Biomedical Technician Career Video for Biomedical Engineering Students

Description

Biomedical technicians, also called biomedical equipment technicians, or BMETs, are medical equipment maintenance and repair specialists. They work with a wide variety of biomedical devices that diagnose, treat or assist patients.

Introduction

Most BMETs work in a hospital, large medical facility or biological laboratory. Some are hired by equipment manufacturers to develop and test new devices or to work in sales. Biomedical technicians are responsible for keeping equipment in working order and they're the ones called in to troubleshoot when equipment breaks. BMETs usually hold associate's or bachelor's degrees in a field such as Biomedical Equipment Technology.

Job Skills and Duties

People who work as biomedical technicians enjoy the challenge of fixing mechanical devices. They need to be familiar with both electrical and electronic technology. They must install, inspect, calibrate, service and repair medical equipment of all sorts and sizes. From CAT scanners to wheelchairs, from infusion pumps to heart monitors, BMETs keep important medical devices up and running. Biomedical technicians also provide equipment training to physicians and nurses and, when new equipment is needed, they're called upon to research and evaluate the options.

Required Training

Most entry-level biomedical technicians begin with a two-year associate's degree in a field such as Biomedical Equipment Technology, Electronics or Medical Technology. Some BMETs have trained for this specialty in the military. Bachelor's degrees in Medical Equipment Technology or Medical Engineering Technology are available at some schools. New BMETs can expect to work as assistants for three to six months. They will be trained on each piece of equipment in a lab or facility and will also attend manufacturer training courses. Certification exams are available for graduates with two to three years of full-time experience, but aren't, yet, required by law.

Well Known Jobs Within this Field of Expertise

As biomedical technicians gain experience, they may specialize in certain types of equipment. This may lead to a job as a radiology equipment specialist, clinical laboratory equipment specialist, electro medical equipment technician or traveling field service engineer.

Conclusion

The demand for biomedical technicians will continue to grow as medical advances and biology research result in new and more complex biomedical equipment. If your interested in medical technology, a degree in the biomedical field may be right for you.

Sources

bls.gov -- http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos199.htm