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A Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) is a vital component of the healthcare delivery system. Employed primarily by hospitals, BMETs are the people responsible for maintaining a facility's medical and patient care equipment.
The acceptance of the Biomedical Equipment Technician in the private sector was given a big push when consumer advocate Ralph Nader wrote an article for the March 1971 issue of the Ladies Home Journal entitled Ralph Nader’s Most Shocking Expose, in which he erroneously claimed, "At least 1,200 people a year are electrocuted and many more are killed or injured in needless electrical accidents in hospitals."
Job Responsibilities
BMETs work on many different types of equipment, depending on their facility. Typically, it will include such devices as ECG monitors, blood pressure monitors, telemetry systems, infusion pumps, ventilators or defibrillators. Some BMETs may choose to obtain specific training in order to specialize, for example, in radiology or laboratory equipment. Medical device manufacturers are required to adhere to stringent medical safety standards such as EN 60601-1, and BMETs should be familiar with such standards. While a good portion of time can be spent on scheduled or preventive maintenance (PMs) and corrective maintenance (repairs), a BMET develops other skills with experience. A BMET may conduct product evaluations and make purchasing recommendations, install new equipment, provide in-service education, coordinate service contracts, manage assets, and investigate device-related incidents. Documentation (paperwork) is an integeral part of the BMET experience. Being a BMET isn't pretty, BMET shops are often cluttered with broken and obsolete equipment.
Education
Most entry level BMETs enter into the field with a 2-year associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology, while others receive military training. Practical experience is gained through internships. Continuing education in the form of service schools is typically provided by device manufacturers.
Employment
BMETs typically work in the hospital's Biomedical or Clinical Engineering Department, but can also find employment with equipment manufacturers or third-party service organizations.
Military Roles
United States Air Force
- Job Code 4A2X1 (where X represents the corresponding skill level 3, 5, 7 or 9)
- Air Force Instruction 41-201, "Managing Clinical Engineering Programs" is essentially the Air Force BMET's bible.
- More at about.com
United States Army
- Job Code 91A
- More at about.com
United States Navy
- Job Codes HM-8479 and HM-8478
Personal Characteristics
A BMET must enjoy technical challenges and be capable of communicating with those from other healthcare disciplines in hospital. BMETs often have a high opinion of themselves.
Architecture and engineering occupations
"Biomedical Equipment Technician"