University High School Launches Biomedical Engineering Technical Academy

St. Petersburg Collegiate Eight High School will open a new academy specializing in biomedical engineering technology at the St. Petersburg College Tarpon Springs Campus in the fall of 2023.

The Academy allows students to complete an Associate of Science in Biomedical Engineering Technology completely free of charge while earning a high school diploma. The AS degree prepares students to meet the growing need for biomedical equipment repairers who maintain the advanced medical equipment on which patients’ lives depend.

important needs

A Future Florida Critical Workforce Needs Grant funded the addition of the BMET Academy. This grant supports workforce education programs in high-demand areas statewide.

Academy graduates are ready for a credible career in a hot job market with average salaries of $49,910 in the US, $47,130 in Florida and $46,620 in the Tampa Bay area. increase.

Jackie Scryde, SPC’s Vice President of Workforce Development and Corporate Partnerships, said: “Our medical device space makes him over $47,000 in accreditation alone. A four-year degree and some experience is double that for him.”

The new academy joins SPC’s university and high school ecosystem, which opened its first charter school in 2004 on the university’s St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus. Tarpon Springs’ North County option opened in his 2019, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) high school in the college’s Downtown Center opened in fall 2022. “A” schools in Florida for the 2021-22 school year. The St. Petersburg/Gibbs location has earned an ‘A’ from the state every year since the school opened.

Catherine Kennedy, SPC’s vice president of Accelerated, Honors, International & UPC, said: “Expanding access at BMET Academy is exciting. This is another way the SPC continues to serve the community.”

Significant impact

The AS degree in Biomedical Technology Engineering focuses on innovative technologies such as cybersecurity and electronic hardware used in medical devices such as defibrillators, ventilators, patient monitors and imaging machines. Students take classes in electronics, computers, networking, and biology.

“Many of us have probably seen monitors in hospitals displaying the condition of ourselves or loved ones. I’ve seen it at the SPC,” said Sidney Martin, engineering program director at SPC. “Each monitor, life support machine, and other critical device must function whenever it is needed. Biomedical Engineering Technology students are the individuals who keep the equipment operational. Graduates of Biomedical Engineering Technology Each participates in providing healthcare to the patient and participates as a member of the care team, but does not often work directly with the patient.”

BMET Academy helps build a pipeline of talent to work in a variety of settings including healthcare, industry, research and education.

“Employment opportunities for engineers are expected to expand significantly over the next decade,” said Natavia Middleton, SPC’s Director of Natural Sciences and Engineering. “The program combines cutting-edge technical tools with experienced staff to help students learn. We will also create practices that expand access to

Brian Bell, senior faculty member of SPC’s biomedical engineering technology program, noted the strong career preparation the program offers.

“You can explore healthcare technology in hands-on learning experiences, participate in internships with industry leaders in medical technology manufacturing, industry tours, professional association meetings, and technical workshops,” he said. “The SPC qualification allows you to work in hospitals and medical device companies, often in information technology or electronic support technician groups in healthcare settings.”

The AS degree includes three optional stand-alone certificates depending on the student’s area of ​​focus: Bachelor of Science in Technology Development and Management at SPC or Bachelor of Science in Medical Engineering Technology Management at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Move to Bachelor.

“We are very excited to create new accelerated options for students at St. Petersburg College Eight High School North Pinellas,” said Ryan Halstead, Principal of College Eight High School North Pinellas. “The BMET program offers students another option to pursue career opportunities through education or to further educational opportunities through career paths.”

This material was fully funded by the federally funded $9 million CRRSA ESSER II – Future Florida Critical Workforce Needs Grant.