Biomedical Equipment Technician

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A Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) is a vital component of the healthcare delivery system. Employed primarily by hospitals, BMETs are the people responsible for maintaining a facility's medical and patient care 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."[1]

Contents

[edit] Job Responsibilities

BMETs work on many different types of equipment, depending on their facility. Typically, it will include such devices as ECG monitors, blood pressure monitors, telemetry systems, infusion pumps, ventilators or defibrillators. Some BMETs may choose to obtain specific training in order to specialize, for example, in radiology or laboratory equipment. Medical device manufacturers are required to adhere to stringent medical safety standards such as EN 60601-1, and BMETs should be familiar with such standards. While a good portion of time can be spent on scheduled or preventive maintenance (PMs) and corrective maintenance (repairs), a BMET develops other skills with experience. A BMET may conduct product evaluations and make purchasing recommendations, install new equipment, provide in-service education, coordinate service contracts, manage assets, and investigate device-related incidents. Documentation (paperwork) is an integeral part of the BMET experience.

[edit] Education

Most entry level BMETs enter into the field with a 2-year associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology, or they spend around one year in full time military training. Practical experience is gained through internships. Continuing education in the form of service schools is typically provided by device manufacturers.

[edit] Employment

BMETs typically work in the hospital's Biomedical or Clinical Engineering Department, but can also find employment with equipment manufacturers or third-party service organizations.

[edit] Military Roles

All military members entering the BMET career field receive 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.

[edit] United States Air Force

[edit] United States Army

[edit] United States Navy

  • Navy Enlisted Codes HM-8479, HM-8478 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

[edit] Personal Characteristics

A BMET must enjoy technical challenges and be capable of communicating with those from other healthcare disciplines in hospital.

[edit] External links

Organizations


Associations

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ R. Nader, "Ralph Nader's Most Shocking Exposé," Ladies Home Journal, pp. 176-79, Apr. 24, 1970.

[1] Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)

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