A Sim Tech works in a Healthcare Simulation program and manages the operations of Medical Simulation technology. Contributing to the wider simulation community, Sim Techs operate manikins and help to set up and manage networks and IT infrastructure. Other terms for a Sim Tech include: Simulation Tech, Sim Technician, Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialist, Simulation Operator, Simulation Technology Specialist, Simtech, and many more.
Sim Tech Responsibilities
Within their day-to-day operations, Simulation Technicians will assist with the management and operation of patient simulator equipment. They will also perform upkeep and maintenance checks (including equipment service and maintenance agreements), training, reliability tests and overview of the schedule of medical simulator performances. They will further use computers and audiovisual equipment to develop and facilitate equipment training for internal and external clients, both on-site and remotely. Training by SimTechs may alternatively be requested in the form of coaching for audiences with varied levels of technical expertise
Other duties of a SimTech includes to provide input and advice into clinical simulation design, application, operation, maintenance, training, reliability and overall equipment performance. Often reports are directly sent to a Healthcare Simulation Coordinator or Simulation Administrators. Sim Techs will assist with a healthcare simulation program’s other IT department requirements through technical support as necessary. Simulation Technologists additionally work with Simulation Coordinators to assist with faculty education and career development as well.
Another important responsibility of a Simulation Technology Specialist is to safeguard electronic data and programmes with the protection of clinical simulation technology from data loss. Data loss can occur as a result of equipment failures or other equipment malfunctions. The unauthorized use of nursing department documents or protected student/participant information is another technology based risk to a clinical simulation program which is usually managed by a Sim Tech. Management of the day-to-day operations of state-of-the-art technology based software applications and audiovisual equipment in a healthcare simulation program is integral in the Sim Tech role.
HealthySimulation.com is dedicated to providing the latest Sim Tech news and nursing simulation resources from around the world. To follow along, sign up for our free medical simulation email newsletter, follow @HealthySim on Twitter and @HealthySim on Facebook, or join our HealthySimulation.com LinkedIn Company Page!
Sim Techs can also be accountable for any recordings of healthcare simulation scenarios, as well as to then have the files available for faculty to use for educational use if this process is used in a healthcare simulation program. Along with these more operational tasks, SimTechs must further maintain records of equipment warranty information, purchase and expiration dates, serial numbers and more. This information must be readily available in case they are ever required to be presented.
Sim Tech Professional Development
To ensure that SimTechs are able to perform these responsibilities to the best of their ability, participation in clinical simulation continuing education through professional organizations like SimGHOSTS, vendors and other resources is strongly suggested. There also exists the ability to earn a certification from an established organization (like the CHSOS from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare). These avenues of educational advancement exemplify a SimTech’s dedication to the field of simulation healthcare, and will help them to develop clinical simulation proficiency and maintain awareness of all current and new clinical simulation trends.
SimTechs are highly skilled professionals who are typically employed full-time, and are most commonly required to have obtained a minimum education of a high school degree or the equivalent. While little to no related experience is required upon applying to a SimTech role, industry experience is certainly preferred. A high knowledge of current and emerging technology as well as the management of this is required for a Sim Tech role in a healthcare simulation program.
Most healthcare employers do require at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to healthcare simulation, such as in computer science, medical technology or health sciences. There are certain universities, colleges, technical schools and hospitals that offer medical technology programs. In these programs, coursework is rooted in chemistry, biology, microbiology and clinical lab skills (including research). Dependant on the specifics and goals of a healthcare simulation laboratory, program or workplace, employers may require their SimTechs to have anywhere from one to three years of experience in learning-based healthcare simulation technology.
When in the process to seek out employment as a Sim Tech, professionals will be subject to a background screen to be able to ensure compliance with federal and state working laws. Some states in USA will require a Sim Tech to be licensed or registered. For a SimTech to become licensed involves completion of a degree and then to sit a state-issued exam. A valid driver’s license is often required as well, dependant on the clinical simulation program and employer.
View the LEARN CE/CME Platform Webinar How to Encourage Administration to Hire a Sim Tech to learn more!
SimTech Qualifications
To succeed in the role of a Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialist, these healthcare simulation professionals must be able to think critically and work to solve problems independently or in teams. Communication and teamwork across diverse groups (such as internal staff, clients, learners, students and training participants) are integral in this position. However, these aren’t the only qualities that help make for a successful SimTech.
Within healthcare simulation programs, SimTechs must adopt a customer service-oriented attitude and be as helpful as possible in all aspects of their role to ensure the smooth running of a healthcare simulation program. Self-directed and self-motivated behaviors are another plus, as these characteristics enable a SimTech to work independently in addition to their team work within a healthcare simulation program.
Simulation Technologists need to have the proven ability to exercise time management skills and independent judgment. This includes identification and adjustment of work priorities as required. This means Sim Techs should be fluent in the ability to configure, operate and maintain networked computer and audiovisual equipment, beyond the specialized clinical simulation technologies.
Equally important, SimTechs need to be experienced and proficient with a variety of computer hardware and software applications (such as PC and Mac computers, video cameras and microphones), database development and maintenance; security and protection of software programs, computer files and confidential records.
To stand out among healthcare simulation peers, Sim Techs need to demonstrate a familiarity with medical terminology and have experience in a fluid and demanding work environment. This is extremely beneficial in order to effectively manage time and resources to accomplish varied and multi-leveled assignments. Collaboration with IT and vendor contacts to quickly resolve technical issues and a willingness to work with human patient simulators with full physiologic functioning (including all body systems, birth and death) is equally invaluable — and utilized in the healthcare simulation field almost daily!
In general, a willingness to work outside normal office hours on occasion, the ability to analyze and evaluate technical equipment functionality and performance and a demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions to provide desired outcomes is invaluable as a Sim Tech.
Click Here to Connect to Leading Healthcare Simulation Vendors!
Anyone entering the role of a SimTech should be extremely aware that the physical work environment may include working with toxic substances, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards and can require heavy lifting hazards. Thus, a Sim Tech’s understanding of proper lab procedures is essential to their safety, and the safety of their colleagues.
Job hunting or recruiting? Visit our medical simulation job board!
