Advances in technology are revolutionizing medical research, health care and forensics. Popular television shows like E.R. and CSI showcase these technological advances nightly—whether it’s a case solved from a single hair left at a crime scene, or doctors viewing a full cross-section of a patient’s internal organs with an MRI scan.

Fans of these shows might be surprised to learn that careers in technology can take them from viewer to active participant in these exciting fields. While some students might be discouraged from pursuing medical careers because of the extensive education required, the reality is undergraduate healthcare technology degree programs could be an alternative.

According to Julio Torres, president of DeVry University’s South Florida campus, “You don’t need an M.D. or a Ph.D. to begin a career in healthcare or medical research fields. In fact, there are a number of bachelor’s degree programs that prepare you for entry-level positions in the biomedical and health care industries.”

Three such degree programs are available at DeVry University/South Florida.

DeVry University offers a bachelor’s degree program in biomedical informatics, which draws on computer technology, information technology, the biosciences and health care systems.

The biomedical informatics degree program prepares students for professional positions in two fields, both of which improve the healthcare system. Healthcare informatics combines information systems and healthcare industry knowledge to enhance healthcare systems, reduce cost and improve the quality of care. Bioinformatics focuses on searching genetic databases, managing information systems to create new treatments for diseases, improve medical care, and identify criminals using DNA analysis.

DeVry University also offers a bachelor’s degree program in biomedical engineering technology, which involves the design, implementation and maintenance of health services components, such as medical imaging systems or computer-based systems used during surgery or intensive care. This program is designed to give students an understanding of biological processes as well as skills in both engineering software and hardware. Graduates will use engineering technology principles to create solutions in the fields of medicine and biology.

Finally, DeVry University/South Florida recently began offering an associate degree program in health information technology. The program educates students to analyze and manage health care data, implement applications software to support health care data analysis and management, as well as perform complex clinical coding tasks.

“As technology plays a bigger role in medical research and care, demand rises for computer programmers to design the software that supports medical research, IT experts to build, implement and manage medical networks, and engineers to build and maintain equipment used in surgery and patient care,” said Torres.

From electronic intensive care units (eICUs) where off-site technicians monitor patients around-the-clock via data, video and audio telecommunications, to surgical robots that allow unprecedented surgical control and precision, medicine is being transformed by technology. And this new health care environment cannot function without computer programmers, engineers, and network and database administrators.



Finding qualified clinical workers has become a challenge for many healthcare providers across the country.

To help combat that trend, Martin Memorial Health Systems holds an annual Patient Care Technician Academy that provides people interested in healthcare careers with hands-on training and education. When they finish the seven-week course, students have a job waiting for them and Martin Memorial is able to fill several crucial patient care positions.

“About half of them have had some kind of experience. They know a little about patient care,” said Angie Metcalf, director of human resources and learning. “The other half don’t have that experience or background.”

A PCT Academy student learns to put in an IV.

Now in its fourth year – the sixth class will graduate on Nov. 1 – the PCT Academy has proven to be a success.

Each fall, Martin Memorial holds an open-house event for people interested in joining the academy. This year’s class, which began in late September, features 12 students who work with professors from Indian River Community College, as well as Martin Memorial staff.

They learn basic patient care, as well as phlebotomy, glucose monitoring and how to perform 12-lead EKGs. There is classroom time and a learning skills lab where they get hands-on instruction, then venture into the clinical setting with a preceptor.

The 2006 PCT Academy

Midway through the academy, managers from around the health system meet with the students, who can select what areas of the hospital they are interested in working. The managers then get together to place students in open positions, allowing the students to know where they will go after graduation and focus on job-specific training the second half of the academy.

As an added bonus, the students pay nothing for the education and receive salaries while they learn. In return, they sign an agreement to spend at least one year at Martin Memorial.

The cost of the academy is offset in part by the help of the Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast, which provided some funding through a Business Employment and Solutions Training grant.

The investment has paid off. Not only has Martin Memorial maintained a strong volume of patient care technicians, many of the former PCT Academy students later go on to get nursing degrees and return to the health system.

“I’m the oldest of four girls, so maybe I’m used to taking care of people,” said Nadini Figueroa, who quit her job in accounting and joined the PCT Academy in part because she wants to become a nurse. “The Academy is a godsend. You get your skills, you get the experience and they pay for it.”



For more than ten years, Northwest Medical Center has supported a three-year residency-training program in Foot and Ankle Surgery. Podiatry school graduates from throughout the country apply yearly for an opportunity to participate in this prestigious program.

The training at Northwest Medical Center prepares podiatrists to be Foot and Ankle Surgical specialists. From wound care to pediatric care and from trauma to reconstructive foot surgery, the residents are prepared to treat all facets of lower extremity disorders.

The program was started ten years ago by local podiatrist, Dr. Jay Lieberman. At that time, only a handful of physicians participated in the training program. Today, over forty physicians, three hospitals, one wound care center and five surgical centers are actively involved. Orthopedic, general, plastic, and vascular surgeons along with internists, radiologists and pathologists all lend their expertise to the program.

The residency training program has made Northwest Medical Center a Center for Excellence in Foot and Ankle Disorders. Difficult and rare cases find their way to Northwest. Over the year, the resident’s have been exposed to many unusual cases.

Each week the residents and attending physicians meet in grand rounds, plan treatment and critique completed cases. Patients benefit from having input from a group of physicians. State of the art instruments and techniques are used.



As you are coming into the podiatric profession, you are coming into a profession whose time has come and you have made the right decision for a career choice, advised Dr. Briant Moyles to the 42 Barry University podiatric medical students participating in the Rite of Passage ceremony at Broad Center for the Performing Arts on the Miami Shores campus of Barry University. “The baby boomers are beginning to retire and need good podiatric physicians, some form of universal healthcare is on the horizon, and many podiatric physicians are retiring, creating many excellent opportunities in the profession,” he added. Dr. Moyles, former president of the Florida Podiatric Medical Association and the Fund for Podiatric Medical Education, served as the keynote speaker and presented his son, Jared Moyles, with his white coat, marking the beginning of his clinical experience.

Donna J. Toren, D.P.M., congratulates her son Adam Toren, Class of 2009.

The Rite of Passage ceremony, narrated by James D. Sills-Powell, president, Class of 2010, continues a tradition at Barry University for podiatric medical students. The lab coats presented to the students have been recognized since ancient times as the attire of the medical profession. Each student was presented with their coat by Associate Academic Dean, Michael Siegel, PhD; Chair of Basic Medical Sciences, Ramjeet Pemsingh, PhD; and Associate Dean of Clinics, John Nelson, DPM.

Over 300 family, friends, students, and members of Barry’s faculty and staff attended the program to celebrate this important milestone and recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2009 of the School of Podiatric Medicine. Honored guests included Dr. Joseph Smith, father of Brett Smith, Class of 2009 and Dr. Donna Toren, mother of Adam Toren, Class of 2009. Dr. Chet Evans thanks the sponsors Merz Pharmaceuticals and PICA Group, who graciously supported the Rite of Passage.

Marti Solomon, DPM, Class of 1995 delivered an inspiring alumni address recommending to the Class of 2009, “to carry in your coat pockets all the informational references and medical instruments you will need, but also to carry with you kindness, respect, and caring for your patients.” Dr. Solomon, who serves as the president of the Barry Podiatric Alumni Chapter said, “The thing that will set you apart from the average doctor is a strong moral character based on kindness, respect, honesty, and love for self and others.

The Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine has made impressive progress from its humble beginnings in 1985. There were only eighteen students, no clinics, and only one hospital affiliation. Then, the School received its accreditation and began a clinical training program in 1987. Now, the School has nearly 200 podiatric medical students with over 250 hospital based externships, a three-year surgical residency training program, and over 900 podiatric medical graduates.



An increasing need for healthcare services, coupled with the national shortage of qualified workers, continues to fuel a huge demand for healthcare employees. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the healthcare industry will add more than three million jobs in the coming years, with eight of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the healthcare industry.

This need for qualified healthcare employees spans a wide range of fields including patient care, hospital and medical office administration, and insurance billing and coding.

One fast-growing area of employment is back-office support for medical offices and hospitals, such as Medical Insurance Billing and Coding. Working through the complicated maze of insurance codes and claims is a must in the modern medical profession, but offices often lack trained staff members to take on these crucial administrative duties. This means that graduates of medical billing and coding programs are in high demand.

Everest University, formerly Florida Metropolitan University (FMU) as of Nov. 5, reports that its healthcare programs continue to expand and adapt to meet rising student demand and industry changes.

“The requirements of the insurance industry are constantly changing and evolving,” said Lynda Auster, Medical Insurance Billing and Coding instructor at Everest University’s Pompano Beach campus. “In our Medical Insurance Billing and Coding program, we train students on the latest software and coding techniques to ensure that our graduates are ready to enter the workforce and able to immediately contribute to a medical office team.”

Patient care is also a rapidly growing job market as the number of aging Baby Boomers needing long-term and live-in medical care increases. Skilled patient care technicians are needed in South Florida and across the country. Positions for graduates of patient care programs are readily available in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.

Healthcare administration offers excellent career prospects as well, considering many administrators are expected to retire in the coming years. “Changes in the healthcare industry have created a need for education that encompasses everything from legal and legislative reform to risk and financial management. We strive to equip aspiring administrators with up-to-date training that will allow them to meet the evolving demands of healthcare facilities and companies,” says Anie Bonilla, Ph.D., Academic Dean at Everest University’s Pompano Beach campus.

It is clear that the need for qualified healthcare employees has had an impact on educational institutions. Increasingly, the trend is to provide practical skills and workplace practicums and externships that offer real-world experience. Schools and universities offering healthcare training programs have evolved to meet changing student needs and industry demand.

The Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools, which accredits Everest University in Florida, requires that 70 percent of graduates be employed in their fields of study. “One of our main goals is to help our graduates find employment upon successful completion of their program requirements,” Auster added.

Everest University officials agree that, no matter what the healthcare position, there’s an increasing need for skilled workers. “All economic indicators show that the needs in healthcare training will not wane any time soon,” Auster said. “In fact, as the population continues to age, we can expect an even higher demand.”