Jon-Austin Ray, ISE2, with Crothall BioMed (left), works with BioMed Intern Luke Bronchetti on testing equipment in a Canton-Potsdam Hospital Emergency Department treatment room. Testing is completed on a regular basis to check equipment accuracy, cleanliness, and its physical state. Luke is a BioMed Engineering student at the University of Vermont and is from Massena. St. Lawrence Health photo.

POTSDAM – An incredible opportunity is available for a high school graduate who is looking to enter the BioMedical Equipment workforce via a paid apprenticeship program within St. Lawrence Health (SLH).

A BioMedical Equipment Technician (BMET) Apprenticeship is being offered through Crothall, which is a contracted company by SLH, and is fully funding the program so there is no cost to the apprentice. The company maintains an accurate inventory, performs equipment maintenance, and provides recommendations for equipment replacement throughout Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Massena Hospital, and Gouverneur Hospital.

SLH Director of Biomedical Services Matthew Martin explained that while Crothall has been overseeing interns throughout SLH for quite some time, this is the first opportunity they have had to bring in an apprentice. While interns are current college students, the apprenticeship is directed toward non-college bound or non-armed forces bound individuals who are looking to enter the workforce upon graduating from high school.

“The apprenticeship program is a four-year commitment,” Mr. Martin said. “The primary objective of the first two years is learning, and the next two years is a commitment to work with Crothall.

“The apprenticeship will be a day job where the individual will be a paid employee who helps assist in operations while learning the biomed business, and further managing their curriculum and classes in the program,” he added.

The deadline to apply for the BMET Apprenticeship is Thursday, June 15. Applicants should have basic computer skills, and a drive to learn the following skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of electronic theory, technology, test equipment, anatomy and physiology, hospital/Crothall policies/procedures/standards, and network troubleshooting

• Maintain accurate records of repairs, calibration, and tests

• Demonstrate proper use of tools and test equipment as required to complete repairs

• Interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and illustrated parts drawings of biomedical instrumentation

The chosen apprentice will perform technical work in the installation, maintenance and repair of simple, routine electromechanical diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices under the supervision of a mentor.

Upon completion of the first two years of training, which involves approximately 4,000 contact hours, the apprentice will receive a nationally recognized certificate, jointly issued by Advancing Safety in Health Technology (AAMI), and the U.S. Department of Labor. The apprentice will further be credentialed in IT Fundamentals, be a Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology (CABT), and have candidate status for the Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) exam.

“Once the apprentice is into the third year and working, there are opportunities for vendor-specialized training within specific departments, ranging from Diagnostic Imaging to Anesthesia training. At the end of this training, the employee would be certified to service those specific products,” Mr. Martin said.

The apprentice will be paid $16.25 per hour during the first year of training, and the pay will increase to $18.25 during the second year. Interviews will begin in June, and the selected candidate will begin the program in July 2023.

To apply for the Potsdam-based BioMedical Equipment Technician (BMET) Apprenticeship Program, visit

https://careers.compassgroupcareers.com/bmet-apprentice-potsdam-ny/job/2....

Individuals who are looking to move out of the area may be interested in applying for a program based in Little Rock, AR; Jacksonville, FL; Chicago, IL; Gary, IN; Marion, IN; Alexandria, LA; Beverly, MA; Staten Island, NY; orKnoxville, TN.

Martin will also be attending regional BOCES Career Fairs to discuss the program with graduating students. Fair dates and locations are:

• Wednesday, May 31 at Seaway Area Tech Center, Norwood

• Monday, June 5 at Northwest Tech Center, Ogdensburg

• Wednesday, June 7 at Southwest Tech Center, Fowler