TRIMEDX Vice President of Organizational Learning & Workforce Strategy Courtney Kinkade wrote an article for Health Data Management about how organizations can help close healthcare technology management talent gaps by building stronger pipelines, modernizing training, and actively advocating for the profession.
Workforce development is a persistent challenge in healthcare technology management, with organizations facing a growing shortage of biomedical equipment technicians.
As many professionals near retirement, the gap between demand and supply widens — more than 7,000 new biomedical equipment technicians are needed annually; however, academic programs graduate only a fraction of that number. Addressing this issue requires more than filling vacancies; it calls for transforming the labor market by cultivating skills that drive innovation and excellence.
Organizations that prioritize innovation and actively promote healthcare technology management as a stable, rewarding career help fortify the industry.
Today, the integration of artificial intelligence and automation offers new ways to identify workforce barriers, personalize career development and accelerate advancement for lasting impact.
Building internal alignment
A strong workforce in healthcare technology management begins with coordinated internal alignment and open communication.
When teams across human resources, learning and development, and advocacy are unified and regularly share updates, organizations can more effectively address workforce challenges and support broader business goals.
Advocacy brings added value through connections, policy expertise and funding awareness, complementing the operational strengths of human resources. Regular communication and shared priorities are essential for a proactive, strategic response to workforce challenges.
Policy engagement for systemic change
Engaging with policymakers builds on this foundation, enabling organizations to influence workforce development at a systemic level.
Advocacy teams should stay informed about state and federal initiatives that support vocational training and upskilling. While major legislative changes may take time, incremental progress — such as building relationships with lawmakers and articulating workforce priorities — can yield meaningful results.
Consistent engagement helps organizations become trusted voices in shaping workforce-related policies.
Partnerships and innovative solutions
While the healthcare technology management workforce is rich in talent, barriers such as rigid processes and limited visibility can restrict career entry and mobility. Cross-functional advocacy is vital for overcoming these obstacles.
By fostering collaboration among leaders, team members and community partners, organizations can co-create solutions in “thought partnership incubators,” which are spaces designed to reimagine workforce success.
Strategic partnerships with industry groups, academic institutions and the military help address immediate workforce gaps and build long-term resilience. Collaborations with local universities, community colleges and high schools enable organizations to tailor training programs to operational needs.
According to one survey, 40 percent of employers partnered with four-year institutions to deliver customized training, resulting in improved job performance and increased enrollment for schools.
As an example, our company has taken steps to strengthen the talent pipeline for biomedical equipment technicians by partnering with the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) to develop an apprenticeship program. This initiative blends classroom learning with hands-on experience, offering alternative career paths and expanding the talent pool to include professionals from diverse backgrounds.
The strength of the healthcare technology management workforce going forward relies on organizations taking an active role in driving progress, moving beyond traditional approaches to embrace advocacy, inventive collaboration and fresh thinking.
By forging alliances and nurturing professional networks, organizations can cultivate a steady stream of skilled talent and position themselves to influence the direction of the field.
When organizations champion workforce initiatives and engage in policy discussions, they not only secure vital resources but also establish themselves as forward-looking problem solvers dedicated to advancing healthcare technology management.