The BMET program has been a long-time supporter of the North Carolina Biomedical Association (NCBA). The NCBA offers educational opportunities for working biomedical technicians all over the southeast region. One of the benefits that they offer to BMET college students is a scholarship to cover their last year of training. This year, M. H. Place, a second year BMET student at Stanly Community College, received the Eddy G. Whisnant Scholarship.
“As the recipient of the 2006-2007 Eddy G. Whisnant Scholarship, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the North Carolina Biomedical Association. I was honored to be recognized by the NCBA for my accomplishments as a second-year BMET student at Stanly Community College in Albemarle, North Carolina. I found myself attending SCC after a long career as a licensed aircraft mechanic (A&P mechanic) for the major airlines. The last five years have been difficult for the airline industry. Rising fuel costs and public uneasiness of another 9/11 type attack has caused several major carriers to seek bankruptcy protection. Searching for job stability and security I started to research career fields that would provide long-term stability for me and my family. With various family members working in the healthcare industry, I began to narrow my search for that field.
What ultimately led me to the field of biomedical equipment technician were the similarities between the job of an aircraft mechanic and the job of a BMET Technician. The predominant focus for both fields is safety, whether it is patient safety or safety of flight. Both industries deal with preventive maintenance, inspection, repair, and troubleshooting of equipment. Recalls, service bulletins, engineering orders, and aviation directives are part of the job for both the BMET and the A&P mechanic. Such regulating agencies as Joint Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration set forth policies, procedures, and documentation requirements that require strict compliance.
With my career search almost complete, I contacted David Wilson, BMET program advisor at Stanly Community College, and asked him what an entry-level BMET technician could expect in the field. After he patiently addressed all my questions and concerns, I decided in August 2005 to change careers.
My two years in the BMET program went by quickly, and I graduated in May 2007 with honors. I’m proud to report before graduation I was offered and accepted a position with Presbyterian Hospital as a biomedical equipment technician at their Matthews, North Carolina facility. I contribute my success to the dedicated faculty and staff of Stanly Community College; they were instrumental in helping me unlock my potential.”