GE to adopt VR technology for HTM professional training

General Electric's Healthcare business is introducing interactive and customizable training options for Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) professionals. With 25 percent of the HTM population expected to retire over the next 10 years, hospitals and healthcare systems face an increasing challenge to train the next generation. The options enabled by the Virtual Reality (VR) technology will facilitate training safely and efficiently.

Every year, GE’s Healthcare business offers training services to over 8,000 HTM professionals. The company believes the VR technology will eliminate the need to travel to a GE training facility, which in turn is likely to save costs.

“Training the next generation of HTM professionals is a very hot priority right now, and virtual reality is going to be a big enabler,” said Art Larson, GM, Global Services Training & Documentation, GE Healthcare. “This technology allows for the flexibility and customization healthcare providers want, making training available when and where it works best for them.”

The benefits of VR training include helping impact a provider’s productivity and offering a safe learning environment. Students gain experience maintaining and troubleshooting a system at their specific work site. This enables them to avoid abandoning their station to travel to a training facility. VR training offers a safe, low-risk learning environment; allowing for mistake-driven learning where employees can safely make mistakes and learn along the way.