(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As healthcare facilities face a growing demand for specialized technical talent, Texas State Technical College’s Biomedical Equipment program is serving as a critical pipeline for the regional medical industry.
With local hospitals, manufacturers and independent service providers facing complex equipment needs, industry employers say TSTC’s Harlingen campus continues to produce the job-ready graduates necessary to keep vital patient care technology running safely and reliably.
Graduates have become valuable additions to the workforces of employers like GE HealthCare in Edinburg, iServe Biomedical in Houston and Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. These employers note that TSTC graduates and students bring crucial technical knowledge, problem-solving skills and a willingness to keep learning.
“TSTC graduates stand out because of their technical foundation,” said Eduardo Garcia, biomedical team lead for GE HealthCare. “They have positive attitudes and a desire to keep learning. Those qualities help us better serve hospitals and medical providers.”
Savannah Valdez, sales and marketing manager for iServe Biomedical, said those same characteristics are vital in an evolving industry. She noted that TSTC prepares graduates through hands-on training and strong partnerships with employers.
“Our partnership with TSTC reflects our commitment to investing in the future of healthcare technology management professionals,” she said. “By supporting students with hands-on learning, mentorship and industry collaboration, we are preparing the next generation of biomedical equipment technicians.”
At Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, well-maintained equipment directly impacts patient care. Belinda Flores, the hospital’s biomedical manager, said recruiting TSTC graduates helps fill critical positions because the hospital often works with students through internships before they enter the workforce.
“Internships allow us to see students’ abilities firsthand and familiarize them with how our department operates,” she said. “That reduces the amount of training needed after they are hired. Our interns also help us address daily equipment needs while supporting our biomedical technicians.”
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Biomedical Equipment at its Harlingen and Waco campuses, as well as an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Imaging Systems Technology Specialization at the Waco campus.
Registration for the fall semester is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.