Students
MTAA recognises the need to introduce students in secondary and tertiary education to the many career opportunities available to them within the medical technology industry.
5.1 Introduction to the Medical Technology Industry is a self-paced online module available at no cost. Students who have an interest in learning more about the medical technology industry may find it beneficial to complete this module.
To access the module, please click here.
Become a National Youth Ambassador for Health Research
Attention Year 9 and 10 students
Research Australia is looking for the Research Australia National Youth Ambassador for Health Research 2010. You will need to be someone who cares about the future health of Australia, to help spread the message of the importance of science and research to other young people, business and government leaders.
If you are interested in a career in science or medicine, this competition can provide you with opportunities to interact with researchers and government. As the National winner, you will lead a team of like-minded young people to carry the youth voice on health research.
What’s on offer?
State Winners will join the 2010 Research Australia National Youth Ambassador for Health Research in a forum to develop a priorities paper for health and medical research. You will be given the opportunity to raise your concerns with media, key opinion leaders and politicians. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a mentoring program with researchers from universities and institutes and be the youth voice for your peers.
Our National Youth Ambassador for Health Research winner will receive an iPad and the opportunity to meet scientists involved in medical research and innovation, the chance to share their views with State and National policy makers and join in Research Australia activities.
Want to apply?
All you need to do is submit an 800 - 1,000 word essay or 3 minute video by responding to the following statement.
Medical technology will always play a critical role in our lives. Justify your views.
As a guide, you may want to consider aspects of your life and surroundings that have been impacted by medical technology. Analyse how these have made a difference in the way we live today and may change the way we live in the future. Your essay or video will be judged on the extent to which you develop your point of view in a reasonable and convincing way, as well as effectiveness with which you express yourself. View the free MTAA self-paced online module 5.1 Introduction to the Medical Technology Industry to assist you with your response. Click here to learn more. This program is sponsored by Medtronic Australasia.
Applications close Friday, 30 July 2010.
Workplace Learning Directory
Workplace learning programs enable students to contextualise their learning while gaining valuable practical skills and knowledge in the workplace. By engaging in these programs, employers support students to understand the workplace, while creating career opportunities within industry.
To assist students in becoming exposed to the work of the medical technology industry, the MTAA has established a Medical Technology Industry Workplace Learning Directory. Students of secondary schools, TAFE colleges and universities from across Australia can access a list of MTAA member medical technology companies that have volunteered to offer workplace learning programs.
Undergraduate Course Directory
The MTAA recently completed an education audit of undergraduate courses relevant to the medical technology industry. Over 1100 courses were identified.
To assist future students wishing to engage in a course that will equip them with the necessary qualifications to enter the medical technology industry, the MTAA Undergraduate Course Directory has been established. Users can search the directory using a range of criteria.
Directory data will be updated annually in May. For universities, TAFE colleges and training centres wishing to update existing information at other times, please email reception@mtaa.org.au detailing the required content changes, including a contact name and details should further information be required.
Medical Technology Industry Intern Scholarships
MTAA is currently working with member companies and universities to develop an Intern Scholarship that will support tertiary students enter the workforce. This undertaking aims to provide an opportunity for Australian university students to engage in a program of learning by completing an agreed project with an MTAA member host company.
Students will be nominated by universities and selected by host companies through a competitive recuritment process. Internships are remunerated and will be offered as an MTAA Scholarship sponsored by the host company.
Some initial key benefits of the scheme have been identified. These include:
For Interns
• First-hand insight into the medical technology industry is gained.
• Interns are supervised by industry experts.
• Valuable knowledge, skills and understanding is learnt "on the job".
• Opportunities to work with leading edge technologies in high standard facilities are available.
• Future employment options with companies of equal standing are increased.
For Universities
• New ideas based on the latest research taught in universities are put into practice.
• Experience gained by interns in the workplace can be drawn upon during continued study.
• Links between the medical technology industry and universities are embedded.
• University supervisors are exposed to industry through the supervision program.
• Opportunities to develop ideas for further study specialisations through exposure to the medical technology industry are provided.
For Host Companies
• Remuneration is paid as a scholarship omitting on-boarding costs for companies.
• Knowledge and expertise of the current workforce within the medical technology industry is enhanced by exposing them to new ideas and current research.
• Australia's best and brightest are accessed prior to graduation.
• Opportunities to secure the right graduates at an early stage are available.
• Projects are undertaken that may otherwise not be.
• Links between the medical technology industry and universities are embedded.
Details regarding the 2010 program will be available shortly. Students will be notified through their university faculties if they are eligible to apply. For other enquiries regarding this initiative, please email reception@mtaa.org.au
Deciding on a Career
Jolai Evans, Medical Engineer, Cook Australia was invited to appear on the a-Life website. This site was launched to assist students identify potential career pathways.
To learn what it is like to be a medical engineer working in the medical technology industry, click on the link and listen to what Jolai has to say. She describes different aspects of her job in six video clips. You can also listen to Anne Trimmer, Chief Executive Officer, MTAA talking about the industry.
If you decide that you would like to be a part of the medical technology industry, visit the MTAA Undergraduate Course Directory to find a university or TAFE course suitable for you in your area of interest. If you want to try work experience first, visit the Workplace Learning Directory to find a company.
Here are some career websites that may be of interest.
Enquiries
For all enquiries regarding professional development, please contact the Professional Development Manager on P: (+612) 9900 0650 or E: reception@mtaa.org.au.
