Simulation supports many healthcare careers: nursing, EMS, pharm tech, and allied healthcare among them. One of the challenges for medical simulation is going to be attracting and retaining educated and experienced people who want careers in simulation. A career in medical simulation combines adult learning, clinical education, technology, and leadership. It is a challenging, rewarding, and secure career path.
Educational Simulation Careers
An outstanding simulation program needs effective and realistic scenarios. Students benefit most when they can immerse themselves without a second thought in the situation. In order to provide that, simulation programs need staff, faculty, and other team members to present a seamless scenario.
- Simulation Program Developer/Instructor: Plan and implement educational programs, and develop and present curriculum to educate healthcare providers. Primary focus can be in several healthcare areas, from nursing and EMS, to pharm tech and IV technicians.
- Simulation Lab Technicians: As a simulation technology specialist, a person will assist in coordinating the technical components of the medical simulation program. Help set up, run, and debrief simulation scenarios. Work with the simulation program developer or instructor to create scenarios, provide technical support, and provide maintenance in the lab.
- Moulage Artist: Learn how to apply moulage effects to simulate wounds, burns, cyanosis, skin conditions, and more. Work with simulation labs, EMS programs, and even military organizations to design and construct realistic effects.
Entrepreneurial Simulation Careers
Medical simulation wouldn’t exist without product solutions to support it. Creative problem solvers in the field recognize how to support healthcare students. They create tools, simulators, models and manikins, and entire companies to support students and benefit patients in the long-term.
- Inventor: Many simulation products are created when a nurse, EMT, or other healthcare professional notices a need when working in the field. They recognize an area where knowledge can be built in educational settings if only students had access to the right product.
- Sales and Marketing: Just like any industry, the simulation field needs good sales and marketing people to deliver solutions to its customers. Simulation is always evolving, so a career in sales and marketing means continual learning to keep up with the technology, and know what solutions customers will need, now and in the future.
- CEO: If your idea is good enough, and has a practical application for enough people, you can even start your own company. Pocket Nurse is itself an example of how far a good idea can take you. Other companies that are definitely on our radar are VES and Moulage Concepts.
Careers in simulation need passionate and creative people willing to learn and interested in helping other people learn. Search for medical simulation careers on LinkedIn.com, or see the career pages at the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) and Healthy Simulation blog.
