Finding Your Dream Job in Healthcare Technology Management
We had the opportunity to talk with Jessica French about her career path in the Healthcare Technology sector and the pivotal role that Sodexo’s Biomedical Equipment Technician Trainee Program played in advancing her professional journey.
Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET), Jessica French, did not always know she wanted to work in the healthcare technology field. Her career journey began when she took a role with University Hospitals in an OR washing endoscopes and working with Medivators, machines used for reprocessing endoscopy scopes. Jessica would call the healthcare technology management (HTM) team, managed by Sodexo, to come and fix the machines when they broke down. One day, her colleague asked if she had ever considered learning to fix the machines herself. After contemplating the idea, Jessica decided to go back to school to become certified in the healthcare technology field.
During her time in school, Jessica discovered the Sodexo Biomedical Equipment Technician Trainee Program and decided to apply. Joining the program in May 2022, she completed her studies and graduated in May 2023. Through this program, Jessica discovered her newfound passion for the healthcare technology field and began pursuing a new career as a BMET I, an entry-level BMET position.
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Sodexo’s Biomedical Equipment Technician Trainee Program helps launch employees' careers in the healthcare technology industry. As a Sodexo Biomed Trainee, employees join a supportive community of healthcare professionals, including trainees, mentors, and industrial experts, all dedicated to their success in the dynamic field of healthcare technology management. The program offers mentorship, formal training, hands-on experience in a hospital, and an entry-level clinical equipment support technician role. The program concludes with employees achieving 18 months of work experience and obtaining the nationally recognized Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology (CABT) certification from the Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
“The program is a great stepping stone into a career because not only are they teaching you, but you are also getting that hands-on experience with new equipment,” Jessica shares.
In her new position as BMET I, she now works over at University Hospitals Beachwood Medical Center in Beachwood, OH. In this role, Jessica is responsible for doing rounds across the hospital to ensure all equipment is running properly, talking with staff about potential issues, performing preventative maintenance tasks, and traveling to various sites to troubleshoot and repair diverse medical equipment.
In her position, Jessica ensures that the machines do not break, addresses any damages promptly, and verifies the equipment is safe for patient use. Every piece of equipment within a hospital has to be managed by health technology management personnel such as Jessica. The healthcare technology space is where the behind-the-scenes work occurs to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Amidst her responsibilities, Jessica has leveraged opportunities provided by Sodexo to enhance her skills and career. Notably, Sodexo arranged Trophon training for her, which is an automated high-level disinfection device for ultrasound probes. This training enables Jessica to independently address equipment issues and repairs, reducing reliance on external vendors and improving turnaround times.
“Sodexo has put me in a place to achieve my goals and get to where I want to be. They are giving me the knowledge that I need to be able to achieve my dreams.”
Jessica’s journey with Sodexo has not only propelled her professional growth but has also fostered a profound sense of belonging in her role, where she feels a part of something greater.
By completing the training program and entering into this field with Sodexo, Jessica shares that she has “realized how many more people are out there that do what I like to do. It is very inspiring to see managers in this field who are women like me because it shows women in the healthcare technology field that we can achieve our goals and climb the ladder to get to a management role one day.”
Traditionally, the healthcare technology sector has been predominantly male-dominated. Jessica frequently finds herself as the only woman in most situations in her position. However, in recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of women entering this field, serving as a source of inspiration for those aspiring to pursue careers in this domain.
Jessica is very passionate about being a strong woman in the healthcare technology sector. She recognizes that many are unaware of the diverse career avenues within this field and is eager to enlighten younger generations. Jessica aspires to engage with local schools in the future, aiming to educate students about the different job opportunities available. Her goal is to demonstrate to others that these career paths are accessible to all, regardless of gender. With a strong work ethic and determination, Jessica believes anyone can achieve their dreams.
“You can do anything you set your mind to. Identify your goals, strive for them, and turn them into a reality,” Jessica exclaims.
Jessica aims to inspire others to explore the vast opportunities in healthcare technology and pursue their goals. She stresses the significance of goal setting and seeking support, especially from mentors in the field. Through her journey, Jessica embodies the potential to achieve your dreams. With access to resources, encouragement, and unwavering determination, she demonstrates that nothing is beyond reach.