The next time you are at a hospital remember that you not only depend on the expertise of your doctor, but you also depend on your biomedical equipment technician!
What is a biomedical equipment technician?
Biomedical equipment technicians (or BMETs as they are sometimes called) install, inspect, repair, and service medical equipment. From defibrillators to infusion pumps, from patient monitors to electrocardiograph machines, biomedical equipment technicians keep sophisticated medical devices in working order. These sensitive machines are used by doctors and nurses to treat, diagnose, and monitor patients; even scientists and engineers in the research industry utilize the equipment.
What does a BMET do? A BMET’s work is crucial in order for a hospital to function at its highest level. BMETs are often called to repair equipment under difficult circumstances and under immense pressure. They often spend time conducting safety inspections, risk assessments, and corrective repairs. Some will be asked to purchase equipment for their employer, while others will evaluate, test, install, and repair equipment throughout their work week. BMETs may even be asked to train hospital personnel how to use the medical equipment.
What’s the job outlook?
Jobs can be found in hospitals and medical research centers. Some work for equipment manufacturers where they support the development and testing of new devices. According to the North Carolina Employment Security Commission at www.ncesc.com the estimated state wage for a BMET is $53,688.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor at www.bls.gov, “The rapidly expanding healthcare industry and elderly population should spark demand for increasingly sophisticated medical equipment and, in turn, create good employment opportunities in this occupation.”
Do you have the skills necessary?
Becoming a BMET takes hard work and determination. Career skills for a BMET include mechanical aptitude, strong knowledge in electronics, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure. A strong work ethic and initiative is a must.
What kind of program does SCC offer? Since the Biomedical Equipment Technology program began in 1978, our graduates have enjoyed unprecedented success, having demonstrated their skills at hospitals and medical facilities all over the world. Emphasis is placed on preventive maintenance and safety inspections to ensure biomedical equipment meets local and national safety standards.
As medicine becomes increasingly dependent on high-tech, complex medical instruments, the role of biomedical equipment technicians continues to grow.
SCC’s final phase of the BMET program is an eight-week internship. During this period, students are placed at local medical facilities where they function as a biomedical equipment technician. Students are placed at facilities such as Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Duke University Medical Center, Carolinas Medical Center, Presbyterian Hospital, and many other surrounding facilities.
Most students find employment at the facility of their internship. Seventy percent of the students placed into their internship programs reported being hired prior to completing their eight-week assignment. In an era of declining job opportunities, budget cutbacks, and poor economy, such numbers are astronomical.
For more information about our Biomedical Equipment Technology program contact Sonny Richards at (704) 991-0277 or srichards5224@stanly.edu.