Biomedical Equipment Technician
Encyclopedia
A Bio-Medical Equipment Technician, also referred to as a Biomed, Biomedical Engineering Technologist (BMET), Biomed Equipment Technician, a Biomedical Equipment Specialist (BES) or Electronics and Biomedical Engineer (EBME) is a highly skilled electromechanical technologist that ensures that medical equipment
is safe, functional and properly configured. They are employed by hospitals, clinics, private sector, and the military. These persons install, inspect, maintain, repair, calibrate, modify and design biomedical equipment and support systems to adhere to medical standard guidelines. Biomeds are involved in the total management of healthcare technology beyond repairs and scheduled maintenance; such as, capitol asset planning, project management, budgeting and personnel management, designing interfaces and integrating medical systems, training end-users to utilize medical technology, and evaluating new devices for acquisition. BMETs educate and advise staff and other agencies on theory of operation, physiological principles, and safe clinical application of biomedical equipment maintaining the facility's patient care and medical staff equipment.
The acceptance of the biomedical equipment technician in the private sector was given a big push in 1970 when consumer advocate Ralph Nader
wrote an article in which he claimed, "At least 1,200 people a year are electrocuted and many more are killed or injured in needless electrical accidents in hospitals."
These technicians perform much work in the biomedical/clinical engineering field that consists of and cover a vast array of different fields and devices. However, in many cases there is a separation of responsibilities where the Biomedical Technologist works strictly with all patient care equipment, while an Imaging Repair Specialist works strictly on medical/diagnostic imaging equipment.
Examples of different areas of Medical equipment technology are:
Diagnostic Imaging:
Radiographic
and fluoroscopic
X-ray,
Diagnostic ultrasound,
Mammography
,
Nuclear Imaging
,
Positron emission tomography
(PET),
Medical imaging
,
Computed Tomography
(CT), Linear Tomography
,
Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS
),
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI scanner)
Biomedical Technology
Physiological monitoring, Electron microscope,
Sterilization
, LASERs,
Dental, Telemedicine, Heart Lung Device, DaVinci Surgical Robot
,
Optometry
, Surgical Instruments, Infusion pump
s,
Surgical instruments,
Anesthesia
,
Laboratory,
Dialysis,
Respiratory Services (ventilators)
Computer Networking Systems integration,
Information Technology,
Patient Monitoring, and Cardiac Diagnostics
BMETs work closely with nursing staff, and Medical Material personnel to obtain parts, supplies, and equipment and even closer with facility management
to coordinate equipment installations requiring certain facility requirements/modifications.
In the United States, BMETs may operate under various regulatory frameworks. Clinical devices and technologies are generally governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) particularly NFPA 99 and chapter 7, NFPA 70, Life Safety Code 101, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 21, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) hospital or Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care standards; and ensures compliance with these codes and standards for the US government registry of biomedical devices.
Other countries typically have their own mechanisms for regulation.
Most entry-level BMETs enter into the field with a 2-year associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology, or they spend about one year in full-time military training. A 4-year graduate is an applied engineer who can perform the same medical equipment management
duties as a clinical engineer
, BMET Manager, or Director/Executive. Practical experience is gained through internships. Continuing education in the form of service schools is typically provided by specific medical device manufacturers. BMET educational degree programs can be accredited by the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) or the ATMAE (Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering) both of whom offer specialised/programmatic accreditation for BMET programs.
BMETs work in the hospital's Biomedical or Clinical Engineering Department, but can also find employment with a third-party independent service organization (ISO) or original equipment manufacturer (OEM
).
A group of 30 influential persons in Biomed met on April 28 and 29, 2011 in Arlington, Virginia to examine the future of the Biomedical / Clinical Engineering / Medical Equipment Maintenance field, and to select the most appropriate name for the profession. Most of the cost was born by AAMI, who contracted professional facilitators to guide the process. AAMI was a participant, like everyone else, but didn’t exert a domineering role in the process. After two grueling days, we did arrive at a best name, based upon all of the factors. The name chosen was “Healthcare Technology Management”. The finalists were Clinical Engineering, Clinical Technology, and a few others. There was debate as to whether the final word in the name should be Support, Service or Management. After careful debate, the vast majority decided on “Healthcare Technology Management”. Everyone in the room stated that they could support the new name.
We felt that this name was accurate, easily understood by the public and other healthcare workers, and allowed for expansion of the field in the future. The word “Engineering” was limiting (from the administrator’s perspective) and unworkable from the educator’s perspective. (A college would never name an associate’s degree program “Engineering”.) Likewise, the name “Clinical” was now clear, and limited the scope of the profession to hospitals, when healthcare is clearly moving outside of the hospital. Lastly, the names “Support” and “Service” seemed to be passive and imply a sideline role instead of a leadership role.
There will be much more released about this, with many more details. But for now, this is the main thrust of the meeting.
(Represented were biomedical educators, clinical engineers, BMETs, manufacturers, ISOs, directors, nurses, administrators, and the Office of Veterans Health Administration. )
Field Service:
BMETs working for an OEM
or ISO are many times called Field Service Engineers (FSE). FSE are more narrowly focused and specialized technicians who support Service and Sales.
Both must face increased risk of contact with electrical, mechanical, high pressure steam, noise, blood borne diseases, LASERs, chemicals and nuclear contaminates.
History of the HM-8410 NEC
Prior to establishment of the NEC's HM-8478 & HM-8479 there was one NEC of HM-8498 Medical Equipment Repairman. This Navy Corpsman was required to complete both basic and advance medical equipment repair training courses at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Denver, CO as one course of instruction. The navy had no basic repair tech. The total number of MER's in the navy was 92 until around 1974 when the numbers authorized was significantly increased and the basic repair tech NEC for the navy established. The basic course was a total of 15 weeks with the advance course being an additional approx. 36 weeks. The students enrolled after the period of 1969 could be awarded an AAS from Regis College(now Regis University) after completing a few additional courses. Later the school became affiliated with Colorado Technical College which the students again could be awarded an AAS with a few more courses and a BS with several additional semester hours of work.
October 30, 2006 - HM-8410 was established and HM-8732 NEC was disestabilshed. Former HM-8732s were DNEC and given the 8479 NEC. This was done only because the HM-8732 was disestabilished.
HM-8732 billets were converted to HM-8479 billets.
January 1, 2007, HM-8478 and HM-8479 have converted to one NEC: HM-8410
Medical equipment
Medical equipment is designed to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring or treatment of medical conditions.-Types:There are several basic types:* Diagnostic equipment includes medical imaging machines, used to aid in diagnosis...
is safe, functional and properly configured. They are employed by hospitals, clinics, private sector, and the military. These persons install, inspect, maintain, repair, calibrate, modify and design biomedical equipment and support systems to adhere to medical standard guidelines. Biomeds are involved in the total management of healthcare technology beyond repairs and scheduled maintenance; such as, capitol asset planning, project management, budgeting and personnel management, designing interfaces and integrating medical systems, training end-users to utilize medical technology, and evaluating new devices for acquisition. BMETs educate and advise staff and other agencies on theory of operation, physiological principles, and safe clinical application of biomedical equipment maintaining the facility's patient care and medical staff equipment.
The acceptance of the biomedical equipment technician in the private sector was given a big push in 1970 when consumer advocate Ralph Nader
Ralph Nader
Ralph Nader is an American political activist, as well as an author, lecturer, and attorney. Areas of particular concern to Nader include consumer protection, humanitarianism, environmentalism, and democratic government....
wrote an article in which he claimed, "At least 1,200 people a year are electrocuted and many more are killed or injured in needless electrical accidents in hospitals."
These technicians perform much work in the biomedical/clinical engineering field that consists of and cover a vast array of different fields and devices. However, in many cases there is a separation of responsibilities where the Biomedical Technologist works strictly with all patient care equipment, while an Imaging Repair Specialist works strictly on medical/diagnostic imaging equipment.
Examples of different areas of Medical equipment technology are:
Diagnostic Imaging:
Radiographic
Radiography
Radiography is the use of X-rays to view a non-uniformly composed material such as the human body. By using the physical properties of the ray an image can be developed which displays areas of different density and composition....
and fluoroscopic
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique commonly used by physicians to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope. In its simplest form, a fluoroscope consists of an X-ray source and fluorescent screen between which a patient is placed...
X-ray,
Diagnostic ultrasound,
Mammography
Mammography
Mammography is the process of using low-energy-X-rays to examine the human breast and is used as a diagnostic and a screening tool....
,
Nuclear Imaging
Nuclear medicine
In nuclear medicine procedures, elemental radionuclides are combined with other elements to form chemical compounds, or else combined with existing pharmaceutical compounds, to form radiopharmaceuticals. These radiopharmaceuticals, once administered to the patient, can localize to specific organs...
,
Positron emission tomography
Positron emission tomography
Positron emission tomography is nuclear medicine imaging technique that produces a three-dimensional image or picture of functional processes in the body. The system detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by a positron-emitting radionuclide , which is introduced into the body on a...
(PET),
Medical imaging
Medical imaging
Medical imaging is the technique and process used to create images of the human body for clinical purposes or medical science...
,
Computed Tomography
Computed tomography
X-ray computed tomography or Computer tomography , is a medical imaging method employing tomography created by computer processing...
(CT), Linear Tomography
Tomography
Tomography refers to imaging by sections or sectioning, through the use of any kind of penetrating wave. A device used in tomography is called a tomograph, while the image produced is a tomogram. The method is used in radiology, archaeology, biology, geophysics, oceanography, materials science,...
,
Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS
Picture archiving and communication system
A picture archiving and communication system is a medical imaging technology which provides economical storage of, and convenient access to, images from multiple modalities . Electronic images and reports are transmitted digitally via PACS; this eliminates the need to manually file, retrieve, or...
),
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging , nuclear magnetic resonance imaging , or magnetic resonance tomography is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structures...
(MRI scanner)
Biomedical Technology
Physiological monitoring, Electron microscope,
Sterilization
Sterilization (microbiology)
Sterilization is a term referring to any process that eliminates or kills all forms of microbial life, including transmissible agents present on a surface, contained in a fluid, in medication, or in a compound such as biological culture media...
, LASERs,
Dental, Telemedicine, Heart Lung Device, DaVinci Surgical Robot
Da Vinci Surgical System
The Da Vinci Surgical System is a robotic surgical system made by Intuitive Surgical and designed to facilitate complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach...
,
Optometry
Optometry
Optometry is a health care profession concerned with eyes and related structures, as well as vision, visual systems, and vision information processing in humans. Optometrists, or Doctors of Optometry, are state licensed medical professionals trained to prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision,...
, Surgical Instruments, Infusion pump
Infusion pump
An infusion pump infuses fluids, medication or nutrients into a patient's circulatory system. It is generally used intravenously, although subcutaneous, arterial and epidural infusions are occasionally used....
s,
Surgical instruments,
Anesthesia
Anesthesia
Anesthesia, or anaesthesia , traditionally meant the condition of having sensation blocked or temporarily taken away...
,
Laboratory,
Dialysis,
Respiratory Services (ventilators)
Computer Networking Systems integration,
Information Technology,
Patient Monitoring, and Cardiac Diagnostics
BMETs work closely with nursing staff, and Medical Material personnel to obtain parts, supplies, and equipment and even closer with facility management
Facility management
Facility management is an interdisciplinary field primarily devoted to the maintenance and care of commercial or institutional buildings, such as hospitals, hotels, office complexes, arenas, schools or convention centers...
to coordinate equipment installations requiring certain facility requirements/modifications.
Regulatory issues
BMETs must conform with safety regulations, and most biomedical systems must have documentation to show that they were managed, modified, tested, delivered, and used according to a planned, approved process that increases the quality and safety of diagnostics and therapeutic equipment and reduces the risk of harm to patients and staff.In the United States, BMETs may operate under various regulatory frameworks. Clinical devices and technologies are generally governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) particularly NFPA 99 and chapter 7, NFPA 70, Life Safety Code 101, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 21, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) hospital or Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care standards; and ensures compliance with these codes and standards for the US government registry of biomedical devices.
Other countries typically have their own mechanisms for regulation.
Biomedical equipment technology training
Traditionally, biomedical equipment technology has been an interdisciplinary field to specialize in after completing an Associate degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology, Biomedical Electronics Technology, or Biomedical Engineering Technology. Some BMETs get their training through the military.Most entry-level BMETs enter into the field with a 2-year associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology, or they spend about one year in full-time military training. A 4-year graduate is an applied engineer who can perform the same medical equipment management
Medical equipment management
Healthcare Technology Management is a fundamental part of managing a clinical/biomedical engineering department...
duties as a clinical engineer
Clinical engineering
Clinical engineering is a specialty within Biomedical engineering responsible primarily for applying and implementing medical technology to optimize healthcare delivery...
, BMET Manager, or Director/Executive. Practical experience is gained through internships. Continuing education in the form of service schools is typically provided by specific medical device manufacturers. BMET educational degree programs can be accredited by the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) or the ATMAE (Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering) both of whom offer specialised/programmatic accreditation for BMET programs.
Professional certification
Many BMETs pursue professional certification, such as satisfying certain education requirements and passing an examination to become a certified biomedical equipment technician (CBET). There are two other certifications BMETs can obtain such as: Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists (CRES), and Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialists (CLES). In many cases, carrying the title of "CBET" is highly encouraged, not mandatory, and is respected within the technical community.Employment
In-House:BMETs work in the hospital's Biomedical or Clinical Engineering Department, but can also find employment with a third-party independent service organization (ISO) or original equipment manufacturer (OEM
OEM
OEM means the original manufacturer of a component for a product, which may be resold by another company.OEM may also refer to:-Computing:* OEM font, or OEM-US, the original character set of the IBM PC, circa 1981...
).
A group of 30 influential persons in Biomed met on April 28 and 29, 2011 in Arlington, Virginia to examine the future of the Biomedical / Clinical Engineering / Medical Equipment Maintenance field, and to select the most appropriate name for the profession. Most of the cost was born by AAMI, who contracted professional facilitators to guide the process. AAMI was a participant, like everyone else, but didn’t exert a domineering role in the process. After two grueling days, we did arrive at a best name, based upon all of the factors. The name chosen was “Healthcare Technology Management”. The finalists were Clinical Engineering, Clinical Technology, and a few others. There was debate as to whether the final word in the name should be Support, Service or Management. After careful debate, the vast majority decided on “Healthcare Technology Management”. Everyone in the room stated that they could support the new name.
We felt that this name was accurate, easily understood by the public and other healthcare workers, and allowed for expansion of the field in the future. The word “Engineering” was limiting (from the administrator’s perspective) and unworkable from the educator’s perspective. (A college would never name an associate’s degree program “Engineering”.) Likewise, the name “Clinical” was now clear, and limited the scope of the profession to hospitals, when healthcare is clearly moving outside of the hospital. Lastly, the names “Support” and “Service” seemed to be passive and imply a sideline role instead of a leadership role.
There will be much more released about this, with many more details. But for now, this is the main thrust of the meeting.
(Represented were biomedical educators, clinical engineers, BMETs, manufacturers, ISOs, directors, nurses, administrators, and the Office of Veterans Health Administration. )
Field Service:
BMETs working for an OEM
OEM
OEM means the original manufacturer of a component for a product, which may be resold by another company.OEM may also refer to:-Computing:* OEM font, or OEM-US, the original character set of the IBM PC, circa 1981...
or ISO are many times called Field Service Engineers (FSE). FSE are more narrowly focused and specialized technicians who support Service and Sales.
Both must face increased risk of contact with electrical, mechanical, high pressure steam, noise, blood borne diseases, LASERs, chemicals and nuclear contaminates.
Military Roles
All military members entering the BMET career field receive comprehensive down to the component level and theory technical training. Prior to 1998, Army and Navy BMETs received training at the United States Army Equipment and Optical School (USAMEOS) at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center (FAMC) in Aurora, Colorado. Only after a July 1995 Base Realignment Closure Commission decided to close FAMC did the Army and Navy merge with the Air Force, conducting training at the DoD Biomedical Equipment Technician Training School. This school has a partnership with Aims Community College where students receive 81 quarter credits (from the Community College of the Air Force) toward an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree with an emphasis in Biomedical Electronic Technology. In addition to the credits acquired from DoD BMET Training School, a minimum of 24 credits must be completed through Aims Community College to receive a degree. As of August 4, 2010, the U. S. Military moved the BMET training to San Antonio, TX as a part of their new base realignment plan. All three forces remain in rigorous, tri-service training for 10 months prior to returning to their individual services. The training is held at Fort Sam Houstion and is a part of the Military Education and Training Campus ( www.metc.mil ).United States Air Force
- Air Force Specialty CodeAir Force Specialty CodeThe Air Force Specialty Code is an alphanumeric code used by the United States Air Force to identify an Air Force Specialty . Officer AFSCs consist of four characters and enlisted AFSCs consist of five characters. A letter prefix or suffix may be used with an AFSC when more specific identification...
(AFSC) 4A2X1 (where X represents the corresponding skill level 3, 5, 7 or 9) - Air Force Instruction 41-201, "Managing Clinical Engineering Programs"
- More at about.com
- More at airforce.com
- Career Field Education & Training Plan (pdf)
United States Army
- Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) 68A.
- The Army recently redesignated this MOS from 91A to MOS 68A. (Also formerly MOS 35G & 35U)
- More at about.com
- More at goarmy.com
- Military Occupation Specialty - Warrant Officer (MOS) 670A Health Services Maintenance Technician.
United States Navy
- Navy Enlisted CodesHM-8498, HM-8479, HM-8478, HM-8410 and HM-8732 (Dental Repair Technician)
History of the HM-8410 NEC
Prior to establishment of the NEC's HM-8478 & HM-8479 there was one NEC of HM-8498 Medical Equipment Repairman. This Navy Corpsman was required to complete both basic and advance medical equipment repair training courses at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Denver, CO as one course of instruction. The navy had no basic repair tech. The total number of MER's in the navy was 92 until around 1974 when the numbers authorized was significantly increased and the basic repair tech NEC for the navy established. The basic course was a total of 15 weeks with the advance course being an additional approx. 36 weeks. The students enrolled after the period of 1969 could be awarded an AAS from Regis College(now Regis University) after completing a few additional courses. Later the school became affiliated with Colorado Technical College which the students again could be awarded an AAS with a few more courses and a BS with several additional semester hours of work.
October 30, 2006 - HM-8410 was established and HM-8732 NEC was disestabilshed. Former HM-8732s were DNEC and given the 8479 NEC. This was done only because the HM-8732 was disestabilished.
HM-8732 billets were converted to HM-8479 billets.
January 1, 2007, HM-8478 and HM-8479 have converted to one NEC: HM-8410
- Navy BMETs follow the guidelines stated in the NAVMED P-5132.