| NSF Org: |
DUE Division Of Undergraduate Education |
| Recipient: |
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| Initial Amendment Date: | June 7, 2017 |
| Latest Amendment Date: | June 7, 2017 |
| Award Number: | 1700649 |
| Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
| Program Manager: |
Jill Nelson
DUE Division Of Undergraduate Education EDU Directorate for STEM Education |
| Start Date: | August 1, 2017 |
| End Date: | July 31, 2021 (Estimated) |
| Total Intended Award Amount: | $619,859.00 |
| Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $619,859.00 |
| Funds Obligated to Date: |
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| History of Investigator: |
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| Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
14025 58TH ST N CLEARWATER FL US 33760-3768 (727)341-3241 |
| Sponsor Congressional District: |
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| Primary Place of Performance: |
2465 Drew Street Clearwater FL US 33765-2816 |
| Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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| Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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| Parent UEI: |
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| NSF Program(s): | Advanced Tech Education Prog |
| Primary Program Source: |
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| Program Reference Code(s): |
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| Program Element Code(s): |
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| Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.076 |
ABSTRACT
Modern healthcare is defined by its inclusion of rapidly-progressing technology in medical devices used to assess, monitor, and treat patients. Device capabilities such as wireless networking enhance functionality, but increase risks associated with threats to cybersecurity and patient safety. Skilled technicians trained in the manufacturing, installation, repair, networking, and security of medical devices are in high demand throughout the healthcare industry on a national scale. However, current Biomedical Engineering Technology (BMET) education must evolve to capture students at every point along the educational pathway and to address skills gaps for new and emerging medical device technology. To address these needs, St. Petersburg College will leverage connections with national industry advisors to implement the BMET Pathways program. BMET Pathways will expand the current BMET Associate of Science degree at St. Petersburg College to incorporate new stackable certificate pathways, including an innovative Networking and Cybersecurity certification. Embedded in these certificates will be new micro-credentials tied to industry-recognized competencies. Such certificates allow incoming students with specialized skills, such as veterans, to earn credit for prior learning while also providing current students with verification of skills for rapid employment without a degree. BMET Pathways will also strengthen the employment and training pipeline by supporting education initiatives from K-12 through articulation to multiple baccalaureate degrees.
BMET Pathways will advance knowledge by addressing two primary goals: 1) establish a sustainable pipeline of trained biomedical engineering technicians and 2) expand educational and career opportunities that are responsive to industry demand. The project will utilize senior faculty from Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Technology and the College of Computer and Information Technology to create: (a) a minimum of 15 micro-credentials, (b) three new college credit courses, (c) three new industry-recognized certificates, and (d) a minimum of three Associate to Bachelor of Science degree articulations to support enhanced learning. A new BMET laboratory will allow students to gain hands-on experience in a simulated healthcare environment. Industry partners will provide internship opportunities and ensure that training and competencies remain responsive to cutting-edge skill needs. Evaluation of the program includes assessment of student retention and completion data both at St. Petersburg College and across other NSF-funded institutions to demonstrate effectiveness of flexible degree pathway options. Results from the project will be disseminated at the local, regional, and national levels through presentations at conferences. Open-source curriculum sharing with partners will also take place and lead to greater global gains in BMET education and boosting the number of technician degrees in the Tampa Bay area and beyond.
PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
The overall goals of the Biomedical Engineering Technology - Pathways to Medical Device Manufacturing, Networking, and Cybersecurity are to increase educational opportunities in biomedical engineering technology by developing new credentials in high demand areas of medical technology.
Overall, as of 8/5/21 a total 476 college participants and 736 K-12 participants were impacted by the grant activities. Overall there were approximately 1700 stakeholder from students, faculty, and other school staff impacted by the grant. Through these grant activities opportunities the grant was able to increase opportunities for participants to learn and develop credentials in biomedical engineering technology.
Three new college credit certificates are now available at St. Petersburg College
- Medical Equipment Repair
- Medical Device Design and Manufacturing
- Medical Device Networking and Cybersecurity
In addition, fifteen microcredentials, also known as digital badges are available and can be used by any anyone capable of assessing the award criteria. Six new classes in biomedical engineering technology courses at SPC are now available online to allow more student access and flexibility during course schedules. Three new pathways from the BMET AS degree to 4-year degrees were outlined allowing students to continue their education. New assessments are available that reduce graduation time and cost to students seeking credentials. All together these new credentials provide a steady pipeline of trained individuals who can provide needed talent to medical device manufacturing companies and healthcare facilities.
Over 120 students graduated with an A.S degree. The average success rate of students during their time in the program was 86.4%. Enrollment increased for both veteran and women students in the Biomedical Engineering Technology degree at St. Petersburg college.
Students who completed their degree were evaluated by industry partners. The industry partners who reviewed students during their work experience course perceived St. Petersburg college graduates as excellent, over 70% of responses were assigned described as excellent.
Demographics:
Veteran and women enrollment of the biomedical engineering technology degree increased. There was a 51% incremental increase in veteran students and a 15.6% increase in women students from Fall 2015 to Summer of 2019.
Dissemination of information:
Resources developed by the grant were presented at multiple conferences including National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education Conference, High Impact Technology Exchange Conference, National Career Pathways Network, MD Expo, and was accessed by at least 50 educators
Last Modified: 09/09/2021
Modified by: Brian Bell
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