Workforce Development Programs
ONE-YEAR BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM - The BioTN Foundation including local biomedical industry representatives, along with Workforce Essentials and the TN Department of Labor, TN Board of Regents, TN Department of Education and Williamson County Schools were pleased to open a Biomedical Technology Program beginning September 2, 2008 at Independence High School in Franklin, TN. The high tech/high skill program provides dual enrollment for juniors and seniors in high school and adult students re-entering the workforce or making mid-career changes. Eighteen biomedical industry and health care facilities provided job shadowing and clinical experiences for the students. Students who completed the program have obtained jobs at Williamson Medical Center, BioMimetic Therapeutics, Centennial Medical Center, St. Thomas Hospital and other esteemed facilities. Additionally, many of the students have continued their education in universities and colleges such as Auburn University, UT Chattanooga, Lambuth University, Bethel College and others.
"The Biomedical Technology Program is a great opportunity for technical training in a growing and need field. The Tennessee Technology Centers are happy to partner with BioTN, the Department of Labor and Workforce, Department of Education, Williamson County School System and the business leaders in this community to meet the needs of the workforce." |
The one year program curriculum was jointly designed and developed by the BioTN Foundation, North Tennessee Workforce Board, local business/industry representatives, the TN Board of Regent’s colleges, universities and technology centers and Vanderbilt University. The Tennessee Technology Centers at Murfreesboro and Nashville conduct the program.
The Biomedical Technology Program is a 900 hour (one year) program that provides students with rigorous academic training in the biomedical sciences, as well as, important workplace skills often overlooked in many academic settings. Students obtain the ACT certificate in WorkKeys and upon completion of the Biomedical Technology Program receive a diploma from the TN Technology Center. The program includes topics such as biomedical applications, scientific research, laboratory assistant skills, basic pharmacy, monitoring and informatics. The third trimester is structured as an internship (300 hours) with an industry partner. Students work from wireless laptops throughout the program, developing strong skills preparing for high tech, high skill jobs of the future.