The Investigative Essay

Biomedical equipment technicians are also known as medical equipment repairers. They work on a variety of machines, including patient monitors, defibrillators, anesthesia machines, medical imaging machines, and electric wheelchairs. The jobs are in a variety of settings, including hospitals, surgical centers, dental and medical office, and healthcare supply stores. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a typical task includes diagnosing the problem when a machine is not functioning properly and then adjusting parts or modifying software to fix the issue. BMETs may also perform routine maintenance to ensure that complicated machines like CAT scans are working properly and accurately. They are also responsible for explaining and demonstrating the operations of medical machines.

This career does require training, but pays a good wage and has a strong job outlook. Most employers look for candidates with an associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering. If the job requires working on equipment like hospital beds and wheelchairs, then one year of on-the-job training may be all that is required. However, for jobs involving more complicated equipment, such a CAT scans and defibrillators, a bachelor’s degree may be necessary. In addition, certifications, such as Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists (CRES), and Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES), are available, though usually not mandatory. As for pay, it ranges from $28,000 to $76, 350 a year. The median salary is about $40,000 and varies according to the type of industry with the highest being hospitals at $53.350 and the lowest being health and persona stores at $34,500. The job outlook for this field is excellent due to the aging population, the growing demand for medical care, and the increasing complexity of medical machines (Bureau of Labor Statistics). . According to the website, Biomedical Technician, “a brisk growth rate of 31 percent [is predicted] in the upcoming decade for biomedical technicians. This rate exceeds that of many other professions.”

A typical day for BMETs may be stressful. An article in Money Magazine offers this description. In a hospital setting, the day may begin with routine maintenance of machines and a recalibration of a laser scalpel. However, a patient emergency can call for quick action if, for example, a patient’s ventilator stops working. The next task may involve helping a manufacturer’s field representative install a new scanner or even training nursing personnel in the proper use of a machine. When a piece of equipment malfunctions, the solution may be as simple as replacing a hose or battery, or it may require trial and error and reviewing the manual. At any rate, it seems that a BMET’s day is full.

I believe that I have the skills and qualities needed to be successful as a BMET. This year I completed a skills assessment called Strength’s Quest. This assessment recognized my communication skills, my ability to work with people, and my skills with detail. All of these talents are necessary requirements in a career as a biomedical equipment technician. One area that I may need some work in has to do with my mathematical abilities. I struggle with math, and there is some requirement when working with medical equipment to perform equations and calculations. I am confident that my training in this field will allow me to refine and improve those skills..

According to a recent article in U.S. News and World Report about the best careers to go into, BMET is rated second best of all jobs evaluated - based on job satisfaction, growth, training and salary. I am confident that I will find this a satisfying and rewarding career.

Works Cited

“Biomedical Equipment Technician.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21 Jul 2016