Profession: Biomedical Technology The speaker did not show up because they drove from Waco, where there was flooding. Biomedical technologists are in

Profession: Biomedical Technology

• The speaker did not show up because they drove from Waco, where there was flooding.

• Biomedical technologists are in high demand because they are employed by every hospital and outpatient imaging center.

• They are essential professionals who run diagnostics and repair MRI, CT, and X-ray diagnostic imaging equipment.

• They must be trained and knowledgeable about all high-demand and widely-used pieces of radiologic technology. As a result, there are specific training programs for biomedical technology.

TSTC Program Overview

• The speaker taught in the biomedical technology program at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), which has a system of 11 campuses across Texas.

• Only three campuses across the state offer the biomedical technology program, and Waco is one of them.

• This field is sometimes confused with engineering programs, but biomedical technologists are specifically trained to repair and maintain imaging equipment.

• Graduates of the program have immediate employment opportunities due to high demand. If MRI or CT equipment isn’t functioning in a hospital, it becomes a significant problem, which is why biomedical technologists are employed.

• The TSTC biomedical technology program is a 2-year training program that provides specific training to ensure students can perform these essential skills upon graduation.

• The program includes rotations at various locations, though the role does not involve direct patient interaction. Certification is required for employment, and the employer looks for this certification.

• Graduates must take an exam to obtain full certification in biomedical technology.

Career Advancement and Opportunities

• Graduates of the program often have immediate employment due to the high demand for biomedical technologists.

• Career advancement starts with entry-level positions, and as individuals gain experience, they become more valuable. With exposure to new MRI/CT manufacturers and technologies, they build expertise.

• Some employers send staff members to the manufacturer's headquarters for additional training when new technology is introduced. The employer typically covers the cost, and the staff member may be required to take one to two weeks off for this training.

• Advancement typically starts with a staff position. With several years of experience, an individual can move into a supervisory role. Supervisors may be responsible for interviewing new staff, making hiring decisions, and conducting annual reviews, which can lead to a higher salary.

Salary Expectations

• Salaries for biomedical technologists vary depending on the hospital's size and location. Rural areas often pay higher salaries due to the high demand and lower competition for healthcare professionals. For example, smaller towns like Sherman and Denison may offer higher pay to attract talent.

• In rural locations, healthcare professionals are harder to find, so salaries tend to be higher. In larger cities, competition is greater, and salaries are generally lower.

• Biomedical technologists with no prior experience can expect to start with a salary of $72,000 to $75,000, which is a good starting salary for someone who enjoys working with their hands.

• The program includes coursework in Physics 1 and 2, Biology 1 and 2, Chemistry 1 and 2, and Mathematics. These courses are part of the 2-year program but may extend the overall duration of study.

• In a supervisory or management role, salaries can range from $100,000 and up, depending on the size and location of the hospital.

Advancement and Career Path

• To move into a supervisor or management position, you typically need about 4-5 years of experience in the field.

• Pre-requisites for the program include:

  • General Chemistry 1 and 2

  • Physics 1 and 2

  • Calculus

  • Statistics for Biosciences

Certification and Licensing

• Graduates of the TSTC program must take the certification exam for licensure in Texas. If they plan to move to another state, they will need to go through a board transfer procedure to gain certification in that state.

• Continuing education is required to maintain certification and licensure.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Biomedical technologists perform both repairs and diagnostics. They regularly check equipment and address issues. If a problem arises with imaging equipment, they send someone to investigate and fix it immediately.

• Because hospitals and outpatient centers rely heavily on diagnostic imaging equipment, it must always function perfectly. If diagnostic equipment fails, it can delay or prevent patient care, making the work of biomedical technologists crucial.

• Technologists work with both hardware and software, ensuring that all equipment runs smoothly.

Work-Life Balance

• This profession offers a balance, as most positions are scheduled around the number of people in the department. In hospitals, imaging departments may operate through the Emergency Department (ED), and some tests, such as CTs with dye, are not done at night.

• However, someone must always be on call to handle urgent issues. In departments with seven people, the on-call schedule is rotated, and the rest of the time, the job is typically 9-5.

Employee Benefits

• Biomedical technologists typically receive employee discounts at the hospital cafeteria when they show their ID badge.

Advanced Education and Programs

• There is no master's program in biomedical technology. However, continuing education is offered by the manufacturers of imaging equipment.

Program Competitiveness and Training

• The program is hands-on, with a lot of one-on-one training, especially with MRI and CT equipment.

• The program is not large, and only 10-15 students are accepted each year per application cycle.

• A BS in Healthcare Studies meets the prerequisites for the program and ensures the curriculum is complete.

Nature of the Job

• Biomedical technologists have limited interaction with patients. Their role focuses on working with equipment to ensure healthcare professionals can properly treat and diagnose patients.

• There are often times when equipment needs to be assessed or repaired to prevent delays in diagnostic procedures.