Biomedical Equipment Technician

Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET)

Alt Names:  Biomedical Engineering Technician, Biomedical Technician, Certified Biomedical Engineering Technician (CBMET), Biomed Tech, Biomedical Equipment Technologist, Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES), Certified Biomedical Equipment Technologist (CBET),Biomedical Engineering Technologist, Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES), Biomedical Electronics Technician, Medical Equipment Repairer, Biomedical Repair Technician

Career Description

Biomedical Engineering Technicians often work on-call to install, maintain, and repair medical equipment.

Job Responsibilities

  • Repair, maintain, or install biomedical equipment requiring repair

  • Conduct routine maintenance and safety checks on equipment

  • Aid medical staff with operating and handling equipment

  • Report to supervisor or managers

  • Keep records of every issue regarding equipment (maintenance, services, etc)

Education & Training  

  • Associate’s degree in an accredited biomedical equipment field

  • Bachelor’s degree is often required to work with high quality equipment such as CAT scans

Important Courses & Info:

  • Education level varies by area of specialization and experience

  • Repairing (some) non-complicated equipment are learned on the job

  • Training alongside professional usually takes between 3-7 months

License and/or Certification

  • Certification for this occupation is not required, however having one increases your opportunities to work with employers (especially hospitals)

Certification titles which can be earned include:

  • Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES)

  • Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET)

  • Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists (CRES)

All of which can be obtained through The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation

Salary

June 2013 median: $55,868 [Source:Salary.com]

Valuable Skills & Qualities

This occupation is good for people who are:

  • Dexterous with both hands

  • Flexible (regarding schedules.Will have to go from place to place depending on where client with issue is located)

  • Patient

  • Knowledgeable in technology

Work Environment/Setting  

These professionals work on-call meaning wherever an equipment issue is, they are there. Some examples of work settings are:

  • Hospitals, research facilities, laboratories, medical institutions, manufacturing companies

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