Biomedical Equipment Technician
Winter 2010 Program Outline
Start: Fall, Winter, Spring
Degrees and Certificates
Program Website:
www.scc.spokane.edu/?electbiotech
Additional Costs
| Books | $140 |
| Supplies and Equipment | $120 |
| * Estimate for seven quarters. Insurance required. |
Program Description
This program is designed to prepare students for employment in the specialized field of biomedical electronics in a hospital or in the medical electronics industry.
The curriculum has been planned to give comprehensive training in circuit analysis, laboratory techniques and the use of modern test equipment. A balanced study of peripheral subjects that make the biomedical equipment technician unique also is included. These subjects include fundamentals of physics, chemistry, physiology, medical terminology, hospital ethics and hospital safety. The curriculum provides special lectures and laboratories in repair, and preventive maintenance of medical electronic equipment.
Graduates are prepared for employment as entry-level biomedical equipment technicians. To qualify for graduation, the student must have successfully completed five quarters of basic electronics including the additional required courses (i.e., chemistry and physics) and the six and seventh quarter biomedical sequence. Entrance to each quarter of basics is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the previous quarter. Students may enroll fall and winter quarters only. The clinical practicum is available during summer quarter only.
The goal of the program is to provide the health care field with biomedical equipment technicians who have a thorough understanding of electronic fundamentals; a practical ability to design, construct and troubleshoot electronic circuits; and knowledge about the theory of operation, physiological principles, and the safe and practical applications of biomedical equipment.
Course of Study
Students starting this program spring quarter should meet with the department chair to discuss the order in which classes will be taken.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the biomedical equipment technician program will be prepared to enter into medical electronics field in a variety of ways. Some of the possibilities include: in-house (hospital) BMET, medical equipment manufacturer’s technician, contractual servicing centers, clinical engineering companies, and research facilities.
Currently, on a national scale, trained BMETs are in great demand. Some areas of the country have a greater need for BMETs than others, and graduates of the program need be aware that they may have to relocate; in so doing, the probability of employment is excellent.