Biomedical Equipment Technician Training

Biomedical equipment technicians are trained to repair many different types of medical equipment and apparatuses within a health care environment.

Biomedical equipment technicians must pay close attention to detail, have good communication skills, and must have the ability to exercise patience. These qualities are very important for biomedical service technicians to posses since they have to ensure that medical equipment is safe and can function properly. Equipment that is serviced by biomedical technicians includes defibrillators, X-ray machines and radiation monitors. Biomedical service technicians must have the proper education and training in order to maintain and repair various medical apparatuses according to specifications.

Job Description

Typical work days for biomedical service technicians include inspecting, testing, modifying, calibrating medical equipment and instruments. Technicians must maintain, test and repair machines guided by blueprint diagrams and by manufacturers specifications. Workers may take apart a particular piece of equipment in order to repair it and they have to place it back together according to exact standard to ensure that it is in working order for patient care. Knowing how medical apparatuses work is very important since biomedical service technicians must teach medical staff how to operate certain medical devices related to their practice.

Education

Individuals who choose to become a biomedical service technician are usually required to have an associate degree. Some employers will require employees to have a high school diploma and previous experience working with electronics. Employers usually provide on-the-job training for individuals that have not been formally trained. Military organizations such as the Army and Navy offer biomedical service technician training to individuals who desire to undergo this type of training in the Armed Forces.

Coursework

Understanding electronics is an important part of this field since all of the equipment that a biomedical service technician maintains and repairs involves the use of various electrical components and systems. Individuals who receive an education for this type of work will take classes such as algebra, geometry, medical drawing, digital science, biomedical anatomy, English and neuro/cardiac care instrumentation.

Training

Training can also be completed at a four-year university or technical college and this type of advanced training will give a technician the ability to repair more sophisticated equipment such as CAT scanners or MRI equipment. Manufacturers also hold training classes for their equipment and biomedical equipment technicians must attend these classes in order to secure or maintain employment. Seminars and exams are also a part of an ongoing training process which keeps a technician's skills current.

Certification

Credentialing varies by state and individuals who wish to work within this particular field of employment must inquire about their state's particular qualifications. International Certification Commission is an organization that offers certification for biomedical equipment technicians. Equipment technicians will be required to have the appropriate education and/or work experience before taking an exam and once they pass the exam they will then receive their credentials as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician.

References

• Medical and Nursing Training: What Does a Biomedical Technician Do?
• Health Careers Centers: Biomedical Equipment Technician
• Southeast Technical Institute: Biomedical Equipment Technology, AAS Degree
• Degree Directory: Education Requirements for Biomedical Technicians
• Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation: Certification