LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. 1 describe the role of a BMET

2. 2 list and describe potential employers of a BMET

3. 3 characterize field service representatives

4. 4 list and describe the many job functions of a BMET

5. 5 list and characterize the certification requirements

6. 6 list and describe related professional societies and journals

What is the name of this career?

There are many definitions for what the letters BMET stand for – biomedical equipment technician, biomedical electronics technology, medical maintenance, biomedical engineering technologist, biomedical engineer, medical engineer, medical equipment repair technician, and many more. In general, it is the title for someone who works in the clinical setting and supports the equipment involved in patient care.

At different hospitals, staff may have a wide variety of titles. Staff may be called the “biomeds,” “clinical engineers,” or the “equipment guys.” In some hospitals, BMETs may be responsible for everything from printers to computers to DVD players in the rooms of patients. In some hospitals, BMETs work for the maintenance departments and wear janitor's jumpsuits. Other hospitals hire a wide range of technical staff who wear lab coats, monogrammed polo shirts, or dress shirts.

Because there is so little uniformity, it can be difficult for the career field to get the recognition it deserves. Some basic facts are true for most BMETs.

What do BMETs do?

Most BMETs perform several main categories of job function. In general, BMETs are responsible for the support of the technology used in health care.