In some of my previous columns I have written about how to best earn CE points toward renewing your certification. We have discussed other types of certification that relate to the HTM field.
Most entry-level tech jobs require either an associate degree or military training. Some higher level tech jobs require an associate of science degree degree plus certification or certification is recommended. Some of this was outlined in the AAMI Career Ladder document discussed in a previous “Beyond Certification” column. What if you want to move from being a tech into management? Most management jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Some supervisor roles also require a bachelor’s degree. That seems to be what the market is moving toward. When moving into an even higher level management role such as director or vice president even higher degrees may be required.
Bachelor’s Degree
How do you get there from where you are now? When I was at the AAMI Conference in Philadelphia earlier this year I had a chance to talk to Barbara Christe, Ph.D., from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. IUPUI has an outstanding degree program for associates and bachelor’s degrees in “Healthcare Engineering Technology Management.” Search their website using this description and you will find more information about this highly touted program. Their associate degree program can “provide the training you need to launch your career.” The bachelor’s degree can build on your associate degree (IUPUI or other) and many courses are available via distance learning. This bachelor’s degree is offered to students who have experience or training in the HTM discipline.
We also discussed other options. Barbara is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to furthering your education and I am thankful for the time she spent with me. Another school we discussed is Thomas Edison State College. Thomas Edison offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology (BSAST) degree in Biomedical Electronics. One of the nice things about Thomas Edison is they offer credit evaluation. You can send them any credits you have from previous college or life experience and they will evaluate it (for a fee) and allow you to transfer those previously earned credits up to a limit. Thomas Edison also enables military members to earn maximum credit for military training and education. Depending on your military training, Thomas Edison State College can apply college credit to your degree program.
Master’s Degree
Having a bachelor’s degree is a good first step toward working in management. Once in management if you want to advance a master’s degree is usually preferred. At the hospital where I work, everyone in upper management has a master’s degree or a higher-level degree. In HTM, what degree programs would be most beneficial? Master’s of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) are two of the most common mater’s degrees in healthcare. I live in Colorado and Colorado State University has a “global campus.” So anyone, anywhere can enroll at CSU to earn a MHA degree. I’m sure other online degree programs are available. The MBA degree is a little different in that it is not healthcare specific. It is business related. Running a HTM department is very similar to running a business so an MBA makes good sense. There is no preferred degree for master’s level in HTM. By the time most people get to this level they have a good idea what they want their master’s in.
If you are looking to direct your career toward management check into these different degrees and start working toward them. It is a long process and some employers have tuition reimbursement that may make it a little more affordable. Until next time … keep your journal up to date!