How Do I Become a Medical Equipment Repair Technician? - Courses & Programs

<p>Medical equipment repair technicians are responsible for helping keep the complex and expensive machines used in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices running, and doing so requires specialized knowledge. Training programs are offered around the country to help educate those interested in the field, most frequently as associate's degree programs. After completing such a program and receiving a degree, it is possible to obtain certification as a certified biomedical equipment technician (CBET) with sufficient work experience. Certifications can serve as evidence of competency and help applicants stand out to employers. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Medical Equipment Repair Technician Responsibilities</b></td><td> Responsible for the set up and maintenance of medical equipment and instruments</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Program Requirements</b></td><td> High school diploma or equivalent, capacity to do internships</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Courses Required</b></td><td> Principles of electricity, anatomy and physiology, networking</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Available Certification</b></td><td> CBET, not required by states</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatRequirementsAreNeededToJoinAMedicalEquipmentRepairTechnicianProgram">What Requirements Are Needed to Join a Medical Equipment Repair Technician Program?</h3> <p>While biomedical equipment technician programs rarely have special requirements that must be met, one still needs to meet all the basic requirements to apply to the school. This typically includes having a high school diploma or equivalent, and that you provide the transcripts to prove such. Placement testing may be required, particularly for adults who have been out of school for over ten years. Once admitted to the program, students will need to complete a series of courses, passing each with a satisfactory grade, for a year and a half to two years, depending on the exact program. This may include an internship period, for which reliable transportation to the job site will be needed. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITakeAsPartOfAMedicalEquipmentRepairTechnicianProgram">What Courses Will I Take as Part of a Medical Equipment Repair Technician Program?</h3> <p>Biomedical equipment technician programs have a heavy focus on electronics, since many of the machines technicians will be working on are electronic. These programs may start off with an introduction to the field of medical technology, and in later courses cover topics like anatomy and physiology, biomedical measurements, and basic medical terminology. Courses on electronics will tackle both analog and digital electronics, as well as concepts like circuits, principles of electricity, and microprocessors. Other relevant topics, such as the types and purposes of equipment, computer networking, and hardware and software support, will be covered. General education requirements exist as well, and some courses from that pool, such as trigonometry, algebra, and writing, may also be required. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoINeedToDoToObtainCertificationAsAMedicalEquipmentRepairTechnician">What Do I Need to Do to Obtain Certification as a Medical Equipment Repair Technician?</h3> <p>While certification is not required to work as a biomedical equipment technician by states, it is sometimes required by employers and may be seen as desirable even when it is not required. The CBET certification is awarded by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) after completion of the certification exam. In order to take the certification exam, one must hold a degree as a biomedical equipment technician and have two years of work experience in the biomedical field or another electronic technology degree and three years of experience. The test covers anatomy and physiology, public safety in medical facilities, electricity and electronics, function of medical technology and ability to solve problems related to it, and healthcare information technology. Once certified, recertification is necessary every three years by completing 30 credits of continuing education.</p>