Biomedical equipment technicians are
responsible for the installation and repair of electronic medical
equipment in hospitals and institutions. Online programs in biomedical
equipment technology are often provided as a hybrid option due to the
extensive hands-on nature of the training. Completion of a certificate
program may lead to entry-level employment opportunities or advancement
to a degree in the field.
An online biomedical equipment technician (BMET) certificate program
provides students with training in the repair of medical equipment such
as defibrillators, x-ray and ultrasonic equipment. In addition to
hospital and medical equipment, students become well-versed in medical
terminology and hospital procedures. Many programs admit adult
applicants and high school graduates, though some programs include
training for those with academic or work experience in engineering. Due
to the medical nature of the profession, the training curriculum is
highly science-intensive.
BMET certificate programs are typically offered in a hybrid format
since they include laboratory testing and hands-on practice with medical
equipment. For courses offered online, students may communicate and
access assignments and video lectures through online message boards, the
school's website and course-management systems. Depending on the topics
and systems covered, the time to complete a certificate program ranges
from one semester to two years. Some schools may require students to
participate in an on-site internship to graduate.
Common Online Biomedical Equipment Technician Certificate Courses
The coursework in a BMET program deals primarily with the functions
of biomedical equipment and the safety measures technicians must know.
Medical terminology and anatomy courses provide basic training in the
subjects and may be offered online.
Biomedical Equipment Course
Students learn about various medical applications of biomedical
technology. Operating rooms, laboratories and the respiratory system are
a few of the vast multitude of medical areas students learn about in
regards to biomedical technology's application.
Biomedical Equipment Safety Course
Students learn preventive methods as well as safety procedures with
the biomedical equipment in hospital settings. Attention to the
maintenance of quality of life and hospital codes are discussed in this
course.
Medical Imaging Course
In this course students learn about different imaging technologies
such as ultrasonic and magnetic resonance. Instructors often help
students develop essential computer skills in design an image
acquisition.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 34,550
medical equipment repair
technicians were employed in May 2009. The BLS anticipated employment
of medical equipment repairers, including biomedical equipment
technicians, to grow 27% between 2008-2018. Employees in the field
earned a median annual income of $42,300 in 2009, a two percent increase
from the previous year. The largest employers included equipment
wholesalers, though the highest paid employees worked for drug
manufacturing companies and research laboratories (
www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education
Several schools allow graduates of a certificate program to apply
credit toward an associate or bachelor's degree. Earning a degree often
enhances career opportunities and provides an avenue for advancement.
Those with a degree and some work experience also qualify to earn
professional certification, such as the Association for the Advancement
of Medical Instrumentation's Biomedical Equipment Technician, Radiology
Equipment Specialist or Laboratory Equipment Specialist credentials.
Graduate studies also exist in biomedical engineering, training students
on the development of improved medical equipment and instrumentation.
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