Q: I had a question for those BMETs and managers who are already in the field. I am soon to graduate with an associate of science degree in biomedical engineering technology and have the opportunity to continue my education. I would like to know which of these two degrees would get me in the door/further in my career. Both would take the same amount of semesters to complete.
1. Bachelor’s of science in engineering technology with a concentration in electrical engineering
2. Bachelor’s of applied science in information technology management
I would think the engineering technology degree would be better, but have been told throughout the program I am in that a lot of troubleshooting is getting into the network side of infrastructure. Any opinions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
A: Unless you plan on pursuing an engineering degree and change from being a BMET/CBET to a biomedical engineer, I would definitely pursue the IT degree. If you can, obtain as much knowledge as you can regarding networking with patient monitoring and data transfer. You can’t go wrong having an IT background for a tool.
A: I agree!
A: Based on the direction the industry is heading my recommendation would be for the IT path. As time moves on I find that I use my applied electronics knowledge less, and my computer hardware and networking knowledge more.
A: As an HTM director, I would give this advice. Determine your career path. Do you wish to be a clinical engineer? Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) requires an engineering degree. Regardless of the direction of our industry we do still need engineering skills. Some organizations do require CCE at the director and above level. That being said, unless you have determined that CCE is your future, IT is a more appropriate degree and offers a BMET more opportunity. In many organizations, HTM leadership is reporting to IT via CIO or CTO. That is the case in my organization. In my role of director of HTM, I have additional IT duties outside of traditional HTM. If your goal is departmental leadership and above, my advice would be to get a bachelor’s of science in an IT field followed by an MBA with a concentration in IT management. Learning networking fundamentals is critical to success for today’s BMETs. Understanding the business aspect of things is critical for those desiring leadership roles.
A: I strongly agree. I find I am becoming less of a repairer and more of an equipment babysitter!
A: I would agree if your plans are to work in a hospital biomed department. My background is laboratory equipment. In general, these days the equipment is electronically very stable. The techs spend more time on networking than repairing. If you are considering going to work for a manufacturer then I would suggest the engineering path. The best engineers that I have ever known are ones who started in the field. They had a much better understanding of how equipment is used versus how it is intended to be used.
A: It seems to me that most want to see experience and for you to become CBET certified. I would say that if you have the opportunity at this point to try to apply for a job and get started. Unless you want to get school over quicker and take more classes. I am not saying that the more education that you get is not better, but sometimes the question is asked in interviews to why you chose a four-year program opposed to a two-year program. Most do this to one day have the opportunity to go into management or become directors. This will not happen in less than five years more than likely. So, if it were me, I would get into the field if at all possible, continue your education, and have it finished in a few more years. Then, you will have about five years of experience or so when you finish school and will have the chance to explore more options. Also, depending on where you land a job, some pay a percentage of your schooling if you continue your education. On a side note, to directly answer your question, I would go for the clinical engineering one, and take a couple of network classes individually. Clinical engineering is more directly related to what we are doing, but, as you said, networking is becoming a more day-to-day part of the job, especially when IT is reluctant to assist you in equipment that “does not belong to them.”
Q: I am very interested in the Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM) certification. Is anyone interested in forming a virtual online study group to prepare for this test? I am looking for those committed to actually taking the test and participating in the group.
A: I just took this exam this morning. While I will not disclose the exact questions I may remember, I will be glad to discuss the general nature of the exam and the areas of expertise needed.
A: I would be interested. I have been seriously considering pursuing CHTM certification, but know very little about the test.
A: I would like to discuss the exam as well as which areas I would need to bush up on.
A: I am interested in the test and the information that is available.
A: I would be interested in studying for this exam as well if we can get something together.
A: I’d be interested as well. A study group would likely be a good option.
A: I am interested!
A: I am also interested.
A: To all those who have expressed an interest in forming a CHTM study group, I believe the first step should be collecting and sharing of contact information so that we can communicate as a group. If you’d like to send me (john.walsh@rwjuh.edu) your email address and hospital/company information, I will compile a list and distribute the list back out to each of you, and to Chris (who had the idea for a study group). We can then start the process of collecting and distributing information about the test.
A: Thanks for taking the initiative in doing this. I requested study information from the career center at AAMI while in Denver and there was nothing available. I did purchase “A Practicum for Healthcare Technology Management” book at the AAMI store. It looks like good reference material.
A: I also am very interested in this certification for CHTM. How would we set this up?
A: I would be interested in learning more about this new certification as well.
A: I think it is great. Remember, there are only 100 questions total, so there will only be a few in any one area. Pay attention to EBIDA. Also, pay lots of attention to Cost of Service Ration (COSR).
A: I am interested in a study group.
Q: I feel Arjo is gouging me on patient lift repairs and parts, I have heard that Hill-Rom has better prices. Your thoughts and experience?
A: We got rid of our Arjos a long time ago and went with the EZ-Way lifts (Mobile). They have great tech support and are easy to work on. I can’t say on the Hill-Roms.
A: We went from Arjo to the Waverly Glen F550, etc. I am not sure of the repair pricing.