By David Scott, CBET
How are you doing? Funny I would ask that. The last year and a half has been a little crazy. Just wondering how you are making it through all of this. I think I can finally start to see the start of getting back to “normal” or at least the “new normal,” whatever that might be.
If you are a certified technician and are trying to get CEUs in this time period the way you do things has changed. There have been many Zoom or online learning sessions. I know GE Healthcare has a virtual learning class available for some of its technical training. In June, AAMI had its very first AAMI Exchange REWIRED. It was entirely online. From all reports I have heard, it went well. My local biomed association (Colorado Association of Biomedical Equipment Technicians or CABMET) has had virtual meetings. I have had perfect attendance! I never did that when it was in person. So maybe some aspects have been better. I don’t have to drive to the meetings. I can log in from home. I do miss seeing all the people that I know and talking to them in person. It’s just not quite the same with an online meeting even though I can see their video feed.
I don’t know about you, but I find it difficult to do these sessions. I may be alright with an hour or so, but I can’t imagine an entire day of online classes or meetings. Maybe I am just not used to that? It is better if it is recorded so you can always go back and listen again if you get sidetracked somehow. I know the TechNation Webinar Wednesdays have been a blessing in these crazy times, not only to get CEUs but to keep up with the “outside world.” It makes it a little easier knowing that everyone is going through the same thing.
I have talked to some other health care workers who have to do continuing education for their jobs. X-ray techs are who I have mainly talked with. They have been able to do correspondence classes. They are sent modules to complete and get a certain CEU value from completing each of these courses. Many of them do this even during “normal times.” There is a cost associated with these courses. Just like many things in life – nothing is really “free.”
During the COVID-19 shutdown, TechnNation has not shut down as much as some of the others. I have attended MD Expos in Tampa and Dallas. I felt safe and thought proper precautions were taken at each of the MD Expos.
August is here, and we are seeing many things return to normal. By now, most people that are going to get the COVID-19 vaccine have already gotten it. Most places no longer require masks. Outdoor events are just like they were before.
In August, CABMET is having its first in-person event in over a year. I can’t tell you how excited I am for this. It will be good to have live events back. I will be able to get CEUs toward certification renewal and see people in person.
Looking ahead a little bit more is the MD Expo Las Vegas (MDExpoShow.com). This is being held the first few days of November. From reports I have seen, Las Vegas is back to normal and open for business. I was watching the local news this morning in Denver, and they had a story on the top places people wanted to visit in the U.S. Denver was number three behind Vegas and Seattle. Vegas was number one! I encourage you to attend the MD Expo in Las Vegas. Get there a little early or stay a little later to do all the normal Vegas stuff. I’ve heard Las Vegas has some crazy Halloween events. Check it out. I think it’s going to be one of the best MD Expos ever! I think it will mark a return to normal that we all have been looking for. The TechNation team always does an excellent job at making everyone feel welcome at these events. If you see me there, please say “Hi.” Until then, keep doing what you do best!
David Scott, CBET, is a Senior biomedical technician at UCHealth.
