ERIC Number: ED658181
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 152
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3832-1875-4
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Equalizing the Performance of Traditional and Online Biomedical Technician Graduates: A Delphi Study
Scott William McKnight
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, National University
The problem addressed in this study is that the performance of biomedical (BioMed) equipment technician (BMET) graduates from online programs is inferior to that of graduates from traditional vocational institutions. The purpose of this qualitative Delphi study was to build consensus among a panel of BioMed career field experts on key performance gaps between BMET graduates from online and traditional programs in areas like technical skills, soft skills, and knowledge base and identify effective practices, strategies, and curriculum changes that can bridge these identified gaps. The theory of social constructivism provided the framework for this study. A modified Delphi approach was employed that involved three iterative rounds to achieve consensus. Data collection included a 17-item open-ended questionnaire, a five-item interview protocol, and a 40-item questionnaire with 32 scaled items and eight open-ended questions. A panel of 14 BioMed leaders and experts solicited from the target population of BMETs, leaders, and experts from a large national home healthcare corporation provided the data, which were analyzed using NVivo. Findings indicated a critical need exists to address distance learning performance gaps in practical skills, with a lack of hands-on training negatively impacting BMET graduates' work readiness. Solutions proposed included expanding practical simulations and rotations and modifying augmented, virtual, and extended reality environments to reflect real-world scenarios. Practice recommendations included blended learning, professional development, industry partnerships, augmented and virtual reality simulators, and annual curriculum review. Future research should involve comparing competencies, costs, incentives, certification rates, and access barriers between online and traditional programs. Public and private stakeholders at the local and national levels must prioritize and implement solutions to ensure that certified skilled BMETs are available to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Biomedicine, Equipment, Medical Services, Online Courses, Vocational Education, Graduates, Soft Skills, Knowledge Level, Job Skills, Technical Occupations, Career Readiness, Education Work Relationship, Leaders, Expertise, Corporations
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A