As a medical repair technician, you perform routine inspections, maintenance procedures, and repair work on a variety of sophisticated medical devices. With just two years of postsecondary training, you can begin a career in this growing occupational field. Continue reading to explore this training in greater detail.
Education Requirements
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov), a two-year associate's degree in biomedical technology or engineering is the most common educational requirement for medical equipment technicians. These programs are offered at community colleges and technical schools throughout the country.
While enrolled in one of these programs, your coursework covers topics in electric circuits, biomedical instrumentation, medical equipment networks, healthcare safety standards, and computer applications. Other courses may include physics, medical terminology, anatomy, and troubleshooting techniques. In addition to associate's degree programs in the field, many equipment manufacturers also provide training programs that can further develop your understanding of machine-specific calibrations and functions.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutBiomedicalTechnologyPrograms">Important Facts About Biomedical Technology Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> High diploma or equivalent typically required; Background check, drug test, school admissions assessment specific high school coursework may be required as well</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability</td><td> Some schools offer blended online and on-campus coursework</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers</td><td>Image processing, biomedical computing, medical instrumentation</td></tr>
<tr><td>Continuing Education</td><td> Graduates of associate's programs could pursue a bachelor's degree for career advancement; master's programs can be pursued by bachelor's degree holders</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Growth (2021-2031)</td><td> 17% (<i>for Medical Equipment Repairers</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $49,910 (<i>for Medical Equipment Repairers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AbilitiesAndSkills">Abilities and Skills</h3><p>Through your coursework, you'll become knowledgeable in the use of specialized tools, such as multimeters, soldering irons, and computer software, in order to properly calibrate and adjust equipment to operate at its highest level of accuracy. You'll also become familiar with the latest medical technology and equipment, including:
</p><ul><li>Patient monitoring systems
</li><li>Defibrillators
</li><li>X-ray machines
</li><li>Heart monitors
</li><li>Electric wheelchairs
</li><li>Telemetry systems
</li><li>Ultrasound equipment
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CertificationAndContinuingEducation">Certification and Continuing Education</h3><p>You can become a certified biomedical equipment technician (CBET) through the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) by passing an exam. Additional credentials offered by the AAMI include certified radiology equipment specialist and certified laboratory equipment specialist. Eligibility requirements vary depending on your level of education and work experience. Once you have completed an associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology and gained two years of work experience in the field, you are eligible for certification.
</p><p>As with most technology, medical equipment is constantly evolving. Because of this, you are required to participate in continuing education activities in order to keep your skills and equipment knowledge up to date. As a CBET, you are required to complete at least 15 points of continuing education credits every three years to maintain and renew your certification. Continuing education opportunities are available through the AAMI, community colleges, and medical equipment manufacturer training programs.</p>
