Clinical Simulator Technician

Working Schedule

• Clinical Simulation Technicians work full-time, with the possibility of irregular work schedules.

Typical Duties

• Set up patient simulators, task trainers, hospital equipment, supplies, and audiovisual equipment for simulation activities
• Maintain equipment such as IV pumps, ventilators, anesthesia machines, and defibrillators
• Program software to simulate physiological changes and interventions
• Use software to produce pre-programmed or spontaneous scenarios
• Apply moulage (special effects makeup for mock injuries) to enhance scenario realism
• Provide audiovisual support including equipment for live streaming, reviewing simulation activities, video production, etc.
• Conduct on-site maintenance for simulators, including cleaning, parts replacement, and troubleshooting
• Manage equipment and supply inventories, including IT assets and software
• Research and purchase new technologies to ensure the training curriculum and materials are current
• Operate learning management systems for recording simulations, managing case information, and tracking learner engagement
• Schedule simulation activities. Develop case scenarios, setup guidance, and documentation

Additional Responsibilities

• Help training staff with simulation technology and practices
• Work with hospital teams, handle movable video equipment, and make sure training materials are kept separate from actual supplies
• Recruit participants for simulation exercises
• Participate in research on simulation effectiveness
• Coordinate with vendors for equipment purchase and repair
• Help integrate simulation findings into curriculum development
• Keep updated with advancements in simulation technology and healthcare education

Soft Skills

• Adaptability
• Analytical
• Attention to detail
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Ethical judgment
• Independence
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Storytelling
• Teamwork
• Time management

Technical Skills

• Clinical Simulation Technicians will need technical skills related to:
• Simulation software and hardware operation (e.g., Laerdal, CAE Healthcare, etc.)
• Basic programming for medical scenario creation
• Basic filmmaking skills. Use of audiovisual recording and editing tools
• Understanding of medical terminology and procedures
• Maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, simulators, task trainers, etc.

1. Equipment may include: IV pumps, bronchoscopes, medstations, chromophase lights, ventilators, cauterizing machines, overhead monitors, glidescopes, patient beds, defibrillators, blood warming systems, vitals monitoring stands, laparoscopy machines, and humidified oxygen systems

• Familiarity with educational theory and methods
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations related to training and education
• Skills in applying moulage (special effects makeup for mock injuries)

• Educational institutions (colleges, universities, medical schools)
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities with simulation centers
• Professional training organizations
• Government health departments

Clinical Simulation Technicians need a passion for technology and education. Their detailed tasks involve meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to continuous learning. The scenarios they set up and execute are essential for training the next wave of medical professionals, so it’s vital to ensure equipment and programs are up-to-date and that scenarios are portrayed accurately.

Sim Techs have a lot of responsibility riding on their shoulders, but gain job satisfaction from knowing they’re contributing to better patient care and outcomes!

Healthcare simulation is evolving thanks to virtual reality and augmented reality technologies. These exciting new tools offer immersive, interactive training environments that are useful to augment learning.

There's also a growing emphasis on interprofessional education involving multiple healthcare disciplines, to facilitate better collaboration during real-world patient care situations such as in an intensive care unit. Another trend is the use of data analytics to evaluate how effective simulation training is and where it could benefit from improvements.

Individuals in this career likely had an interest in audiovisual technology or computer programming from an early age. They may have also enjoyed teaching others and participating in group projects or activities. Many Sim Techs probably enjoyed role-playing or simulation video games, too!