Tessa Quinn
Hospital equipment technicians, also known as biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs), are responsible for maintaining and repairing medical equipment used in hospitals and healthcare facilities. They work on a wide range of equipment, from adjustable beds and wheelchairs to complex machinery such as CAT scanners and defibrillators. To become a hospital equipment technician, you'll typically need a combination of education and work experience. While some sources suggest that a high school diploma may be sufficient for entry-level positions, most employers prefer candidates with at least an associate's degree in biomedical engineering, electronics, or a related field. More specialized roles, such as repairing CAT scanners, may require a bachelor's degree. Certifications, such as the Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) offered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), can also enhance your qualifications and job prospects. On-the-job training is common, and technicians must stay up-to-date with evolving technologies in the medical field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Medical Equipment Repairer/Technician, Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) |
| Job Description | Install, maintain, and repair patient care equipment |
| Education Requirements | Associate's degree in biomedical engineering technology or a related field; Bachelor's degree for more specialized jobs |
| Certification | Not required but may increase job prospects; Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) certification offered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) |
| Technical Skills | Ability to use sophisticated diagnostic tools, familiarity with equipment's internal parts and appropriate tools, troubleshooting skills |
| Time Management Skills | Ability to work under time pressure and perform repairs quickly |
| Salary | Median annual wage of $62,630 as of May 2024 |
| Work Hours | Regular business hours, with potential for on-call work during evenings and weekends |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities, dental and eye doctor offices |
| Equipment Maintained/Repaired | Patient monitors, defibrillators, ventilators, anesthesia machines, imaging equipment (X-rays, CAT scanners, ultrasound), electric wheelchairs, hospital beds, surgical equipment |
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What You'll Learn
- Educational requirements: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in biomedical technology or engineering
- Certification: CBET, CHTM, CISS, and CABT are some certifications available
- Work experience: Entry-level positions with on-the-job training are common
- Technical skills: Ability to use diagnostic tools and fix complex equipment
- Soft skills: Good time management, troubleshooting, and communication skills
Educational requirements: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in biomedical technology or engineering
To become a hospital equipment technician, also known as a biomedical equipment technician (BMET), you will need to meet certain educational requirements. These requirements can vary depending on the type of equipment you will be working on and your area of specialization. However, generally, an associate's or bachelor's degree in biomedical technology or engineering is preferred by employers.
An associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering is the most common educational path for hospital equipment technicians. This degree can be earned at community colleges and typically takes two years to complete. With an associate's degree, you can gain the necessary technical skills and knowledge to install, maintain, and repair medical equipment. You will learn about the internal parts of medical equipment and the appropriate tools needed to fix them. Additionally, you will develop troubleshooting skills, as identifying and solving problems is a crucial aspect of the job.
In some cases, a bachelor's degree in biomedical technology or engineering may be preferred or required, especially for more specialized or sophisticated equipment. For example, repairing complex equipment such as CAT scanners, defibrillators, or anesthesia machines may necessitate a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree will provide you with a more advanced understanding of the field and can open up opportunities for career advancement.
It is important to note that, in addition to your degree, certification can also enhance your career prospects. The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) offers the Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) certification. This certification requires an associate's degree and at least two years of full-time BMET experience, or equivalent qualifications and experience.
Furthermore, gaining work experience is crucial. Entry-level positions often provide on-the-job training, allowing you to develop your skills under the supervision of experienced technicians. Internships and apprenticeships can also provide valuable practical knowledge and increase your employability.
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Certification: CBET, CHTM, CISS, and CABT are some certifications available
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) offers five types of certifications for aspiring hospital equipment technicians, including CBET, CHTM, CISS, and CABT. Here's an overview of these certifications:
CBET (Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician)
The CBET certification is offered by AAMI and is designed to certify individuals as biomedical equipment technicians. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must meet specific criteria, including an associate's degree and two years of full-time BMET experience, completion of a US military BMET program with relevant experience, or four years of full-time BMET experience. The CBET exam is a three-hour closed-book exam consisting of 165 multiple-choice questions.
CHTM (Certified Healthcare Technology Manager)
The CHTM certification is also provided by AAMI and focuses on healthcare technology management. It covers two major areas: managing healthcare technology operations and personnel management. The eligibility criteria include having a current certification in a related field, such as clinical engineering or biomedical equipment technology, along with supervisory or management experience. The CHTM exam is a two-hour closed-book exam with 100 multiple-choice questions.
CISS (Certified Industrial Sterilization Specialist)
The CISS certification offered by AAMI is for individuals with expertise in sterilization, including microbiology, physics, and chemistry. To be eligible for the CISS certification, candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering field and three years of full-time post-baccalaureate work experience. The CISS certification process involves two exams: a sterilization core exam with 75 multiple-choice questions and a specialty exam with 50 multiple-choice questions. The core exam is a two-hour closed-book test, while the specialty exam is a one-hour closed-book test.
CABT (Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology)
The CABT certification is an entry point into the healthcare technology management field. The AAMI offers a BMET 101: CABT Prep Course, which is a 6-module virtual course that covers topics such as infection control measures, hazardous material safety, and medical equipment safety. This course prepares individuals for the roles and responsibilities of biomedical equipment technicians.
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Work experience: Entry-level positions with on-the-job training are common
Work experience
Entry-level positions with on-the-job training are common for aspiring hospital equipment technicians. This training can last up to a year, during which new workers will observe and assist experienced repairers. They will gradually become more independent while still being supervised.
Some hospitals offer positions requiring only a high school diploma, communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft software. However, most employers prefer candidates with an associate's degree in biomedical engineering technology or a related field. This could include an associate's degree in electronics technology or a military BMET program.
Those who repair less complicated equipment, such as hospital beds and electric wheelchairs, may learn entirely through on-the-job training. However, repairers who work on more sophisticated equipment, such as CAT scanners and defibrillators, may need a bachelor's degree.
Certification is not required to become a hospital equipment technician, but it can make you a more valuable candidate. The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) offers five types of certification, including the Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET). To be eligible for the CBET exam, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Associate's degree and two years of full-time BMET experience
- Completion of a U.S. military BMET program and two years of full-time experience
- Associate's degree or higher in electronics technology and three years' full-time BMET experience
- Four years of full-time BMET experience
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Technical skills: Ability to use diagnostic tools and fix complex equipment
To become a hospital equipment technician, you need to develop a diverse skill set that includes technical skills, such as the ability to use diagnostic tools and fix complex equipment. Here are some key aspects of technical skills that are essential for hospital equipment technicians:
Understanding of Electricity and Electronics:
Hospital equipment technicians should have a solid understanding of electricity and electronics. They need to know how to work with electrical components and troubleshoot electrical issues in medical equipment. This includes differentiating between A/C and D/C current and knowing how to read voltages and continuity to find and fix faulty connections.
Diagnostic Tools and Complex Equipment:
Technicians often use sophisticated diagnostic tools and equipment to work on complex medical equipment. They must be proficient in using multimeters or electrical devices to measure and troubleshoot issues in computer-based machines, such as CAT scanners and X-ray machines. They also need to be familiar with the internal parts of the equipment and the appropriate tools required to fix them.
Mechanical and Hydraulic Systems:
Hospital equipment technicians may encounter mechanical, hydraulic, or a combination of these systems in their work. They should be able to adjust and repair mechanical and hydraulic parts in medical equipment, such as patient monitors, ventilators, and anesthesia machines.
Software Modification and Calibration:
With the increasing complexity of medical equipment, technicians may need to modify software or firmware to recalibrate and fix issues. They should be comfortable with troubleshooting micro-processing and computer-based systems, as well as understanding the principles of calibration to fine-tune equipment.
Reading Technical Documentation:
Hospital equipment technicians often need to refer to technical manuals, blueprints, and schematic drawings to understand the equipment they are working on. They must be able to interpret these documents to disassemble, repair, and reassemble medical equipment effectively.
Time Management and Troubleshooting:
Given the critical nature of medical equipment, technicians must work efficiently and manage their time effectively. They should possess strong troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve issues promptly, even in time-sensitive and stressful situations.
Developing these technical skills through a combination of education, on-the-job training, and continuous learning ensures that hospital equipment technicians are well-prepared to handle the diverse range of equipment they will encounter in their daily work.
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Soft skills: Good time management, troubleshooting, and communication skills
To become a hospital equipment technician, also known as a biomedical equipment technician (BMET), a range of soft skills are required in addition to technical skills. These soft skills include good time management, strong troubleshooting abilities, and effective communication skills.
Time management is essential due to the urgent nature of medical equipment repairs. Technicians must be able to prioritise tasks and work efficiently to ensure timely completion of repairs, as any delays can impact patient care and safety. Troubleshooting skills are crucial as medical equipment becomes more intricate. BMETs must possess the ability to identify and solve complex problems that may not be immediately apparent. This involves a deep understanding of equipment functionality, including mechanical, electronic, and hydraulic systems, as well as software modification and calibration.
Communication skills are vital for effective collaboration with other hospital staff and ensuring clear instructions are provided when working with complex machinery. BMETs must convey technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical colleagues. They may also need to explain equipment issues and repair processes to medical staff and patients, ensuring understanding and addressing any concerns. Strong communication skills also facilitate teamwork and the sharing of knowledge with other technicians, contributing to a safer and more efficient work environment.
In addition to these soft skills, aspiring hospital equipment technicians should also possess agility, safety awareness, and a commitment to continuous learning. As technology advances, BMETs must stay updated with the latest equipment and repair techniques. This may involve ongoing education, training, and certification to ensure they remain competent and adaptable in their field.
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Frequently asked questions
An associate's degree in biomedical engineering technology or a bachelor's degree with a focus on biomedical technology is required. Some hospitals may only require a high school diploma and proficiency in Microsoft software.
Hospital equipment technicians, also known as biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs), install, maintain and repair patient care equipment. They work on a variety of equipment, from adjustable beds and wheelchairs to defibrillators and imaging equipment.
While certification is not required, it may make you a more valuable candidate. The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) offers five types of certification, including the certified biomedical equipment technician (CBET) certification.
In addition to technical skills, you will need good troubleshooting skills, mechanical skills, excellent time management, agility, safety testing skills, and in-depth knowledge of hand tools and multimeters.
