On May 5, ERD team members Kevin Davis, Phu Ly, and Emily Avila attended American River College’s Electronics Department Career Fair to connect with the next generation of Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) workers. As the previous generation of biomedical equipment specialists approaches retirement, there is a desperate need for motivated young professionals to fill these crucial roles. Our healthcare system depends on hospitals, surgery centers, doctors’ offices, clinics, labs, and veterinarians having the tools and necessary personnel to keep equipment running and up to spec, and the HTM industry has endless potential for advancement. By connecting with today’s students, ERD is investing in the future of this important industry.
What the Engineering Career Fair at American River College Does for Students
This past May, American River College in Sacramento held an engineering career fair dedicated to helping electronics and engineering students connect with potential employers in their field. American River College’s engineering program is geared toward helping students find contemporary jobs utilizing cutting-edge technical expertise. In furthering this goal, the electronics department invited local tech businesses to come and present to their students, informing them of the qualifications necessary to pursue a career in the field, as well as the importance their work holds in our modern economy.
By connecting with companies directly, these students are given specific opportunities and ideas for how to apply their degrees to engineering technicians’ careers after graduation, and businesses make direct contact with potential employees with the latest skill sets to better serve their goals. Engineering career fairs like this provide a mutually beneficial relationship and ensure a bright future for today’s tech graduates following an engineering career path, as well as businesses already in the field.
As a biomedical service company, ERD spoke extensively about the duties, qualifications, and importance of what to do to keep healthcare facilities functioning properly, including sterile processing and operating room/surgical suite services. Through ERD, students can find a profitable and meaningful engineering career path maintaining healthcare equipment to exact specifications, preventing malfunction and downtime in healthcare settings.
Required Skills for Success in the Biomedical Engineering Field
Biomedical engineering careers are a rapidly growing field that requires a variety of skills and credentials for success. While a bachelor’s or associate degree in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field is a good starting point. Certifications, such as the Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) or Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE), can also be important to showcase a technician’s expertise and attention to detail. Additionally, certification from a professional organization such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) can be beneficial for demonstrating expertise in the field.
In addition to having the right qualifications, successful biomedical engineers must also be familiar with a wide range of duties. One of the most important responsibilities is to keep hospital equipment functioning properly. This includes troubleshooting issues, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring that equipment is calibrated correctly. Their duties also include installing, maintaining, and repairing various types of medical devices, such as imaging equipment, ventilators, and defibrillators. Biomedical technicians often work in direct collaboration with medical professionals, so strong communication skills are also essential as they must be able to clearly explain technical concepts to those who may not have a background in engineering or science.
Overall, the biomedical engineering field demands a high level of expertise and professionalism. Biomedical technicians must possess a unique combination of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail to excel in their roles. Without these individuals, hospitals and other medical facilities would be unable to provide the high-quality care that patients depend on, making it one of the most important fields today. While the field can be challenging, it can also be incredibly rewarding for those who are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives.
Past Successes
Working in the HTM field isn’t just a long list of qualifications, though. Part of ERD’s strategy for attracting the next generation of talent is to provide personal connection by telling human stories of what working in the field looks like—as well as what it means on a personal level.
Team member Ryan Leteff shared his story for our social media post before the Career Fair. In the video, he talks about what he enjoys most about his time working as a biomedical technician at ERD:
“I get to do something different every day,” he said. “It’s never the same task, and it doesn’t turn mundane. It’s always fun.”
In his advice to students, Leteff said it’s important never to turn down opportunities to learn something new—even tasks they’ve previously completed have the potential to be a learning experience.
“You’re not a number cruncher; you’re actually treated as a technician,” he continued. “That’s something I find more important: there’s value in my work instead of just being numbers on a board.”
Like Leteff, ERD is hoping to help a new generation of biomedical technicians find a sense of fulfillment while servicing crucial healthcare equipment. Whether by providing onsite biomedical services in Sacramento or elsewhere in our network of clients, ERD provides an inclusive, supportive foundation for technicians to learn their trade and better the field to learn more about opportunities and necessary qualifications to join our team, contact ERD today!
