Biomedical Equipment Technician - Job Description

Biomedical Equipment Technician - Job DescriptionBiomedical Equipment Technician - Job DescriptionGo into any hospital or medical facility and you will hear lots of beeping, humming, and chirping noises. Thats the sound of all the equipment being used to monitor patients vital signs, look for diseases or injuries, and keep bodies doing what bodies are supposed to do. When any piece of this equipment ceases to function, a biomedical equipment technician is the professional who fixes it. Also called a medical equipment repairer, he or she may work on equipment that is as simple as an electric wheelchair, or as sophisticated as a CAT scanner, depending on his or her training and experience. He or she is indispensable to any healthcare facility as it is this person who keeps patient monitors, diagnostic equipment, voice-controlled operating tables, wheelchairs, and gurneys functioning. A biomedical equipment technician, in addition to making repairs, also performs regular maintenance to ensure that equipment continues to operate correctly. Quick Facts Biomedical equipment techniciansearn amedian annual salaryof $48,820(2017).Approximately 47,100 people work in this occupation (2016).Companies that supply equipment to hospitals and healthcare facilities employ well over a quarter of them. Many also work for hospitals and equipment repair and maintenance companies.Thejob outlookfor this occupation is mediocre.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow mora slowly than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. A Day in a Biomedical Equipment Technicians Life The following job duties are listed injob announcements onIndeed.com Performrepairs and calibrations to most Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medical Equipment and maintain associated recordsDiagnose and correct system and equipment malfunctionsLog new devices into computer inventory database upon receipt and inspectionSolve organization-level customer service issue s and complaintsReport all patient safety issues to supervisor or manager and assist with correction of issue as requiredParticipate in pre-purchase evaluation programsPurchase partsAssist in identifying and recommending replacement of equipment that is obsolete, has extensive repair history, or has identified safety issues Educational and Certification Individuals who work in this field typically have an associate degree in biomedical equipment technology, electronics, or engineering. Less complicated work generally requires only on-the-job training, while mora sophisticated work may warrant a bachelors degree. One may also need a bachelors degree for a job with more responsibility. Another way to gain entry into this field is to get training from the armed forces. Someone who is new to this field will spend a few months working under the supervision of an experienced biomedical equipment technician before he or she is deemed ready to work independently. The training doesnt st op there, however. As technology advances and new equipment is developed, biomedical equipment technicians must constantly keep up with these changes. They do this by attending seminars and engaging in self-study. TheAssociation for the Advancement of Medical instrumentierung(AAMI) offerscertificationto biomedical equipment technicians who desire it. Becoming certified isnt required, but it can make someone a more desirable job candidate. Those who want to move into supervisory roles may need to become certified. AAMI offers the following certifications Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLEB), and Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES). Requirements for getting these credentialsinclude earning an associate degree or completing training in the armed forces and then working for two to three years. Candidates must take and pass an exam. Manyemployerswill pay for certification. What Soft Skills Do You Need? People who work in this field need particular physical abilities and soft skills. To succeed as a biomedical equipment technician, you must have DexterityThis is the ability to coordinate your fingers and hands to pick up and manipulate small objects. Excellent eye-hand coordination is also required. Stamina When working on equipment you must be ableto stand for long periods and contort yourself into awkward positions. Time Management The ability to prioritize tasks will allow you to manage a heavy workload. Problem Solving You must be able to troubleshoot the source of problems and come up with solutions. CommunicationExcellent writing, listening, and speaking skills are essential for receiving information from and conveying it to clients and colleagues. What Else Will Employers ExpectFrom You? Job announcements on Indeed.com listed the following requirements in addition to training and experience Must be self-disciplined, able to work with minimal supervision and manage time efficien tlyMaintain a high standard of customer serviceAdaptable in your approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situationsWorking knowledge of e-mail, database management, spreadsheet, and word processor applicationsAbility to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidaysResults oriented Is This Career a Good Fit for You? An occupation is more likely to be suitable for you if it matches yourinterests,personality type, andwork-related values.Biomedical equipment technicians need the following traits. Do a self assessment to help you discover if you have them. Interests(Holland Code) RIC (Realistic, Investigative, Conventional)Personality Type(MBTI PersonalityTypes) ESTP, ISTP, or ISFPWork-Related Values Support, Independence, Relationships Occupations With Related Activities and Tasks DescriptionAnnual Salary (2017)Educational RequirementsMusical Instrument Repairer and TunerRepair musical instruments or tune pianos$36,530Voc ational Degree or ApprenticeshipAutomotive MechanicMaintain and fix cars and light trucks$39,550Vocational DegreeAircraft MechanicPerform maintenance and repairs on airplanes and related equipment$61,020Post-secondary training at FAA-approved at aviation maintenance technician schoolElevator MechanicInstalls, maintains, and repairs elevators and escalators$79,480Apprenticeship Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETOnline(visited August 14, 2018).