How to Train to Be a Medical Equipment Repair Technician

Medical equipment repairers often conduct routine maintenance checks on equipment.

Medical equipment repair technicians repair, service, install and maintain medical equipment such as defibrillators, CAT scanners, electric wheel chairs and dental equipment. Most medical equipment repairers, who are also known as biomedical technician (BMET), work for hospitals, health care facilities, manufacturers and other organizations. The most common path to becoming a BMET involves earning a college degrees in biomedical equipment technology or engineering, gaining professional work experience and in many cases obtaining certification. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is expected to grow 27 percent over the 2008 to 2018 decade.

Instructions

1. Complete a two-year education program. Increasingly, more employers are seeking applicants who have at least an associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology, biomedical engineering electronics or engineering. Enroll in a college that offers these programs. Search for a school near you by visiting the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Some colleges offer a bachelor’s degree in BMET. Generally, a bachelor's degree is needed for BMETs who repair the more advanced medical equipment.

2. Acquire relevant work experience. Many BMETs who work on simple machines like hospital beds and electric wheelchairs generally gain expertise from on-the-job training. Spend at least 3 to 6 months working as an assistant to another a biomedical technician. Get training on specific equipment or a variety of equipment. Consider attending a manufacturers training course in addition to our on-the-job work experience. Search for job openings by visiting the career center on the AAMI website.

3. Obtain certification. AAMI offers certification in three specialty areas: certified biomedical equipment technician (CBET), certified radiology equipment specialist (CRES) and certified laboratory equipment specialist (CLES). Download the handbook and exam application from the Professional Testing Corporation website. The handbook includes detailed information about the process for scheduling, taking and passing the certification exam. Take note that certification is voluntary and not required by law.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Equipment Repairers
• AAMI: What does a BMET do?

Resources

• AAMI: Biomedical Equipment Technician Schools
• AAMI: Career Center
• Professional Testing Corporation: Test Information