lect 9-ober&m-career-17-10-2010

Biomedical Equipment Technology

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Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair and Maintenance

FAQ’s• What sorts of companies hire biomedical engineers?• Should I plan on getting a PhD?• What is a typical career path in industry?• How do I find my first job?• What are salaries like?• What characteristics are companies looking for?• What are some of the tradeoffs between academia and

industry

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BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

A New, Promising Interdisciplinary Field

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Extremely interdisciplinary

Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry

Engineering: Biomedical, Electrical, Chemical

Medicine: Radiology, Oncology, Cardiology, Anotomy


ENGINEERING Versus SCIENCE

• Scientist strive to create new knowledge about how things work.

• Engineers understand well the tools science and mathematics provide, and utilize them to solve problems for public and economic gain.

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WHAT IS BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERINGAccording to the working definition of the National

Institutes of Health (NIH), biomedical engineering integrates physical, chemical, mathematical and computational sciences and engineering principles to study biology, medicine, behavior, and health.

It advances fundamental concepts, creates knowledge from the molecular to the organ system levels, and develops innovative biologics, materials, processes, implants, devices and informatics approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease; for patient rehabilitation; and for improving health.

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U.S. Department of Labor Projections Jobs

Discipline 2006 2016 % Biomedical 14,000 17,000 21Computer 79,000 82,000 5Electrical 291,000 306,000 5Mechanical 226,000 235,000 4Biologist 87,000 95,000 9Chemist 84,000 91,000 9

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Make a difference with a career in Biomedical Equipment Technology!

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What is a BMET?A biomedical engineering technologist or biomedical equipment technician (BMET) is one who is knowledgeable in the theoryof operation, the underlying physiological principles, and the safe clinical application of biomedical equipment.

The BMET applies electrical, electronic, mechanical, chemical, optical, and other engineering principles to performmaintenance, service, repairs and overhaul of all medical equipment and medical systems. Examples of equipment mayinclude imaging, hemodialysis, physiological monitoring systems; EKG's; lasers, sterilizers, dental equipment, etc. Due to thediversity of the equipment, specialization is sometimes required.The field of biomedical engineering is the application of engineering techniques in the solution of medical problems. Theprofession is interdisciplinary and combines technology and the life sciences.

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RESPONSIBILITIESThe responsibilities of a BMET may include installation, calibration, inspection, preventive maintenance, and repair ofbiomedical and related technical equipment. Additional responsibilities may include operation of equipment, equipmentcontrol and safety. In research facilities, BMETs may also be involved in the modification of equipment.

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What do biomedical equipment technicians do?

If you are looking for a meaningful career that offers a lifetime of opportunities, consider a career as a biomedical equipment technician (BMET)—an important and respected member of the healthcare team. BMETs are responsible for servicing and maintaining medical technology for hospitals and other healthcare facilities, manufacturers, and third-party service organizations around the world. Skilled technicians help acquire, install, use, maintain, and train healthcare personnel on cutting-edge medical technology. They support medical staff in the use of the technology. BMETs also coordinate vendor contracts and play a key role in investigating device-related problems.

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Some of the activities you might do as a BMET are:• Safety inspections, risk assessments and corrective repairs• Hardware and software updating• Service parts sourcing and purchasing• Equipment evaluation and testing• Instrument calibration• Operator in-service training• Equipment design and modification• Equipment installations• Home care equipment installation, maintenance and user instruction• Computer networking installation and maintenance• Service department management

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What skills do I need?

■ Technical and problem-solving abilities

■ Mechanical aptitude and good hand-eye coordination

■ An interest in new technology, electro-mechanics, information technology, networking, and improving the future of healthcare delivery

■ Attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work as a team Communication is key in today’s BME environment:-

Effective verbal and written skills

Ability to interface between multiple disciplines (i.e. medical & engineering

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What education and training do I need?

Many BMETs enter the profession with a two-year associate’s Diploma/degree in biomedical equipment technology, electronics, or an engineering-related field. Four-year degree programs are also available. Some technicians with electronics education may train on the job. Military BMET training is another frequent method of entry into the field.

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I’m in high school. Why should I consider this career?This profession truly can be your career opportunity for a lifetime. A two-year degree will qualify you for meaningful, satisfying entry-level jobs that offer good starting salaries. On-the-job training and advanced degrees in engineering, information technology, or management will allow you to move up the career ladder. Long-term job outlooks are strong.

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What are the benefits?

■ Salary and fringe benefits. These vary significantly based on duties, education, geography, skills, and qualifications. Median total salaries range from $43,000 for an entry-level BMET to $89,000 for a department director or manager. ■ Advancement opportunities. With training and education, there are significant opportunities for advancement as a supervisor, specialist, clinical engineer, or information technologist.■ Job satisfaction. BMETs find it professionally and personally rewarding to improve patient care and safety, and deploy cutting-edge medical technologies that save lives.■ In-demand skills. BMETs are in demand throughout the U.S. and around the world, in large metropolitan areas, and in small towns—wherever healthcare technology is needed.

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Does this profession welcome mid-life career changers?

Definitely. Employers highly value the maturity and experience that mid-life career changers offer. This field provides stability, job satisfaction, and opportunities for additional training and advancement that can expand your career options.

I love working in a hospital. My workday is filled with variety and I take great pride in the job I do. The people are the best.—Chris Garcia North Memorial Medical Center

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What’s the long-term outlook?

The number of jobs in the U.S. will increase 22% between 2006 and 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. With the rapidly expanding elderly population, demand for healthcare professionals will remain high.

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PREPARATION

The requirement to become a BMET is generally the completion of a 2-year BMET program leading to an Associate of Science (AS) from an accredited institution. All accredited institutions that offer an AS in BME provide instruction in both engineering and technology (traditionally electrical engineering and computer engineering) and the life sciences (specifically human anatomy & physiology). In addition, BMETs need effective oral and written communication skills. To be effective, BMETs must know the relevant codes and standards that apply to both biomedical equipment and to healthcare facilities.

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Topics


Curriculum

Technical modules

Employability modules

Common Effective Modules

Curriculum


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Curriculum

Technical Modules Orientation to Biomedical Equipment Repair

and maintenance Mathematics 1 Engineering Drawing Reading & Writing SkillsIntroduction to Computers & its ApplicationHuman Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology


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Curriculum (cont’d) Technical Modules

Physics Principles applicable to biomedical instrumentation

Fundamental of DC/AC circuits Infection control policies and procedures Health and Safety in the work place Mathematics 11 Communication Skills Microcomputer hardware, Operation & troubleshooting


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Fundamentals of DC/AC circuit 2 Semiconductor devices and analog circuits Fundamental of digital electronics with application Biomedical instrumentation 1 Mechanics, Pneumatics, Hazards and safety in the

work place Medical electronic applications


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Drafting- electronics/electrical Mathematics 111 Advance skills in writing and documentation X-ray and Ultrasonography Computer Organization and Architecture 1 Biomedical Instrumentation 11 Application of Optical Fiber and Laser as Advanced skills in communication and reading


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X-ray and Ultrasonography for BMET 11 Biomedical Equipment Technology 11 Computer Organization and Architecture 11 Biomedical Instrumentation 111 Programming in C


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Curriculum (contn’d) Employability Modules

Manage Workplace Information Manage Workplace Communication Plan work to be performed at workplace Problem Solving and Decision Making Teamwork and Leadership Creating & Maintaining a learning culture at

work place


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Curriculum (contn’d) Common Elective Modules

Customer service coordination Training program Design Marketing and sales plan for a product Training in the workplace Marketing new product Small Business marketing Market research


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Assessment & Weighting

Type Activity Weighting

Semester end examination

Question paper on classroom teaching

(MCQ and Essay type)

70%

Assignment Group discussionReports based on field visits

15%15%


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Appreciate your attention

lect 9-ober&m-career-17-10-2010

Health & Medicine