Online Biomedical Technician Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

While fully online biomedical technician programs do not exist, it is possible to enroll in a hybrid program that combines online classes with on-campus training. Biomedical informatics and biomedical engineering technician programs are both available in hybrid format.

How to Select an Online Biomedical Technician School

Career Goals

Biomedical informatics and biomedical engineering technicians perform vital services in two distinct areas of the health care industry. Informatics technicians have a variety of responsibilities that can include creating, maintaining and servicing electronic health records databases, as well as collecting and managing digital health care records or performing records analysis. Biomedical engineering technicians are typically responsible for maintaining and servicing health care equipment that is commonly used in hospitals and medical facilities. Equipment can include ultrasound, defibrillators, telemetry and vital sign monitors.

Program Types

Fully online programs for this profession are not available due to the supervised hands-on training that is required and the need to access specialized computer and medical equipment. A few associate's and bachelor's biomedical degree programs are available in hybrid format.
Students can typically take some of their general education courses and program-specific classes, like introductory classes in medical terminology or medical records, online and perform clinical training on-campus or at an affiliated health care facility. Associate's program usually take two years to complete and provide entry-level training, while bachelor's programs take about four years to complete and involve in-depth training for students who wish to enter supervisory positions in their chosen field.
Online coursework in both of these programs often require a word processing program, a reliable high-speed Internet connection and a computer that can handle tasks such as file transfers. Informatics programs may require students to purchase access to online laboratory materials or course-specific software programs.

List of Online Biomedical Technician Degree Programs

Online Biomedical Informatics Technician Associate of Applied Science Degree

A biomedical informatics technician (BIT) program trains individuals to work with digital medical records. Students may be required to pass general education courses such as algebra, reading comprehension, chemistry and biology before entering the BIT program. Coursework within the program can include medical records, coding, insurance reimbursement and health data.

Online Associate of Science Degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology

An associate's degree program trains students for entry-level positions working with biomedical electronics or biomedical equipment. Coursework can include engineering technology, electronic systems, circuitry and biomedical computer applications. Hands-on equipment training is typically performed on-campus and programs may include a clinical practicum. Credits earned in an associate's program may be transferable to a bachelor's program in biomedical engineering.

Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology

A bachelor's degree program in biomedical engineering trains students to work with biomedical equipment as part of a medical team focused on patient care. Online coursework can include applied biology, radiography and biomedical electronics. On-campus coursework can include introductory courses in biomedical equipment. Students may also be required to design and complete a senior project on-campus.