Virtual reality takes TSTC Biomedical Equipment Technology students’ training to new dimension

(HARLINGEN, Texas) - Virtual reality can be a game-changer for some technical programs in higher education - and that is no exception for the Biomedical Equipment Technology program at Texas State Technical College.

Recently the program in Harlingen introduced a virtual reality training system developed and provided by NVRT Labs. Using preconfigured Meta Quest 2 hardware during lab sessions, students can experience various scenarios that simulate what it is like to work on actual biomedical equipment.

"Our program chose NVRT Labs' virtual reality system because it's the only one that caters specifically to biomed educators," David Sanchez, a TSTC Biomedical Equipment Technology instructor, said. "After the virtual labs, they work on the equipment in the hands-on labs."

Matthew Bassuk is chief executive officer for NVRT Labs.

"TSTC graduates have a strong reputation in our industry," he said. "We believe that by adding immersive experiences to their robust education we're not just enhancing their technical skills, but we're also preparing them to hit the ground running with day-one competencies."

Bassuk added that training with virtual reality can give new biomedical equipment technicians a higher level of assurance than they might not have otherwise.

"Research shows that virtual-trained learners are up to 230% more confident in live settings," he said. "Students can confidently dive into complex tasks and practice to build up skills and confidence without fear of damaging real equipment."

Anna San Pedro, associate provost at TSTC's Harlingen campus, said the use of virtual reality technology showcases the college's commitment to innovative, industry-relevant education that aligns with current technological trends.

"This progressive approach signals to industry employers that our graduates have been trained using realistic simulations that mirror real-world environments," she said.

Biomedical Equipment Technology is the latest program at TSTC's Harlingen campus to incorporate virtual reality into its curriculum. Others include Dental Hygiene, Drafting and Desig n, and Surgical Technology.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology at its Harlingen and Waco campuses, as well as an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Imaging Systems Technology Specialization at the Waco campus.

According to onetonline.org, the average annual salary for medical equipment repairers is $50,600 in Texas, where the number of jobs in that field was forecast to increase 18% between 2020 and 2030.

Registration for TSTC's spring semester is underway. To learn more, visit tstc.edu.

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