Licensure/Certification Voluntary certification is available for graduates of biomedical equipment technology programs and at least two years of full-time experience or graduates of electronics technology programs and at least three years of experience in the field. Upon passing a written examination offered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), one can become a certified biomedical equipment technician (CBET). Salary According to the Florida Hospital Association, biomedical equipment technicians earned an average of $30.84 in 2005. Educational Programs Associate Degree Broward Community College Florida Community College at Jacksonville Hillsborough Community College - Dale Mabry Campus Santa Fe Community College Professional Associations American Society for Healthcare Engineering Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation

Biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs), also known as biomedical engineering technicians, work with biomedical equipment used to help diagnose and treat patients.

Their duties include: installing equipment and providing instruction on its use to physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and others; inspecting and calibrating equipment such as radiation monitors, blood gas analyzers, spectrophotometers, electrocardiographs, and dialysis machines to insure safety and accuracy; troubleshooting of machine malfunction or failure; maintaining an inventory of parts and tools used in their repair work; and perform preventative maintenance and safety checks.

BMETs should have good communication skills, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity to work with electronics and machines.

Biomedical Equipment Technician

Areas of Specialization
BMETs may specialize in certain types of biomedical equipment used in radiology, nuclear medicine, surgery, dialysis, intensive care, or clinical laboratory.

Work Environment
BMETs work under the supervision of biomedical engineers or report to a supervisor or director of general maintenance services. Many BMETs are employed by hospitals, but some also work for medical instrument manufacturers and companies supplying biomedical equipment and/or services to individual hospitals. BMETs wear protective equipment, such as rubber gloves and goggles, to minimize hazards from electric shock, radiation, noxious fumes, and infection. They generally work a five-day, 40-hour week.

Job Outlook
The number of “Medical Equipment Repairers”, persons with the necessary skills to be employed as BMETs, in Florida in 2006 was 2,661. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 3,119. This represents an annual average growth rate of 2.2 percent, faster than the 2.0 percent growth rate for all occupations in Florida.

Length of Training/Requirements
High school graduates with a background in electronics sometimes may obtain on-the-job training. However, most students choose to obtain formal training in a two-year associate degree program at a community college. Community college credits earned in electronics engineering technology or biomedical equipment engineering technology may articulate toward a bachelor's degree in engineering at some institutions.

Advancement
With further education, BMETs may become engineers.