How Do I Become a Biomedical Equipment Technician?

You can become a biomedical equipment technician by completing medical coursework and finding an entry level job at a hospital or medical equipment manufacturer. Biomedical equipment technicians repair and maintain specialty medical devices such as x-ray machines, monitors, ultrasounds, and scanning technology. Hospitals may keep biomedical equipment technicians employed for their equipment, but the majority of individuals working in the field are employed by the manufacturers of specific equipment. Prior experience in the medical field is usually necessary to become a biomedical equipment technician, though a company may hire and train individuals who possess a two or four year college degree. Technicians in other equipment repair fields can also choose to transition careers to begin working on biomedical equipment.

Equipment used in hospitals and doctors' offices helps diagnose, treat, and analyze the human body. Biomedical equipment technicians that repair and maintain the equipment are a crucial part of modern medicine. The equipment must always be functioning correctly and accurately because its readings are used to make critical decisions on treatment options and the causes of pain and illness. When a vital piece of diagnostic equipment, such as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or a Computed Tomography (CT) scan machine, malfunctions, an entire hospital can be affected. Choosing to become a biomedical equipment technicians means making a commitment to accessibility as you may be on-call to solve problems and repair machines.

One entry route to become a biomedical equipment technician is to work at a hospital and network with the repair and maintenance employees from equipment companies that often visit. Different biomedical companies hire employees in different ways, and someone currently working in the field can offer advice on the best entry route to take for a particular company. Community colleges offer classes in the operation of biomedical equipment, and taking these courses is one way to get a job in the radiology department of hospital that houses a large amount of diagnostic biomedical equipment. Once you have gained experience working with the equipment first-hand it should be easier to find a job working for a biomedical equipment company.

Depending on the region you are located in, it may be necessary to obtain certification to become a biomedical equipment technician. When it is necessary, certification may require completing coursework and passing an exam. Companies that hire an individual to become a biomedical equipment technician will be aware of any necessary certification that needs to be completed and will typically help you through the process as part of its training program.