Some believe that the current generation – the Millennials - having been raised in a world of search engines and software-based apps and entertainment, have little interest in hands-on technology.

Careers in software development, where clever code instantly appeals to the masses, outshines the more direct nature of medical equipment maintenance and repair.

While on the surface Millennials might not find biomedical engineering an interesting or promising career path, in fact, this generation has knowledge and skills that are well suited to the field.

Firstly, Millennials are self-sufficient, agile learners. They search the Internet for instant answers to their questions and are confident to apply their learning immediately.

Secondly, Millennials didn’t adapt to information technology later in life like the generations preceding them; rather, they were born with IT surrounding them from the very start.

As the lines of medical device and PC/Server technology merge, Millennials are in a superior position to leverage their life-long IT skillsets within the medical device industry and really flourish in this regard.

The BioMed Technology field has an image problem. Most young people probably have never heard of it, let alone considered it a career. To overcome these challenges, the industry must improve awareness of the field, better facilitate entry level access and adapt education and training to the new learning style preferences of upcoming generations. 

From an awareness standpoint, we can no longer wait for candidates to find us, we must go out and educate high schools, trade schools and college students of the wonderful mission the role plays, and the benefits derived from a career in Biomedical Technology.

Furthermore, we need to ensure entry-level positions are not exclusively held for graduates of specialized schools. Formal mentorship and apprenticeship programs need to be the norm, not the exception. The industry should think deeply about the transferable skills needed versus the narrow classical hiring view focused on education and industry experience.

Lastly, the next generation of new employees will be disillusioned quickly if they land as Biomedical Technologists only to find access to information and training to be lacking and slow to obtain. To overcome this challenge, there must be investment in systems and partners that enable up-to-the-minute information that is easily accessible and searchable.

As an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, Dräger plays an active role in Biomedical Technologist education, training and support.

The Dräger Training Academy trains customer Biomedical Technologists side-by-side with the company’s own new Dräger Technician hires. This collaborative learning environment facilitates networking/expert relationship building for future support and/or collaboration. It enables the utmost skill development and confidence to be had by all.

To increase classroom capacity and accessibility, Dräger is transferring most classes to a hybrid approach, where a days’ worth of lecture can be remotely accessed by students, reducing their physical travel to just a few days to complete the lab practical session.

In recognition of the growing prevalence of medical equipment that features an IT component, and increased demand for device connectivity and data sharing, Dräger provides a weeklong Academy course on Network Fundamentals. This model agnostic bridge training is designed for the traditional Biomedical Technologist who lacks IT skill sets necessary to effectively support vital sign monitors.

We are teetering on the edge of disaster as Biomedical Technology staff shortages increase each year. Now is the time for the industry to come together to establish ways to engage the new generation in this career so vital to healthcare delivery. In order for the field to survive – and thrive – all stakeholders must become part of the conversation and solution.

To learn how you can work with us to advance Biomedical Technologist education, training and career growth, visit our technical training website.