; don’t give up.”

The program combines classroom learning with clinical rotations, giving participants real-world experience in surgical settings. For Levett, that hands-on approach made all the difference.

“When you do the work and learn things hands-on, it makes sense,” she said. “We would do clinicals at first and then go to our clinical areas. At the end of each week, we’d have a test on the particular area we were working in. The class work beforehand helped because you weren’t going in blind.”

Levett and her cohort faced unique challenges as the program’s first participants. “We were laying the groundwork,” she said. “We all strived to make sure the program was successful.”

Her perseverance paid off. Today, Levett works in Labor and Delivery—a department she gravitated toward because of its personal connection with patients.

“It’s more hands-on. You’re definitely dealing with that patient,” Levett said. “I like to be able to talk to them before and after so they can get to know who I am. I want them to know they’re in good care and can trust me.”

Levett vividly remembers her first procedure during the apprenticeship. “It was a gynecology procedure,” she said with a laugh. “It stood out to me because the physician broke the surgery down for us by explaining what it means, what the complications are, what the outcome should be.

“The way he broke down the procedure really helped everything stick.”

The program also taught her the importance of sterile technique and teamwork. “Knowing what to expect, preparing ourselves, and understanding the steps we should take to avoid contamination was very helpful,” Levett said. “The repeat process we followed during classes—where if you mess up, you start over until you get it—was very beneficial, and our team held each other accountable.”

Now, Levett works a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. shift and one weekend a month — a schedule she loves. “It’s been amazing for me,” she said. “When I came out of the program, they created a position for me in Labor and Delivery.”

Levett also encourages others in the hospital to pursue similar growth. 

“I share my testimony a lot,” she said. “I tell people not to shy away, and to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Her journey from uncertainty to confidence is a testament to the power of opportunity — and determination. “I started not knowing anything,” Levett said. “There were so many stressful days I wanted to give up. But now, I love what I do. Every day is a learning moment.”

For Levett, the scrub tech apprenticeship was more than a career move — it was life-changing. “If you want it, you’ve got to go for it,” she said. “Don’t give up, because there’s satisfaction and fulfillment at the end.”

About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, East Alabama Medical Center North, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 316-bed regional referral hospital. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,800 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.