By Keri Forsythe-Stephens

I know I say this every December, but I can’t believe another year is nearly upon us. 2018 seemed to move at warp speed—from a personal and professional standpoint—and I’m in slight disbelief that it’s almost 2019—an especially noteworthy year for 24×7 Magazine, as it celebrates its 23rd year in circulation.

Not that I’m completely ready to let go of 2018, however.

Keri Forsythe-Stephens, Chief Editor

Keri Forsythe-Stephens, Chief Editor

In a bid to commemorate one year and kick off another, we’ve decided to reveal the results of our 2018 job compensation and salary survey. Every year, I get numerous emails inquiring about our ever-popular survey, with readers asking me if their salaries are on par with their peers. Well, without further ado, click here—and make sure to check out the January issue of 24×7 Magazine, which will feature exclusive salary charts and graphs.

Readers’ salaries weren’t the only information gleaned in 2018’s job compensation and salary survey. You also told us what you considered to be the most important issues in HTM—and let’s just say that your answers were telling. A common theme is the rise in IT connectivity—“Everything is connected to a network in some way, shape or form,” one respondent remarked—and the challenges that this brings.

A second person lamented, “IT has no clue about what or how we do things. Their lack of urgency makes it harder to get systems up and running.”

Some survey respondents expressed more sanguine views about the integration of biomed and IT. One such individual called it “great,” adding that the surge in networked systems has “expanded my personal workload and given me opportunities.” Similarly, another respondent wrote that the Internet of Medical Things has “made the job more interesting, challenging, and fun.”

Another issue that elicited drastically different responses from respondents was succession planning in HTM—namely how to handle the impending biomed shortage. With the “average” survey respondent nearing 50, attracting new blood to the field is paramount, you told us.

For starters, one respondent said, “Most individuals don’t even know this career exists.” On the flip side, however, the aging of the HTM field “leaves a lot of room for the newer generation to come in and make an impact,” that person pointed out. Certification, some respondents argued, could make a difference.

Educator Joie Marhefka, who wrote this month’s Growing a Career article, “Why You Should Consider Education and Credentialing in HTM,” certainly agrees. Dr. Marhefka discusses why lifelong learning is vital—especially in HTM, where medical equipment advances every day.

Perhaps investing in one’s career is something all HTM professionals can agree about—and a good resolution to make as we enter 2019.

Keri Forsythe-Stephens is chief editor of 24×7 Magazine. Questions and comments can be directed to [email protected]