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Biomedical Equipment Technician

A biomedical equipment technician (BMET) is a vital component of the healthcare delivery system. Employed by hospitals, clinics, and the military; BMETs are highly skilled technicians responsible for ensuring medical equipment is deemed serviceable, safe, and properly configured to meet the mission of a hospital organization. These men and women are responsible for installing, inspecting, repairing, calibration, preventive maintenance, education, and modification of biomedical equipment and support systems. BMETs advise staff and other agencies on theory of operation, basic 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.

Examples of different areas of biomedical equipment technology are: Radiographic and flouroscopic x-ray, Diagnostic ultrasound, LASERs, Mamography, Telemedicine, Film image processing, Nuclear Medicine, Gamma cameras, Positron emission tomography (PET), Medical imaging, Computed Topography (CT), Electron microscope, Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), Magnetic Resonance Imaging instrument (MRI scanner), Physiological monitoring, Sterilization, Dental, Optometry, Surgical, Anesthesia, Laboratory, Dialysis, Respiratory Services (ventilators) Computers, and Information Technology

BMETs work closely with Medical Materiel personnel to obtain parts, supplies, and equipment and even closer with facility management to coordinate equipment installations requiring certain facility requirements/modifications.

Regulatory issues

Federal and State Regulatory issues are never far from the mind of a biomedical equipment technician. We must satisfy safety regulations, most biomedical systems must have documentation to show that they were managed, modified, tested, delivered, and used according to a planned, approved quality assurance process. This thought is used to increase the quality and safety of diagnostics and therapeutic equipment using risk management practices by reducing the risk that a patient or staff could be harmed by that piece of equipment. In the United States, BMETs may operate under various different regulatory frameworks. Clinical devices and technologies are generally governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA 99) particularly 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 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.

Professional certification

Many BMETs pursue professional certification, such as satisfying certain education requirements and passing an examination to become a certified biomedical equipment technican (CBET). There are two other certifications BMETs can obtain such as: 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).

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.

Military Roles

All military members entering the BMET career field receive comprehensive down to the component level and theory technical 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.

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
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.

More at about.com
More at goarmy.com

United States Navy

Navy Enlisted Codes HM-8479, HM-8478, HM-8410 and HM-8732 (Dental Repair Technician)

More regarding HM-8479 Basic BMET at about.com
More regarding HM-8478 Advanced BMET at about.com

History of the HM-8410 NEC

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 due to the fact that 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 The most current instruction is the NAVMEDLOGCOMINST 6700.1

Personal Characteristics

An "excellent" BMET is one who:

Meets or exceeds departmental performance indicator standards on a consistent basis. Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor. Demonstrates initiative and concern for planning, time utilization, and cost containment. Maintains good personal relationships with fellow workers, nursing and medical staff. Maintains accurate, detailed, and timely documentation. Maintains a clean, fun, and safe work place. Performs all duties related to this position as they are needed. Develops and implements a plan for professional and educational growth. Enjoys a good challenege and always ready to meet new ones.