Biomedical Equipment Technician Schools

Hybrid & online programs

Many students looking to study biomedical technology may already be working in healthcare or another related field, which can make it difficult to attend regular classroom sessions. Luckily, many institutions have recognized this and have begun to offer online options for some or all of their biomedical technician courses. It should be noted that most programs to require some type of hands-on training or practicum experience prior to graduation.

• Owens Community College: At Owens Community College, students can earn an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in biomedical electronics. The 64 to 65-credit degree is offered entirely at the school’s Toledo, Ohio campus, or as a hybrid program that features both online coursework and Toledo-based classroom experiences.

• University of Vermont: Although the University of Vermont does not offer an entire degree program in biomedical technology, it does offer four courses in the subject, three of which can be completed online: patient care equipment technology, advanced medical equipment systems, and health technology management. These biomedical equipment technician courses are designed specifically for healthcare workers that are already employed and want to learn more about the field. One hands-on course is also offered, medical equipment applications, quality assurance and troubleshooting, which can be completed as an independent study for those who cannot make it to campus in Burlington.

Accreditation

There are two main accrediting bodies for biomedical technology schools in the U.S.: The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The ATMAE offers accreditation in a huge variety of technology-based programs, from biomedical technician programs to architectural science programs to web analyst degrees. For a full listing of ATMAE accreditation offerings, visit their program search. The organization also offers accreditation beginning at associate of applied science and extending up through master of science (MS) programs. ATMAE accreditation includes an application from the program as well as a thorough on-site visit, comprised of a team of at least three experts, who evaluate the school for its curriculum, facilities, faculty, and more. The ATMAE accreditation is currently using its 2019 Accreditation Handbook to evaluate all new applicant schools.

Like ATMAE, ABET offers accreditation to many different types of programs. The ABET accreditation process includes a self-study, completed by program administrators, as well as an on-site visit to determine eligibility. With ABET, the process takes approximately 18 months to complete. A full explanation of that process is available on the ABET site.

Interested students should also keep in mind that schools can seek overall institutional accreditation in addition to the program-specific accreditation provided by bodies such as the ATMAE and ABET. Institutional accreditation takes into account many facets of the school and generally comes from an organization that is recognized by the US Department of Education. Some such accrediting bodies are the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), but there are also many more examples throughout the country. Each school website should link to those organizations from whom they have earned their accreditation.

Licensing & Certification

There is no standard licensing or certification procedure for biomedical technicians. Rather, like many of the medical technologist careers, those that wish to improve their career options by obtaining officially recognized biomedical technician certification may do so. The most common certification for biomedical technicians in the U.S. comes from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). According to the AAMI, certification for a Biomedical Equipment Technician "demonstrates that successful applicants have the knowledge to ensure a safe, reliable healthcare environment. It also demonstrates to employers a significant commitment to career and competence."

Although there is no requirement that any biomedical technician obtains this certification, certified technicians may find that there are more and better-paying career opportunities available to them. Further, those biomedical technicians who are currently working and wish to improve their position in the workplace may wish to pursue certification. Indeed, in order to apply for certification, there is a work experience prerequisite, with a minimum of two years of full-time BMET work in addition to an associate's degree from a biomedical academic program, or four years full-time work as a BMET. Information about other avenues for certification are available on the Certification FAQ page of the AAMI website. Those technicians who wish to be certified but do not yet qualify may become certification candidates, which can help to alert employers to how seriously those individuals take their career and advancement opportunities.