Biomed Tech Imaging Schools
A biomedical technician is also known as biomedical equipment repairer in the United States. Duties include maintaining, adjusting, calibrating and repairing electronic, electromechanical and hydraulic equipment used in hospitals and other medical facilities. A biomedical technician also works on patient monitors, medical imaging equipment such as X-Rays, CAT scanners and ultrasound equipment. The most common entry-level qualification is an associate degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Advances in biotechnology and information technology are transforming the industry and the skills needed for biomedical imaging.
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Associate Level Qualifications
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Most community colleges offer associate degree programs in biomedical technology to a prepare a student to apply basic engineering principles and skills. Two-year colleges include Aims Community College in Greeley, Colorado; Austin Community College in Austin, Texas; and Bellingham Technical College in Bellingham, Washington. Course work involves classroom lectures that focus on physics, chemistry, mathamatics, electronics and equipment troubleshooting. The practical part involves hands-on laboratory experience focusing on equipment repair and preventive maintenance.
Four-Year Biomedical Technology Schools
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Obtaining a four-year degree from a top-ranking biomedical technology school will give you an edge over others with lesser qualifications. As of 2011, the highest-ranked biomedical school by U.S. News and World Report was Johns Hopkins. It was followed by Duke, Georgia Institute of Technology, MIT and UC San Diego. These institutions and other nationally ranked colleges have biomedical schools that offer undergraduate degrees and/or coursework in biomedical imaging, sensors, microsystems, instrumentation and cell/tissue engineering. You need a four-year degree, according to educational-portal.com, to handle a computed axial tomography (CAT) scanner, defibrillator and other delicate devices.
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Online Biomedical Tech Imaging Schools
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Institutions such as Purdue University, Colorado State University and USC offer online biomedical engineering programs. While many other colleges have undergraduate level programs, these universities offer graduate degrees in biomedical engineering, targeting working professionals who want management positions. You can take online classes in biostatistics, biosensors, data analysis, bioengineering and physiological controls.
Becoming a Certified Biomedical Technician
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Certification is not required in biomedical technology, but it "promotes a standard of quality that is generally favored by employers," according to educational-portal.com. Certification requires hands-on experience along with your academic qualifications. Work experience provides you with the knowledge required to pass a certification exam. The exam is administered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Once you pass your exam you become a Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES).
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References
- The Johns Hopkins University: Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Duke University: Biomedical Engineering
- Purdue University: Online Engineering Graduate Programs/Degrees
- School of Biomedical Engineering: Master of Engineering (M.E.) Online
- Education Portal: Biomedical Technician Education Requirements and Career Info
Resources
- Universities: Associate in Biomedical Technology + Technician
- Biomedical Electronic technology Program: Program Information
- Purdue University: Online Engineering Graduate Programs/Degrees
- School of Biomedical Engineering: Master of Engineering (M.E.) Online
- U.S. News and World Report: Biomedical Rankings
