A biomedical engineering/equipment technician/technologist (BMET) or biomedical engineering/equipment specialist (BES or BMES) is typically an electro-mechanical
technician
A technician is a worker in a field of technology who is proficient in the relevant skill and technique, with a relatively practical understanding of the theoretical principles.
Specialisation
The term technician covers many different speciali ...
or
technologist
Technologist may refer to:
* Applied Science Technologist, a Canadian professional title in engineering and applied science technology.
* Architectural technologist, a specialist in the technology fields of building, design and construction.
* C ...
who ensures that
medical equipment
A medical device is any device intended to be used for medical purposes. Significant potential for hazards are inherent when using a device for medical purposes and thus medical devices must be proved safe and effective with reasonable assura ...
is well-maintained, properly configured, and safely functional. In healthcare environments, BMETs often work with or officiate as a
biomedical and/or clinical engineer, since the career field has no
legal distinction between
engineer
Engineers, as practitioners of engineering, are professionals who invent, design, analyze, build and test machines, complex systems, structures, gadgets and materials to fulfill functional objectives and requirements while considering the l ...
s and engineering
technician
A technician is a worker in a field of technology who is proficient in the relevant skill and technique, with a relatively practical understanding of the theoretical principles.
Specialisation
The term technician covers many different speciali ...
s/
technologists.
BMETs are employed by hospitals, clinics, private sector companies, and the military. Normally, BMETs install, inspect, maintain, repair, calibrate, modify and design biomedical equipment and support systems to adhere to medical standard guidelines but also perform specialized duties and roles. BMETs educate, train, 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. Senior experienced BMETs perform the official part in the daily management and problem solving 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.
The acceptance of the BMET in the private sector was given a big push in 1970 when consumer advocate
Ralph Nader
Ralph Nader (; born February 27, 1934) is an American political activist, author, lecturer, and attorney noted for his involvement in consumer protection, environmentalism, and government reform causes.
The son of Lebanese immigrants to the Un ...
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."
BMETs cover a vast array of different functional fields and medical devices. However, BMETs do specialize and focus on specific kinds of medical devices and technology management—(i.e., an imaging repair specialist, laboratory equipment specialist, healthcare technology manager) and works strictly on medical imaging and/or medical laboratory equipment as well as supervises and/or manages HTM departments. These experts come from either from the military, or an OEM background. An imaging repair specialist usually does not have much, if any, general BMET training. However, there are situations where a BMET will cross-train into these functional fields.
Examples of different areas of medical equipment technology are:
*Diagnostic Imaging:
**
Radiographic
Radiography is an imaging technique using X-rays, gamma rays, or similar ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation to view the internal form of an object. Applications of radiography include medical radiography ("diagnostic" and "therapeut ...
and
Fluoroscopic
Fluoroscopy () is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the interior of an object. In its primary application of medical imaging, a fluoroscope () allows a physician to see the internal anatomy, structure and ...
X-ray,
**
Diagnostic ultrasound
Medical ultrasound includes diagnostic techniques (mainly imaging techniques) using ultrasound, as well as therapeutic applications of ultrasound. In diagnosis, it is used to create an image of internal body structures such as tendons, muscles ...
,
**
Mammography
Mammography (also called mastography) is the process of using low-energy X-rays (usually around 30 kVp) to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening. The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through d ...
,
**
Nuclear imaging
Nuclear medicine or nucleology is a medical specialty involving the application of radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Nuclear imaging, in a sense, is "radiology done inside out" because it records radiation emittin ...
,
**
Positron emission tomography
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a functional imaging technique that uses radioactive substances known as radiotracers to visualize and measure changes in Metabolism, metabolic processes, and in other physiological activities including bl ...
(PET),
**
Medical imaging
Medical imaging is the technique and process of imaging the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention, as well as visual representation of the function of some organs or tissues (physiology). Medical imaging seeks to rev ...
,
**
Computed tomography (CT), linear
tomography
Tomography is imaging by sections or sectioning that uses any kind of penetrating wave. The method is used in radiology, archaeology, biology, atmospheric science, geophysics, oceanography, plasma physics, materials science, astrophysics, quantu ...
,
**Picture archiving and communication systems (
PACS),
**
Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio wave ...
(MRI scanner),
*Physiological monitoring,
*Electron microscope,
*
Sterilization,
*LASERs,
*Dental,
*Telemedicine,
*
Heart lung device,
*
DaVinci Surgical Robot,
*
Optometry
Optometry is a specialized health care profession that involves examining the eyes and related structures for defects or abnormalities. Optometrists are health care professionals who typically provide comprehensive primary eye care.
In the Uni ...
,
*Surgical instruments,
*
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.
Infusion pumps can administer flu ...
s,
*
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is a state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness that is induced for medical or veterinary purposes. It may include some or all of analgesia (relief from or prevention of pain), paralysis (muscle relaxation), ...
,
*Laboratory,
*Dialysis,
*Respiratory services (ventilators),
*Gas therapy equipment
*Computer networking systems integration,
*Information technology,
*Patient monitoring,
*Cardiac diagnostics
BMETs work closely with nursing staff, and
medical materiel
Medical materiel are medical supply technicians employed by the hospitals, clinics, and the military; these professionals are responsible for managing and requisitioning, receiving, storing, issuing, safeguarding and accounting for supplies and me ...
personnel to obtain parts, supplies, and equipment and even closer with
facility management
Facility management or facilities management (FM) is a professional management discipline focused on the efficient and effective delivery of logistics and other support services related to real property and buildings. It encompasses multiple disc ...
to coordinate equipment installations requiring certain facility infrastructure requirements/modifications.
Regulatory issues
BMETs must conform with federal and state regulations and local standards on medical device safety. Most biomedical systems must also have recorded documentation to show how equipment has been managed, modified, tested, and delivered. In addition, biomedical systems are used according to a planned and approved process that increases the quality and safety of diagnostics and therapeutic equipment with a core aim of minimising the risk of injury, harm, or death 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 (OSHA), The Joint Commission (TJC) hospital or Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) 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 degree in biomedical equipment technology, or they spend about one year in full-time military training. A 4-year graduate is a health technology management (HTM) professional who can perform official
medical equipment management
Medical equipment management (sometimes referred to as clinical engineering, clinical engineering management, clinical technology management, healthcare technology management, biomedical maintenance, biomedical equipment management, and biomedical ...
duties as a
clinical engineer
Clinical engineering is a specialty within biomedical engineering responsible for using Medical Technology, medical technology to optimize healthcare delivery.
Clinical engineers train and supervise Biomedical Equipment Technician, biomedical ...
, clinical engineering manager or director of clinical engineering. Practical experience should be gained through internships while continuing education is provided by specific medical device manufacturers and on-the-job training classes. BMET degree programs should 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 specialized/programmatic accreditation for BMET programs. In addition, many 4 year graduates from accredited programs have studied or go on to study
biomedical engineering
Biomedical engineering (BME) or medical engineering is the application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes (e.g., diagnostic or therapeutic). BME is also traditionally logical sciences ...
, more specifically
clinical engineering
Clinical engineering is a specialty within biomedical engineering responsible for using medical technology to optimize healthcare delivery.
Clinical engineers train and supervise biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs), working with governm ...
, if they wish to perform research and/or design (or MBA programs, if they wish to work on the business or administrative side).
Professional certification
Many BMETs pursue professional certification, such as satisfying certain education requirements and passing an examination from the International Certification Commission (ICC) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) to become a certified biomedical equipment technician (CBET),
[About Certification](_blank)
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. Retrieved 2 December 2013. that is an accomplished generalized certification in the field covering many facets. There are four other certifications BMETs should obtain such as: certified radiology equipment specialists (CRES)
that specializes more specifically in diagnostic imaging, radiological, and nuclear medicine equipment, Certified laboratory equipment specialists (CLES)
that covers the abundance of equipment found in the many different kinds of laboratory environments, certified nephrology equipment specialist (CNES) that specifically specializes in nephrology and hemodialysis equipment, and certified healthcare technology manager (CHTM) that specializes in management of healthcare technology operations as well as the management of personnel. One can also choose to obtain the certified biomedical auditor (CBA) from the American Society of Quality or a Biomedical Electronics Technician certification (BMD) from the Electronics Technician Association (ETA) after first obtaining the Associate Electronics Technician certification (CET). In most cases, carrying the title of "CBET" is highly encouraged, not mandatory but supported, and is respected within the technical community.
Employment
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
An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is generally perceived as a company that produces non-aftermarket parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. It is a common industry term recognized and used by many professional or ...
).
BMETs working for an
OEM
An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is generally perceived as a company that produces non-aftermarket parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. It is a common industry term recognized and used by many professional or ...
or ISO are often called field service engineers (FSE). FSE are more narrowly focused and specialized technicians who support service and sales.
All military members entering the BMET career field receive comprehensive 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. In July 1995, a Base Realignment Closure Commission decided to close FAMC which caused the Army and Navy to merge with the Air Force to conduct training at the DoD Biomedical Equipment Technician Training School at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. 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.
[Douglas. K. Richard]
The U.S. Military’s Biomed Training Program: A Multiservice Commitment to Excellence
. Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. April 2012. 48-52. Retrieved 2 December 2013. 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 Houston and is a part of the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC).The first METC BMET class started on August 4, 2010, and the last Sheppard class graduated on January 14, 2011.
Advancements and its Impact
As advancements continue to be made in the medical world technology continues to advance with it. Today we see much of the technology being implemented in hospitals for a variety of uses. Take for example electronic health records (EHRs) and their widespread use in the field today. Ever since the implementation of these electronic databases, EHRs have made it easier for physicians and medical professionals to gain access to the patient's records, and have made managing and storing the records safely. Other technologies such as nanohealth, brain implants, artificial organs, networked sensors, genomics, exoskeletons have come on the rise due to the advanced technology that continues to come in.
Nanohealth especially, will have some hurdles to overcome in the coming future, seeing that it could become an ethical issue, one that would be hard to predict with new procedures. New technology has also allowed the introduction for minimally invasive surgeries, such as keyhole surgeries. As technology continues to get more and more miniaturized and cost production decreases, the healthcare field will continue to see minimally invasive surgeries on the rise.
Due to the rise of biomedical technology some hospitals have seen to it to have chief technology officers (CTOs) who help coordinate and provide technical support throughout the hospital, only at a corporate level.
Living in a cost conscious world, personnel like such need to be implemented to help hospitals make sure that any new technological design or feature does not interfere negatively with the overall dynamic of the hospital. Change in this area is constant, and if abused could be the detriment not only to the hospital but more importantly to the patients who put their trust in the biomedical equipment that claim to ensure their recovery and aid.
As resources for the medical field become far and few in between, getting ahead on technological advancements and spending more time on creating increasingly efficient technology to be used in hospitals and other healthcare practices.
Biomedical technology has been also known to link other healthcare professionals together, allowing them to grow in knowledge and share techniques. Studies have shown that the increasing number of novel patents suggests this growth will continue to flourish. Unlike drugs biomedical technology is highly dependent on how well they are maintained, thus creating a bigger and unprecedented opportunity and need for more biomedical technicians and engineers to keep up with this growing rate. Focusing on the quality of these products as well as how fast they are being produced is equally as important -- cutting cost becomes useless if the robotics and devices cannot perform efficiently.
While technology will obviously continue to advance it will become harder and harder as time goes on to ensure each new facet of biomedical technology satisfactorily achieves all that it claim to do, before upgrades and maintenance needs to be done. Due to human error, no piece of equipment designed will ever be one hundred percent efficient, thus where biomedical technicians come in to play, and in turn will forever be needed as technology advances ever onward.
References
Further reading
*Bowles, Roger "Techcareers: Biomedical Equipment Technicians" TSTC Publishing
*Dyro, Joseph., Clinical Engineering Handbook (Biomedical Engineering).
*Khandpur, R. S. "Biomedical Instrumentation: Technology and Applications". McGraw Hills
*Northrop, Robert B., "Noninvasive Instrumentation and Measurement in Medical Diagnosis (Biomedical Engineering)".
*Webb, Andrew G., "Introduction to Biomedical Imaging (IEEE Press Series on Biomedical Engineering)".
*Yadin David, Wolf W. von Maltzahn, Michael R. Neuman, and Joseph D. Bronzino,. Clinical Engineering (Principles and Applications in Engineering).
*Villafañe, Carlos CBET: "Biomed: From the Student's Perspective" ({{ISBN, 978-1-61539-663-4).
Logistics
Health care occupations