Online Medical Equipment Repair Schools and Training Programs
A medical equipment repairer works at hospitals, repair companies and other related organizations. Learn about the training required for this career, and get tips on selecting a school.
What You Need to Know
You can work toward an associate's degree, post-associate's certificate, or bachelor's degree in biomedical equipment technology or biomedical engineering technology. Most programs aren't available fully online, but may be presented as hybrids or independent studies. For example, a bachelor's degree program might only offer upper-level courses online, while you will need to take the freshman and sophomore level courses on campus.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Medical instrumentation, physics, math, anatomy, biology and biomedical troubleshooting; radiography systems, clinical codes and regulations, patient populations and current issues in the biomedical community</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Degrees</b></td><td> Associate's or bachelor's degrees</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td> Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician exam</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatProgramsAreAvailable">What Programs Are Available?</h3><p>Although online medical equipment repair training programs are rare, you might be able to find a few distance-education options. For example, online courses in biomedical equipment technology may be offered, in addition to those available as independent study. A Biomedical Equipment Technology I Proficiency Certificate or an Associate Degree in Biomedical Technology may be available as a hybrid with some online coursework. A Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Engineering Technology Management might also be offered.
</p><h3 id="section---WillIReceiveHandsOnTraining">Will I Receive Hands-On Training?</h3><p>Depending on the program you enroll in, you might gain co-op work experience. A co-op, also known as cooperative education, combines classroom instruction with practical work experience. As a co-op student, you'll either hold a paid or volunteer position related to your field of study or your career goals.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfAdditionalTrainingIsInvolved">What Kind Of Additional Training Is Involved?</h3><p>You might also be able to participate in shadowing. A shadowing experience is a day in the life of a medical equipment repair technician. You'll go to this individual's place of employment, follow them throughout the day and get a firsthand look at the work environment, as well as the skills employed in the profession. Technically, you won't receive any hands-on experience. You'll just be observing the medical equipment repair technician as he or she goes throughout their usual daily activities.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatShouldIConsiderWhenChoosingASchool">What Should I Consider When Choosing a School?</h3><p>You should look for programs that satisfy the educational requirements of the Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician exam administered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). To gain certification, you must complete an application and pass an examination. While voluntary, certification demonstrates proficiency in biomedical equipment technology and is sought by employers. Professional certification can also lead to new job opportunities, career advancement and higher pay.
</p><p>You might be able to find a training program at one of the following schools:
</p><ul><li>Indiana University Purdue Global Indianapolis
</li><li>University of Vermont
</li><li>Community College of Philadelphia
</li><li>The Praxis Institute
</li><li>Schoolcraft College</li></ul>