BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN
Biomedical equipment technicians install, calibrate, repair and maintain medical equipment such as X-ray machines, heart-lung machines, incubators and dialysis machines. Technicians often become experts with certain pieces of equipment and teach others to use the equipment properly. If the equipment technician is unable to repair a machine, he or she will write a detailed description of the problem and ship it to the manufacturer. Biomedical equipment technicians are often supervised by biomedical engineers. With experience, biomedical equipment technicians may train or supervise other technicians.
HOW DO I BECOME A BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN?
While in high school, try to prepare by taking course work in mathematics, mechanics, electronics, biology and physiology. You will need a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED) and a two-year associate degree in biomedical equipment technology, electronics or a related engineering field to become a biomedical equipment technician. Individuals who repair less complicated equipment such as hospital beds or wheelchairs may only require on-the-job training, while individuals who repair more complicated equipment such as imaging machines or defibrillators may require a bachelor’s degree. After graduates complete two years of work in their field they are eligible to take a national exam to become a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET).
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN SCHOOL?
You will learn the problem solving skills needed to become a biomedical equipment technician. Basic curriculum includes course work in mechanical and structural drafting, engineering design, data analysis, medical terminology, electronics, laser design and theory, and human anatomy.
LIFE AFTER GRADUATION
The employment outlook for biomedical equipment technicians is favorable with a projected growth of 31% until 2020. Biomedical equipment technicians work in clean, pleasant surroundings. Most salaried employees work 40 hours a week during normal office hours. Some technicians choose to work in-house (working solely for a hospital), while others work for manufacturers of medical equipment or for third-party service companies. The latter two usually require a great deal of traveling. Individuals with an associates degree and who are willing to relocate have the best job prospects and opportunities.
PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCE:
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
4301 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 301
Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 525-4890
www.aami.org