Biomedical equipment technicians work with medical equipment. Technicians can achieve certification in radiology equipment, laboratory equipment or biomedical equipment. At least an associate's degree and skill with technical machinery is needed for entry into this field, though bachelor's degree programs are also available.
Essential Information
Biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) maintain and repair medical equipment, including hospital beds, patient monitors and scanning machines. Hospitals and other employers look for biomedical equipment technicians, also called medical equipment repairers, who have some education, and certification is often necessary for advancement.
| Required Education | An associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology |
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029)* | 5% growth for medical equipment repairers |
| Median Annual Salary (May 2019)* | $49,280 for medical equipment repairers |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Biomedical Equipment Technician Education Requirements
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that most BMETs earn at least an associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology prior to beginning their career. While on-the-job training is available for repairing hospital beds and other uncomplicated procedures, most BMETs must learn how to work on CAT scanners, diagnostic equipment and other technical machinery. Biomedical equipment technicians advance through both further education and work experience, and some schools offer bachelor's degree programs in biomedical equipment engineering.
Associate's Degree Programs
An associate's degree in biomedical technology typically takes about two years to complete and covers the principles of electronics and computer systems associated with medical equipment. Students learn through classroom lectures, readings and extensive laboratory work. Many BMET associate's degree programs include basic anatomy and medical terminology in the curriculum to teach students how to communicate with doctors and patients. Some of the coursework in an associate's-level biomedical equipment technician program includes biomedical electronics, radiography systems, circuit math and clinical rotations.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
A bachelor's degree in biomedical equipment technology prepares students to work as innovators and leaders in the medical equipment repair field. Students learn to work as part of the medical team, helping to solve problems in medical settings through the creation and maintenance of equipment, software and hardware. Students in a biomedical equipment technician bachelor's degree program take courses including technological calculus, technology writing, technology for special patients, project planning and biological chemistry.
Certification
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) certifies technicians in three areas: radiology equipment, laboratory equipment and biomedical equipment. To qualify for the AAMI's certification, biomedical equipment technicians must demonstrate experience in the field, usually through the completion of a degree program and a certain number of years of full-time BMET work. Applicants must also pass an exam. Many hospitals and other employers pay for their employees' certification, says the BLS.
Biomedical equipment technicians usually need at least an associate's degree,though bachelor's degrees are also available. Biomedical equipment technicians can also gain certification through the AAMI after meeting education and experience requirements. The job outlook for this field is expected to have a 5% growth from 2019-2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In May 2019, the annual median wage for medical equipment repairers was $49,280.
