Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Biomedical Equipment Technician
Job description
Biomedical equipment technicians work with highly trained doctors and engineers. They test, install, operate, repair, and maintain equipment such as x-ray machines, incubators, electronic thermometers, dental equipment, and cardiac pressure monitors and sterilizers. The biomedical equipment technician instructs other healthcare personnel on the use and care of the equipment. Work involves using hand tools such as soldering irons and delicate measuring devices as well as keeping records of repairs, calibrations, and tests.
There are actually four levels of biomedical equipment technicians. A BMET I works at the entry level, under close supervision, performing preventative maintenance, repair and safety testing; a BMET II has several years of education/experience and works independently in repair and maintenance; a BMET III has significant education/experience, and can perform highly skilled work; a BMET Supervisor is the highest level and has a significant amount of preparation and supervises others. The lines between each of the four levels is general and defined by the place of employment.
Activities may include
●
consult on most appropriate equipment for job at hand
●
inventory supplies and instruments
●
assure working condition of various equipment
●
supervise installations and/or repairs
●
instruct on the correct usage of equipment
operate equipment as needed
Salaries and benefits*
Average entry level wages range from $25,500 to $32,500 per year. A certified biomedical equipment technician with a degree and three to five years of experience earns $39,000 to $47,000 per year. The average wage for Precision Biomedical Equipment Repairers in Washington State is $28,745 to $42,224 per year. Most biomedical equipment technicians who work for an electronic manufacturer receive full benefits. Independent technicians may be self-employed and self-insured.
Training and requirements
Training is one to four years in length after high school. Biomedical equipment technician training requires a two year associate's degree. In Washington State, biomedical equipment technology is offered at North Seattle Community College and Biomedical Equipment Technician training is offered at Spokane Community College. With further education, technicians can hold research and training jobs.
Necessary skills
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mechanical aptitude and eye/hand coordination
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critical listening and problem solving skills, especially in relating information on equipment functioning
●
interest in learning to work on new/updated equipment
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accuracy and attention to detail
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ability to see slight differences in objects, shapes or pictures
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good interpersonal skills
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ability to move from place to place easily
Licensure/Certification
Certification in this field is voluntary, but it does enhance earning potential. Certification as a CBET (Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician) is granted by the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineers and Biomedical Technicians after passing a national exam.
For additional information about biomedical equipment technicians, contact the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, 3330 Washington Blvd., Suite 400, Arlington, Virginia, 22201.
Helpful high school courses
Include English, math, algebra, trigonometry, general science, physics, electronics, mechanics, and computer science.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
North Seattle Community College
Business and
Engineering Technologies Division
9600 College Way North
Seattle, Washington 98103-3599
(206) 527-3600
●
Spokane Community College
1810 N. Greene St.
Spokane, WA 99217-5399
(509) 533-7000
(800) 248-5644
Outlook*
This is a declining occupation in Washington. Employment is expected to decrease one percent by 2008.
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04