Professor Brian Bell Discusses the new Biomedical Engineering Technology program at St. Petersburg College

The A.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology is a new program currently offered at St. Petersburg College (SPC) in St. Petersburg, FL. Historically focused on electronics and troubleshooting, the program has evolved to include training in medical device networking, medical device security and medical device manufacturing. FLATE reached out Brian Bell, lead faculty for the A.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology at SPC to learn about the program and how it is targeted to help meet workforce demands for biomedical engineering technicians. For more information about the program visit https://bit.ly/2PVOJVm, or contact Professor Brian Bell.

 

INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSOR BRIAN BELL

WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF THE PROGRAM? Students learn to repair, maintain, and manage medical technology.

HOW MANY CREDITS? 60 credits for the A.S. degree.

WHAT KIND OF SKILLS CAN STUDENTS DEVELOP AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE PROGRAM?

Students will learn electronics troubleshooting, computer repair, how to properly use and test medical technology – infusion pump performance testing, x-ray calibration, patient monitor alarm testing.

IS THERE A HANDS-ON COMPONENT TO THE PROGRAM?

Students work with infusion pumps, patient monitors, x-rays units, anesthesia units, oxygen concentrators, vital signs simulators, computer hardware and electronic testing equipment.


WHAT ACADEMIC PATHWAY DO STUDENTS PURSUE AFTER COMPLETING THE PROGRAM?

Students can work for healthcare organizations, original equipment manufactures, and third-party service providers. Students can work at a hospital or do field service and work all over the country specializing in specific devices.

IS THE PROGRAM TIED TO ANY INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION(S)?

The program is tied to the CBET – certified biomedical equipment technician program.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM SERVE LOCAL INDUSTRY NEEDS?

The program provides a sustainable pipeline of talent for employers.

WHAT IS THE JOB OUTLOOK FOR GRADUATES OF THE PROGRAM?

The outlook for graduates looks great. We have a lot of opportunities in the area as medical technology continues to grow. Also, Pinellas County is home to several global and national medical device manufacturing companies and growing healthcare systems.

DO YOU PARTNER WITH ANY COMPANIES THAT DIRECTLY HIRE GRADUATES?

We certainly partner with local companies that contact me prior to opening their general hiring. Some of the companies hire graduates and host work experience, while others visit our programs and give presentations (including technical training prior to COVID). We have toured facilities such as Baycare, Mercury Medical. Other examples of companies that we currently partner with and/or serve on our current advisory board include: BayCare Health System, Mercury Medical, Concise Engineering, United Biomedical Services, Intertape polymer group, EyeKon, and Designs for the World. Additionally, Carlos Villafane one of our instructors is president of the Bay Area Association of Medical Instrumentation (BAAMI) and our students are invited to participate in chapter meetings and trainings. 

ARE THERE PROGRAMS IN THE STATE/COUNTY THAT ARE SIMILAR TO WHAT YOU ARE OFFERING AT ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE?

There are a few, but in general there are very few academic programs in this field. The following either offer similar programs and/or at least a certificate. These include:

• Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
• Sante Fe College, Gainesville, FL
• Miami Dade College, Miami, FL
• Fort Myers Technical College, Fort Myers, FL

SPC also has articulation agreements that transfer into a fully online 4-year degree in Healthcare Technology Management at Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis. We are glad to give students that opportunity through an articulation agreement.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE STUDENTS GAIN FROM THE PROGRAM?

As the field is constantly changing, I hope students have the confidence to work with and learn about medical technology. I also hope they develop the ability to learn how to manage, test and repair new technology.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT TEACHING THIS PROGRAM?

I get to use engineering skills in a way that directly affects patient care. Also, there are always new devices being developed and consequently new things to learn.

HOW DO YOU EMPHASIZE/TEACH EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS?

During the program, students are engaged in multiple activities that include working on projects with other students, getting evaluated by industry supervisors during work experience, performing formal technical presentations in front of an audience, setting up mock interviews prior to graduation and creating digital portfolios to showcase what they have done. Students are also encouraged to use social media to market their learned skills and achievements.

• FOR MORE INFORMATION:

St. Petersburg College BMET Program Links

Engineering Technology for Healthcare Youtube Channel

Gain access to free biomedical engineering technology educational content

Gain access to free medical device networking and cybersecurity content