In a hospital or clinical laboratory, a biomedical engineering technician installs, maintains, and troubleshoots complicated medical equipment. He or she is in charge of ensuring that medical personnel understand how to safely operate various machines and what to do if equipment malfunctions. Some technicians specialize in specific equipment, such as x-ray scanners, but the majority of technicians are capable of programming and repairing a wide range of hospital electronics.
Despite the fact that a biomedical engineering tech does not work directly with patients, he or she is still an important part of their health care team. Doctors and nurses rely on modern electronic equipment to make precise diagnoses and administer critical inpatient treatments. A biomedical engineering technician inspects devices on a regular basis to ensure that they are in good working order. Testing batteries, inspecting for damaged or burned wires, and replacing electronic chips are all examples of routine maintenance tasks.
A biomedical engineering technician is usually called in to troubleshoot devices that are malfunctioning or have stopped working altogether. When inspecting parts and diagnosing problems, a technician usually refers to instruction manuals, schematics, and detailed technical guides. Most professionals have access to work stations stocked with hand and power tools, allowing them to tackle any repair job. A technician may submit a purchase request to his or her supervisors if a machine cannot be repaired.
Techs work with a wide range of medical equipment. They install diagnostic imaging equipment such as CT scanners and ultrasound machines. Defibrillators and dialysis machines are among the emergency medical equipment that techs repair. Many biomedical engineering technicians can also work with pathology lab equipment like microscopes and cell counters.
A person who wants to work as a biomedical engineering technician can learn the necessary practical skills in a technical or vocational school program. Students study electrical theory, math, computers, and electronics design in school. They also take part in hands-on activities, such as working with different types of medical equipment. The majority of degree programs last between one and two years and result in certificates or associate’s degrees.
Individuals with the appropriate educational training can work in local hospitals, doctor’s offices, and medical labs. A new biomedical engineering technician can expect to spend several weeks learning about the facility’s specific devices as well as how to obtain work orders, tools, and equipment on the job. Techs usually start working independently within their first six months on the job, and with enough experience, they may be able to advance to supervisory positions in large hospitals.