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Biomedical equipment technicians
install, inspect, calibrate, modify, test, and repair medical equipment
and instruments used in diagnosing and treating diseases. They use
blueprints, written specifications, and standard specialized equipment in
order to fulfill most of these duties. Biomedical equipment technicians
may also be called upon to train medical personnel to operate the
equipment safely. Some of their various duties may include dismantling
equipment in order to locate the cause of malfunction, repairing or
replacing defective parts, reassembling equipment and adjusting precision
components according to blueprint specifications, and performing safety
checks on electrical and radiation equipment. They may also add to or
change original components to meet specific therapeutic or diagnostic
requirements.
Career specialties in this field
include: Biomedical Engineering Technicians-depend on background in
engineering to assist biomedical
or clinical engineers;
Electromedical Equipment Repairer-provide preventative maintenance for
electromedical equipment in hospitals;
and Dental Equipment Installers and
Servicers-install and maintain equipment in dental offices.
Individuals interested in this field
must have a strong background in science as well as electro-mechanical
skills. It is also important for these professions to be patient, pay
close attention to detail, and have good communication skills.
Work Environment:
Biomedical equipment technicians
usually work in hospitals, medical centers, and large clinics that have
high-tech equipment and instruments. They may also work for manufacturers
in engineering, sales, or service. These technicians are usually
supervised by Biomedical or Clinical Engineers.
High School Preparation:
High school students interested in
becoming a biomedical equipment technician should take courses in biology,
physics, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, English, literature, mechanical
drawing, electricity and electronics, industrial arts, computer skills,
and health occupations/medical professions education.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in biomedical
equipment technology should have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Most employers prefer to hire people that have obtained a two-year
associates degree in electronics, medical technology, or an engineering
related field from an accredited technical college. Some employers
may hire and individual with an electronics background and offer
on-the-job training. While Mississippi does not require biomedical
equipment technicians to be certified, the US Certification Commission (USCC)
offers certification to individuals that wish to become Certified
Biomedical Equipment Technicians (CBET).
Students interested in biomedical
engineering should contact schools for information on admission and course
of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment opportunities among
biomedical equipment technicians should grow about as fast as the average
for all other occupations over the next decade. The rapidly expanding
elderly population should spark strong demand for medical equipment and,
in turn, create excellent opportunities in this field. As medical
equipment becomes increasingly complicated, the need for highly trained
technicians will be a necessity for large hospitals and medical centers.
Individuals that are trained in specific areas, such as radiology, nuclear
medicine, surgery, dialysis, or clinical laboratory, should see the best
opportunities in this occupation.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$40,300
Salary Range
$31,300-$46,700
Professional Organizations:
American Society of Healthcare
Engineering
1 N. Franklin Street
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 422-3800
www.ashe.org
Association for Advancement of Medical
Instrumentation (AAMI)
1110 North Glebe Road, Suite 220
Arlington, VA
22201-4795
Phone: (703) 525-4890
Fax: (703) 276-0793
www.aami.org |
