How to Become a Biomedical Technician: A career as a biomedical technician can be a good fit for you if you’re thinking about a career in healthcare and appreciate using cutting-edge technology. These specialists are in charge of maintaining medical equipment, which makes this a fascinating career for anyone with a mechanical aptitude. In this article, we define a biomedical technician’s job, go over some of their primary duties, and outline how to become one.
What is a Biomedical Technician Responsible for?
Also known as “biomedical equipment technicians (BMET),” biomedical technicians install and repair patient monitors, ventilators, ultrasound equipment, X-ray machines, and other patient care equipment. Depending on where and how a piece of medical equipment is used—at a doctor’s office, hospital, operating room, dental office, or radiology—biomedical technicians frequently specialize in that sort of equipment. These are a biomedical technician’s primary responsibilities:
- Installing, looking after, and fixing medical gear.
- Cleaning and modifying medical apparatus
- Equipment components are tested and calibrated to see what needs to be fixed or replaced.
- Approving new equipment by ensuring that it complies with rules.
- Demonstrating and instructing others on how to use biomedical equipment.
- Creating reports by researching, gathering, and analyzing data.
- Maintaining a record of all upkeep and repairs.
- Supplying technical guidance on operating medical equipment.
- Assessing service agreements.
- When necessary, replacing medical equipment.
- Repairing medical equipment with the aid of computers, software, and electronic tools.
- Updating skills through education, professional networks, and medical periodicals.
- Maintaining a healthy and secure workplace through safety inspections, code compliance, and employee training.
- Maintaining the privacy of patient information.
Related Job Titles
Depending on their area of expertise, biomedical technicians might follow many career trajectories. Some of the occupations in this area include the following:
- Durable medical equipment repairer
- Electromedical equipment technician
- Medical equipment repairer
- Medical instrument technician
- Radiology equipment servicer
- Surgical equipment servicer
- Surgical instrument technician
- Biomedical electronics technician
- Biomedical engineering technician
- Biomedical engineering technologist (BMET)
- Biomedical equipment specialist
- Biomedical equipment technologist
- Certified biomedical equipment technician
- Dental equipment mechanic
- Dental equipment repairer
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The Average Biomedical Technician Salary
Depending on experience, education, and locality, biomedical technicians may earn more or less than the average yearly wage of $51,720.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that from 2019 to 2029, work possibilities will expand 5% more quickly than other types of employment. The workforce is anticipated to grow by about 2,800 roles.
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Necessary Skills for a Biomedical Technician?
To do their tasks properly, biomedical technicians need a variety of abilities, such as the following:
- Mechanical and Technical Expertise: Biomedical technicians identify issues with medical equipment and carry out the required repairs using their mechanical and technical expertise.
- Communication abilities: You’ll spend a lot of time as a biomedical technician educating others and speaking with hospital executives and medical specialists. When you maintain different pieces of medical equipment, you also frequently interact with patients. Because of this, having effective communication skills is crucial.
- Time Management: Biomedical professionals use their time management abilities to quickly assess the safety of different pieces of medical equipment.
- Technology abilities: Since a technician works with both machinery and technology, it’s crucial to have good technological skills. Additionally, having repair and troubleshooting skills is crucial.
How to Become a Biomedical Technician
You need expertise, knowledge, and a commitment to your profession to succeed as a biomedical technician. Generally speaking, you get paid more the more experience you have. These actions will assist you in becoming a biomedical technician:
1. Get an Associate’s Degree.
You require at least a two-year associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology, engineering technology, or a similar discipline to work as a biomedical technician. You can install and maintain medical equipment on the job with the knowledge and skills you get from these practical training. Expect to learn about medical language, chemistry, electricity and electronics, and patient safety. You may also study clinical instruments, biomedical electronic systems, computers, and networks, depending on your curriculum and expertise. Internships are advised since they give you practical experience and are frequently needed to finish your program.
Make careful to pick an American Board for Engineering and Technology-accredited program when obtaining your associate’s degree. These courses have a track record of successfully educating biomedical technicians for the workforce.
While a degree is advised to be competitive, several firms will recruit biomedical technicians without an associate degree or even formal training.
2. Think about Pursuing More Education
A bachelor’s degree is frequently required for advancement into a supervisory position; ideally, it should be in biomedical engineering or a closely related discipline. The biomedical sciences and the design and construction of medical equipment are the main areas of study for this particular degree.
3. Obtain a license
Certifications show that you are knowledgeable about your profession and committed to staying current with trends and technology. You should think about certification if you want to boost your job.
The Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists (CRES), and Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLEB) are just a few of the biomedical certification programs offered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. For biomedical technicians seeking a fundamental qualification, the CBET is the most popular option.
You need an associate degree (or military BMET training) to be eligible for the CBET program, as well as two years of work experience and a passing grade on a test of 165 multiple-choice questions. The following subject areas are the focus of the exam:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Fundamentals of electricity and electronics
- Health care information technology
- Health care technology problem-solving
- Health care technology and functions
- Public safety (employee, patient and visitor) in the health care facility
4. Look for Job Opportunities
You will frequently make connections with employment contacts in the biomedical area through your training program(s) and internship(s). Take use of them as you look for work prospects. Remember that biomedical technicians are employed by hospitals, clinics, and businesses that provide medical supplies and equipment.
5. Become a Member of an Organization that is Pertinent.
Consider becoming a member of the Medical Equipment and Technology Association, albeit it’s not absolutely necessary. Your association membership may give you access to beneficial networking opportunities that may assist you advance your career in this profession.
The interest in biotech occupations has significantly increased in recent years. This is hardly surprising given the rise of COVID-19 and the sheer number of people dealing with ailments they could never have anticipated.
Whether you’re an expert with a doctorate degree or just getting started in the sector, there are countless employment available in the biotech business at every level. If you’re thinking about a job in this area, you could begin to question if it’s worthwhile to work in the biotech sector.
Sure, it’s simple to consider the benefits and advantages of the industry, such as contributing to society’s advancement and helping to save lives. However, there will always be certain drawbacks to take into account. After all, pursuing a love or interest does not necessarily indicate that it is the ideal career move.
To aid you in your quest, we’ve compiled a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of a career in the biotechnology sector.
Benefits of a Career in Biotechnology
If you’re looking for a job or a career move, there are a number of beneficial and rewarding aspects of the sector to keep in mind.
1. Impacting Change
Whatever area of the biotech industry you end up working in, all of your efforts will be directed on making people’s lives happier and healthier.
Few types of work have this kind of significance tied to the task, so if that mission is important to you, a career in biotech is likely to give you a lot of happiness.
2. Ideal Pay
If you want to work in the biotech industry, you won’t likely have to worry about the salary because many companies provide high salaries coupled with excellent benefits.
The minimal starting salary for many various occupations, including biomedical engineers, biochemists, biophysicists, researchers in the field of biotechnology, microbiologists, and many others, is around $75,000. The initial pay may be higher depending on the path you take.
3. Opportunities for Growth
There are a ton of opportunities in the biotech sector that you may take advantage of to launch your career to new heights. Since the nature of the sector depends on changes in public health and safety, your job will almost never be static.
Whether you’re considering giant multimillion-dollar organizations or entrepreneurial startups, the expanding industry suggests that more job choices will be available.
Let’s say you actually want to launch a career in biotechnology. In that scenario, it will be helpful to consider how the sector is currently in need of creative leaders with the backgrounds of scientists, business strategists, and public policy advocates, as well as cross-functional competence.
The more diversified your skills, sophisticated your scientific knowledge, and adaptable your mind, the better. You can pursue a career in the biotech sector around the world and save lives in the process with the correct motivation and preparation.
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The Drawbacks of Working in the Biotech Sector
The drawbacks should also be considered to gain a full picture of what you’re signing up for. Working in the biotech sector has its difficulties and drawbacks, just like any other line of work.
1. Rigid Deadlines
Many positions in the biotech field are deadline-based, though this may ultimately rely on the part of the industry you work in. Since businesses must produce medications and drugs within a specific time window, the adage “time is money” is put to full use in this situation.
As a result, the workplace can become highly stressful, necessitating the need for someone who can remain structured and productive without becoming overly disturbed.
2. Reduced Autonomy
You may find it difficult to fit in with the biotech business if you prefer to take complete control of your actions. When working in biotech, there is typically a significant emphasis on teamwork, and there are numerous laws and regulations to follow.
Such regulations are entirely logical given that the nature of the work is closely related to public health and safety. This implies that there will be occasions when you must set aside your own opinions and concentrate on what is best for the team.
3. Prolonged Travel
Your biotech profession can need you to travel large distances rather frequently. This implies that taking time off can be more challenging, and your personal life might be stressed.
If this is a concern for you, it is usually a good idea to find out in advance whether the position you plan to apply for will have such criteria or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are biomedical technician’s clients?
Typically, biomedical technologists interface with patients, hospital employees, administrators, and medical specialists. Biomedical professionals might also collaborate with suppliers and equipment rental businesses, depending on where they work.
Where are the jobs for biomedical technicians?
Biomedical technicians are employed in diverse settings. On the supply side of this profession, many work in hospitals, but others are employed by medical equipment retailers or wholesalers. Biomedical technicians are also employed by ambulatory healthcare providers and equipment repair companies. Those who are employed in direct medicine may be on call on the weekends and during the evenings.
How long is a typical shift for a biomedical technician?
Although many biomedical technicians work set shifts, some positions may call for after-hours and weekend on-call coverage for emergency repairs. They go between various locations or job sites throughout their shift to carry out the required repairs.
What distinguishes a biomedical engineer from a biomedical technician?
Despite sharing the same training, biomedical engineers and technicians have different roles. While biomedical engineers assist in the design and manufacture of the equipment that a biomedical technician services, biomedical technicians install and maintain medical equipment.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to have a thorough understanding of the topic if you’re thinking about a job in the biotech sector. There are benefits and drawbacks in every subject, and being aware of them in advance will help you make the best choice.
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