MCC SHARES THE BEST KEPT SECRET OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS

Many people grow up learning about various occupations and professions such as nurses, lawyers, auto mechanics, welders, etc. However, one of the least known but most rewarding careers is that of a biomedical equipment technician. Biomedical equipment technicians repair, maintain, test, and manage all types of medical equipment and medical systems such as those found in hospitals, clinics, ambulatory care centers, laboratory testing centers, dialysis treatment centers, and diagnostic imaging centers.

Madisonville Community College offers Kentucky s only public college program that trains students to become biomedical equipment technicians. The Biomedical Technology Systems (BTS) program addresses both general and sophisticated medical technologies and systems encountered in a variety of healthcare sectors and settings. Instructional content is delivered online and only requires the student to be on-campus once a week for completion of onsite lab activities. This flexible instructional approach is ideal for those who live outside the local area as well as those who have other commitments to pursue the program. Besides the 68 credit hour Associate in Applied Science degree offering, students also obtain six certificates in the area of computer and information technology. This provides students with a combined biomedical and information technology skill set desired by today s employers.

The need for biomedical equipment technicians continues to grow, particularly for those trained to service highly sophisticated medical equipment and systems such as MRIs, CTs, diagnostic ultrasound machines, clinical chemistry analyzers, surgical robots, and surgical lasers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, biomedical equipment technicians have a bright outlook as the profession s employment is expected to grow by 30 percent between 2012 and 2022. The aging population combined with continuous advancements in medical technology and services will largely drive this growth.

To share more about the work of a biomedical equipment technician, MCC will be hosting interactive workshop sessions on June 12. The first session from 10 a.m. 12 N is for adults who are high school or GED graduates. The second session from 1 - 3 p.m. is designed for high school students. Participates in each session will have the opportunity to build, operate, and test a mini defibrillator circuit. The sessions will be held in room 137 of the Brown Badgett, Sr. Energy and Advanced Technology Center located on MCC s North Campus (2000 College Drive, Madisonville).

For more information and/or to register for the event, contact Joey Jones at 270-824-1759 or e-mail joey.jones@kctcs.edu.