How do I Become a Biomedical Technician?

A biomedical technician (BMET) is trained to install, maintain, calibrate, and repair medical equipment such as dialysis machines or other sophisticated equipment commonly found in doctors' offices and hospitals. In order to become a biomedical technician, a person first needs to obtain a high school diploma. After earning a high school diploma, two or three years of specialized training is necessary in order to become a biomedical technician.

Aspiring technicians can receive training in vocational schools or local community colleges. Such schools often have partnerships with local hospitals where students can gain hands-on experience in the field. While enrolled in a biomedical technician program, students will learn how to operate and repair sensitive medical equipment.

After graduating from the program, biomedical technicians are responsible for keeping abreast of changes in their field. If someone wishes to become a biomedical technician, he or she will need to learn how to repair and maintain a variety of medical equipment. The technician will be responsible for teaching other medical personnel such as nurses how to use particular pieces of equipment as well.

Biomedical technicians work in a variety of work environments. Whether they work in hospitals, manufacturers' sales departments, or in research and development, they must be knowledgeable about the medical equipment that surrounds them on a daily basis. They must be able to make minor repairs when the equipment is not working properly. When the equipment needs more extensive repairs, they must be able to communicate with the manufacturer concerning the problem so that the manufacturer will be able to quickly make the repairs and return it to the medical facility.

Since the biomedical technician is always working with new, state-of-the-art equipment, his or her job offers a great deal of variety and excitement. If working in a hospital, the technician may have to work outside of normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The life-saving medical equipment used in hospitals requires constant monitoring, so at times the technician may be on 24-hour call. For example, the technician may be called upon to repair a heart-lung machine that is needed for a patient who is currently hooked up to it. In these cases, the technician must have the ability to fix the problem quickly, as a life is at stake.

If a biomedical technician wishes to advance in this career field, he or she has the option of earning a bachelor's degree in order to become a biomedical engineer. Upon becoming an engineer, the person is trained to research and design medical equipment. As long as there are hospitals, sick patients, and complex medical machinery, the skills of a biomedical technician will be needed. If someone wishes to become a biomedical technician, he or she can look forward to a career field that is constantly changing as medical equipment continues to advance in complexity. Those who have a mechanical aptitude and are comfortable with computers and software will thrive in this particular type of career.