Online Schools For Biomedical Equipment Technicians: How to Choose

Biomedical equipment technicians service and repair the medical equipment used in hospitals. Fully online education programs for biomedical equipment techs may not be available, but hybrid options do exist at the certificate, associate's degree and bachelor's degree level.

How to Choose an Online Biomedical Equipment Technician School

Degree Level

Biomedical equipment technician (BMET) education programs are not normally available in a fully online form at any degree level due to the hands-on nature of the job and the delicacy of the equipment. Hybrid programs, however, are available at several levels for students who desire the flexibility of online coursework. Prospective biomedical equipment technicians often choose their program based off of current education level and desired career position.
Students no previous education in this field often enroll in associate's or bachelor's degree programs in biomedical electronics or biomedical engineering technology; the bachelor's degree program is often used by individuals interested in learning to repair more sophisticated equipment or advance within their career. Individuals who have already completed a degree program in a related field, such as electrical or electronics engineering technology, may choose to enroll in an online certificate program in biomedical electronics.

Clinical Requirements

Because of the hands-on needs in repairing biomedical equipment, education programs in this field often require lab or clinical training. The hybrid programs allow students to complete the majority of the coursework over the Internet, while still requiring them to complete in-person training on campus or at an approved facility. Students may want to check with the schools under consideration to see how and where hands-on training must be completed.

Online Program Options for Biomedical Equipment Technicians

Online Associate of Science in Biomedical Engineering Technology

Biomedical engineering technology associate's degree programs focus on the repair of technological equipment used in medical settings. Hybrid programs are available from several schools that offer online courses in subjects such as radiography systems, medical electronics, human biology and patient safety.

Online Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering Technology

Online bachelor's degree programs in biomedical engineering technology are extremely rare, but do exist. These are often hybrid programs that allow students to complete several classes online before attending campus for lab work and hands-on training.

Online Biomedical Electronics Certificate

Online biomedical electronics certificate programs can be found as both fully online and partially online programs. These certificate programs typically require students to already have a degree or experience in a related field. Requires courses often cover anatomy and physiology, hospital safety regulations, biomedical instrumentation and biomedical electronics equipment operation.