6. U.S. Department of Labor Projections Jobs Discipline 2006 2016 % Biomedical 14,000 17,000 21 Computer 79,000 82,000 5 Electrical 291,000 306,000 5 Mechanical 226,000 235,000 4 Biologist 87,000 95,000 9 Chemist 84,000 91,000 9 Career Profile Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair and Maintenance
7. Make a difference with a career in Biomedical Equipment Technology! Career Profile Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair and Maintenance
8. What is a BMET? A biomedical engineering technologist or biomedical equipment technician (BMET) is one who is knowledgeable in the theory of operation, the underlying physiological principles, and the safe clinical application of biomedical equipment. The BMET applies electrical, electronic, mechanical, chemical, optical, and other engineering principles to perform maintenance, service, repairs and overhaul of all medical equipment and medical systems. Examples of equipment may include imaging, hemodialysis, physiological monitoring systems; EKG's; lasers, sterilizers, dental equipment, etc. Due to the diversity of the equipment, specialization is sometimes required. The field of biomedical engineering is the application of engineering techniques in the solution of medical problems. The profession is interdisciplinary and combines technology and the life sciences. Career Profile Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair and Maintenance
9. RESPONSIBILITIES The responsibilities of a BMET may include installation, calibration, inspection, preventive maintenance, and repair of biomedical and related technical equipment. Additional responsibilities may include operation of equipment, equipment control and safety. In research facilities, BMETs may also be involved in the modification of equipment. Career Profile Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair and Maintenance
10. What do biomedical equipment technicians do? If you are looking for a meaningful career that offers a lifetime of opportunities, consider a career as a biomedical equipment technician (BMET)—an important and respected member of the healthcare team. BMETs are responsible for servicing and maintaining medical technology for hospitals and other healthcare facilities, manufacturers, and third-party service organizations around the world. Skilled technicians help acquire, install, use, maintain, and train healthcare personnel on cutting-edge medical technology. They support medical staff in the use of the technology. BMETs also coordinate vendor contracts and play a key role in investigating device-related problems. Career Profile Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair and Maintenance
11. Some of the activities you might do as a BMET are: • Safety inspections, risk assessments and corrective repairs • Hardware and software updating • Service parts sourcing and purchasing • Equipment evaluation and testing • Instrument calibration • Operator in-service training • Equipment design and modification • Equipment installations • Home care equipment installation, maintenance and user instruction • Computer networking installation and maintenance • Service department management Career Profile Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair and Maintenance
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13. Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair and Maintenance What education and training do I need? Many BMETs enter the profession with a two-year associate’s Diploma/degree in biomedical equipment technology, electronics, or an engineering-related field. Four-year degree programs are also available. Some technicians with electronics education may train on the job. Military BMET training is another frequent method of entry into the field. Career Profile
14. Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair and Maintenance I’m in high school. Why should I consider this career? This profession truly can be your career opportunity for a lifetime. A two-year degree will qualify you for meaningful, satisfying entry-level jobs that offer good starting salaries. On-the-job training and advanced degrees in engineering, information technology, or management will allow you to move up the career ladder. Long-term job outlooks are strong. Career Profile
15. Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair and Maintenance What are the benefits? ■ Salary and fringe benefits. These vary significantly based on duties, education, geography, skills, and qualifications. Median total salaries range from $43,000 for an entry-level BMET to $89,000 for a department director or manager. ■ Advancement opportunities. With training and education, there are significant opportunities for advancement as a supervisor, specialist, clinical engineer, or information technologist. ■ Job satisfaction. BMETs find it professionally and personally rewarding to improve patient care and safety, and deploy cutting-edge medical technologies that save lives. ■ In-demand skills. BMETs are in demand throughout the U.S. and around the world, in large metropolitan areas, and in small towns—wherever healthcare technology is needed. Career Profile
16. Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair and Maintenance Does this profession welcome mid-life career changers? Definitely. Employers highly value the maturity and experience that mid-life career changers offer. This field provides stability, job satisfaction, and opportunities for additional training and advancement that can expand your career options. I love working in a hospital. My workday is filled with variety and I take great pride in the job I do. The people are the best. — Chris Garcia North Memorial Medical Center Career Profile
17. Biomedical Equipment Technology What’s the long-term outlook? The number of jobs in the U.S. will increase 22% between 2006 and 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. With the rapidly expanding elderly population, demand for healthcare professionals will remain high. Career Profile
18. Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair and Maintenance PREPARATION The requirement to become a BMET is generally the completion of a 2-year BMET program leading to an Associate of Science (AS) from an accredited institution. All accredited institutions that offer an AS in BME provide instruction in both engineering and technology (traditionally electrical engineering and computer engineering) and the life sciences (specifically human anatomy & physiology). In addition, BMETs need effective oral and written communication skills. To be effective, BMETs must know the relevant codes and standards that apply to both biomedical equipment and to healthcare facilities. Career Profile
31. Assessment & Weighting Biomedical Equipment Technology Career Profile Type Activity Weighting Semester end examination Question paper on classroom teaching (MCQ and Essay type) 70% Assignment Group discussion Reports based on field visits 15% 15%
Biomedical engineering integrates physical, chemical, mathematical, and computational sciences and engineering principles to study biology, medicine, behavior, and health. It advances fundamental concepts; creates knowledge from the molecular to the organ systems levels; and develops innovative biologics, materials, processes, implants, devices, and informatics approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, for patient rehabilitation, and for improving health
Biomedical Technician (BMET): A biomedical technician is responsible for the operation, evaluation and employment of maintenance procedures, and repair of medical equipment used in the diagnosis, treatment and research about a disease. He is also tasked to do routine testing and calibration of equipment and create documents regarding the condition and all the procedures done on the equipment and machines. In order to be considered for biomedical technician jobs, most employers require an associate degree in Biomedical Engineering, although in general cases, an electronics education or its equivalent would suffice. You must have adequate biomedical technician training in handling medical equipment, which includes proper usage, repair and troubleshooting. You also must have good communication skills, since you will be dealing with patients and other health professionals. Analytical skills are also required. Biomedical Engineer: Perhaps the most in-demand biomedical career, biomedical engineering is centered on the utilization of engineering disciplines to design and create medical machines, enhance currently used machines and instrumentations, develop prosthetics to replace amputated body parts, conduct research to develop new products, and produce other related medical systems, devices, and tools that will benefit patients. The basic requirements for biomedical engineering jobs are a bachelor’s degree in Engineering specializing in Biomedical Engineering and a license. You can begin taking the classes for a Biomedical Engineering degree online , but you may have to attend a traditional college to complete your degree. A bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering is usually not offered in most schools. doctorate degree is required for higher and more competitive positions.Because of the nature of the work, a biomedical engineer should be able to work with a team of health professionals, be a good communicator, highly analytical and detail-oriented. The salary for a biomedical engineer is relatively rewarding. In a 2007, it was stated that a biomedical engineer earned as much as $90,000 a year. Still, salary largely depends on the scope of work, location, experience and the expertise level of the individual, education and employer.
Primary Purpose: To provide safety inspection, repair and maintenance, of biomedical, clinical and clinical support equipment. A BMET II will work independently with limited supervision. This is an intermediate-level/technical position. Employees may progress into this position after fulfillment of all requirements of a BMET I. New employees may be hired into this position if they possess the proper qualifications. A BMET II should define their career path and focus on continued training and education in those areas. Areas of Responsibility: Perform significant preventive maintenance / safety tests / calibration. Provide medical equipment repair. Assist in the ordering of parts and supplies. Complete all necessary record keeping. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications/ Experience: Education/Certification: Associate's degree or higher in a related field or Military Training. International Certification Commission (ICC), CBET certified, and two to eight years experience preferred. Non-certified – four to ten years' experience Qualifications/Requirements: Ability to interact with personnel to achieve excellent customer service. Keep up-to-date on technological and medical advances. Maintain up-to-date understanding of JCAHO and NFPA regulations. Ability to repair and maintain a wide variety of medical equipment. Positive motivated attitude. Computer literacy
RELATED PROFESSIONALS A Clinical Engineer is a professional who supports and advances patient care by applying engineering and management skills to healthcare technology. Clinical Engineers manage personnel, finances, instrumentation and projects to promote the safe and cost-effective application of technology. Such a person, while having an administrative function, also participates professionally with physicians, nurses, administrators, and other personnel of a healthcare facility. The preparation requires at least a 4-year degree (Bachelor's of Science) in engineering with significant knowledge in physiology, medicine, and clinical care of patients. Clinical Engineers are heads of most clinical/biomedical engineering departments of healthcare facilities. Clinical Engineers who work in a healthcare facility are sometimes referred to as Biomedical Engineers. A Biomedical Engineer applies electrical, mechanical, chemical, opticals, and other engineering principles to understand, modify, or control biologic (i.e., human and animal) systems, as well as design and manufacture products that can monitor physiologic functions and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The Biomedical Engineer usually works in a corporate or university setting in the design and development of devices applicable to living organisms. The preparation requires at least a 4-year degree (Bachelors of Science), although most Biomedical Engineers in university settings hold a post-graduate degree.
Teaching/Learning Activities Deliver the theoretical contents using lectures assisted with multimedia Provide handouts (To supplement lectures) covering the important points and aspects. Conduct group discussions Arrange visits to Hospitals or relevant organizations to gain understanding of the module.
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