The Simulation Technician is responsible for the daily technical operations of the WMED Simulation
Center. This educational facility provides simulation-based education and training services to all programs within WMED, as well as to community physicians, nurses, pre-hospital providers, allied health and other healthcare providers in southwest Michigan. Although undergraduate and graduate medical education is emphasized, the Simulation Center incorporates and encourages multi-specialty, interdisciplinary, and inter-professional educational activities. Medical education programs in the Simulation Center assists learners in their development of cognitive, procedural, communication, and teamwork skills, skill maintenance, clinical decision-making, professionalism, and effective, efficient, safe, and collaborative medical care in a state-of-the-art learning environment. The Simulation Center also promotes research in medical education and human performance. The Simulation Technician maintains simulators and support equipment, troubleshoots problems with simulators and support systems (e.g., AV system), and operates a wide array of educational technology (including online and computer-based instruction).

The Simulation Center offers as supportive environment with a clear path for career advancement or placement within the career path beyond the entry level position, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Develop an understanding of the use and operation of different simulation technologies and
  educational software used in the Simulation Center, ranging from screen-based simulations to full
  body patient simulators and virtual reality surgical simulators.
• Develop technical proficiency with all aspects of the operation, maintenance, support,
  troubleshooting, and basic repair for all equipment in the Simulation Center.
• Assist in the preparation of the facility, mannequins, audiovisual systems, and equipment for training sessions; packs up materials and shuts down equipment after the session.
• Assist videotape recording, duplication, mixing and editing.
• Assists in programming, testing, and running simulations.
• Assists with the operation of the simulators during training sessions.
• Learns, installs, and configures original hardware and software and updates provided by equipment and software suppliers.
• Assists with facility improvements and new equipment deployment.
• Assists with organization of equipment and supplies in storerooms.
• Develop initial knowledge and assist with troubleshooting problems with simulators, the AV system, and support equipment.
• Attends conferences periodically to stay current with simulation technology. Provides training and
  certification in the use and maintenance of the simulation equipment for those who will use the
  equipment unsupervised.
• Assists in the acquisition of technical knowledge of simulator and medical device, operation and
  procedures among instructors to ensure that curricula are accurate and appropriate.
• Supports/assists in role playing, applications, props placement, and moulage set-up to create a virtual health care environment and experience.
• Monitors and keeps track of utilization statistics for events and training, including the use of surgery simulators and equipment used by Surgery Residents.
• Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• All other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty 

satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or 
ability required.
 
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Associates or bachelor’s degree in a healthcare and/or computer field, desirable.
• Experience with medical simulation and/or computer-based instruction and e-learning is highly desirable.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS:

• Active Basic Live Support (BLS) certification or eligibility and willingness to become certified, preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in PC and Mac-based computer software applications, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and basic web design, and proficiency in associated hardware.
• Ability to conduct an Internet literature search for information.
• Strong analytical, interpretive, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivation and willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and reliably meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with healthcare professionals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding job assignments and sensitive issues.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow.
• Performs duties under supervision.
  WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• The employee regularly works in a clean, well-lighted, temperature controlled, and smoke-free environment.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Minimal risk of exposure to noxious substances and infectious agents.
  PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• The employee must be able to perform a combination of sitting, standing and walking.  Must have the ability to hear within normal range and possess the physical capability and hand dexterity to operate basic office equipment. 
• Occasionally lifts average of 50 pounds.
  INTERPERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Exhibits a commitment to the values expressed in the medical school mission, vision and values; Educational Pledge; Code of Professional Conduct; and building a supportive learning and working environment with a positive attitude at the work place and toward their job.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact in a positive and helpful manner with all constituents both internally and externally in a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Ability to work effectively on group projects with internal and external customers in a collaborative manner.
• Applies knowledge of principles and process for providing exemplary stakeholder service and support.  This includes assessment of stakeholder needs, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of stakeholder satisfaction.
• Maintains the confidentiality of all patient, employee, physician, student, and institutional information.
  Supports and assists enhancing the culture, diversity, and inclusiveness of the medical school.

About Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed)

We are committed to excellence and health equity through transformative medical education, high-quality, patient- and family-entered care, innovative research, and community partnerships within a welcoming, supportive, and engaging culture. Our vision is health equity for all in Southwest Michigan through innovation in the practice and study of medicine.

The medical school is a collaboration of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo's two teaching health systems, Ascension Borgess and Bronson Healthcare. The medical school is a private nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenues, research activities, tuition, and endowment income. WMed is the recipient of a $100 million foundational gift and the Empowering Futures Gift, a philanthropic commitment of $300 million to support the mission of the medical school. WMed contributes to the economic vitality of Southwest Michigan through the services we provide, as well as the creation of 1,600 new jobs, with an estimated annual economic impact of $353 million in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.

WMed is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Higher Learning Commission. The medical school offers a comprehensive, innovative four-year Doctor of Medicine degree program, as well as a Master of Science degree program in Biomedical Sciences. We train physicians in 10 accredited residency programs and five accredited fellowship programs, all of which are recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. To support our educational mission, we have Joint Accreditation for interprofessional continuing education, which incorporates accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

WMed Health is the clinical practice of the medical school with more than 300 providers offering comprehensive primary care and specialty services in several locations throughout the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek areas. Faculty in the Department of Pathology serve as the Office of the Medical Examiner for counties throughout Michigan and northern Indiana.

The W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus located in downtown Kalamazoo serves as the primary educational facility with student study and social spaces, team-based learning halls, faculty and administrative offices, a state-of-the-art Simulation Center accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, basic science research labs, as well as toxicology and forensic pathology labs.

WMed builds upon Kalamazoo’s century-long foundation of drug discovery and medical device development with a strategic investment in clinical, laboratory, community, and educational research. The Center for Immunobiology, Center for Clinical Research, Research Histology Lab, Innovation Center, and Human Research Protection Program contribute to the medical school’s advancement of knowledge through innovation and discovery. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with applicable State and Federal law.