What does a Biomedical Equipment Technician do?

Biomedical Equipment Technicians ensure medical professionals have the equipment they need to diagnose and treat medical conditions and understand how to use it properly. Some work directly for hospitals, outpatient clinics and medical practices, where they contribute to patient satisfaction rates and positive patient outcomes by carrying out their Medical Equipment Technician job duties. Others work for biomedical equipment manufacturers or medical equipment retailers and repair companies.

Biomedical Equipment Technician skills and qualifications

Listing the following characteristics in your Biomedical Equipment Technician job description may help you identify and attract quality candidates for your open positions:

• In-depth knowledge of medical equipment, such as medical imaging machines, life-support equipment, anesthesia machines, voice-controlled operating tables, surgical robots and patient assistive aids

• Understanding of electronics and electrical wiring, computer networking and basic anatomy

• Problem-solving and analytical skills to identify problems and make necessary repairs

• Communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with other technicians, answer questions from medical professionals and conduct demonstrations and presentations

• Writing skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate, complete records

• Multitasking and time management skills to handle multiple inquiries and prioritize the most crucial service requests

• Computer skills to utilize enterprise resource planning (ERP), medical equipment diagnostics, facilities management, email and other software programs

• Ability to use screwdrivers, wrenches, soldering irons, files, pliers, hemostats, drivers, metal cutters, ratchets, multimeters and other tools

Biomedical Equipment Technician experience requirements

How much experience your new Biomedical Equipment Technician should have depends on your specific needs. If you have an established team of technicians who can assist your new hire, a candidate may be able to perform their duties proficiently by relying solely on their formal education and training.

However, you may wish to specify a few years of experience as a qualification in your Biomedical Technician job description if your new hire will need to work independently, service highly complex or specialized equipment or supervise or train other technicians.

Biomedical Equipment Technician education and training requirements

An associate’s degree in biomedical technology or biomedical engineering may be the minimum education required for Biomedical Equipment Technicians handling complex repairs. However, some Technicians can gain enough experience through work experience, eliminating the need for formal education. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who hold Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) certification.

The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) awards this credential to technicians who meet education and work experience requirements and pass a written examination.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the duties described in this Medical Equipment Technician job description aren’t what you’re looking for, check out these related job titles:

• Biomedical Engineer

• Field Service Technician

• Radiologic Technologist

Biomedical Equipment Technician job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Biomedical Equipment Technician and a Radiology Equipment Specialist?

The difference between a Biomedical Equipment Technician and a Radiology Equipment Specialist comes down to the type of equipment they install, service and repair. Biomedical Equipment Technicians work on many types of medical equipment, while Radiology Equipment Specialists have advanced training in the operation of complex radiological equipment, such as MRI and PET machines.

What’s the difference between a Biomedical Equipment Technician and a Biomedical Engineering Technician?

Biomedical Equipment Technicians and Biomedical Engineering Technicians both work with medical equipment—but at different stages in the manufacturing process. Biomedical Engineering Technicians help test and troubleshoot new biomedical technology during the development phase, while Biomedical Equipment Technicians service finished devices and systems in use at healthcare facilities.

What’s the difference between a Biomedical Equipment Technician and a Biomedical Engineering Technologist?

Biomedical Engineering Technologists aid in the development of new biomedical equipment that Biomedical Technicians will one day install, service and repair. They work closely with Biomedical Engineers, creating schematics and overseeing the prototype product process. Biomedical Engineering Technologists often supervise Biomedical Engineering Technicians.

How can I make my Biomedical Equipment Technician job description stand out?

To attract quality candidates to your Biomedical Technician job description, place a bulleted list of the key benefits of working for your company at the top of your job posting. Examples of benefits you could mention include flexible hours, tuition reimbursement programs, retirement plans and travel reimbursements.