How to Be Biomedical Engineering Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 6, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Biomedical engineering technicians are responsible for assembling and maintaining medical equipment that is used in scientific research, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of patients. As a result, they have a direct impact on the quality and accuracy of medical care that is provided. This is because they ensure that the technology used in the healthcare industry is functioning properly and up to date.

They must stay abreast of the latest advances in medical technology in order to provide the most effective and reliable solutions. they must be aware of applicable safety regulations, such as those set forth by the FDA, in order to prevent any potential harm to patients. Through their work, biomedical engineering technicians help to improve patient safety and provide better medical care.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or GED.
Pursue a post-secondary education in biomedical engineering technology. Many employers require applicants to have an associate's degree in biomedical engineering technology. These programs are typically offered by technical schools or community colleges.
Obtain certification. The American Society for Quality offers certification options for biomedical engineering technicians. This certification is voluntary and demonstrates proficiency in the field.
Apply for a job as a biomedical engineering technician. A resume and cover letter should be submitted to potential employers.
Take part in on-the-job training. Most employers provide on-the-job training for new biomedical engineering technicians. This training typically covers safety procedures, how to use equipment, and other relevant topics.
Keep up with industry developments. Biomedical engineering technology is a rapidly changing field, so it's important for technicians to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.

Biomedical engineering technicians must stay up to date with the latest technology and medical advances in order to remain competent and successful in their field. Staying informed can be accomplished by attending professional conferences, reading current industry publications, and engaging with peers through online forums and discussion groups. The more informed a technician is, the better they are able to evaluate available products, make informed recommendations, and provide high-quality services. Furthermore, keeping up with the latest trends in the industry allows biomedical engineering technicians to differentiate themselves from the competition, opening the door to more job opportunities and higher pay.

You may want to check Biomedical Researcher, Biomedical Service Technician, and Biomedical Informatics Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Maintain and repair biomedical equipment such as x-ray machines, ultrasound scanners, and medical imaging systems.
Analyze and diagnose problems with biomedical equipment.
Document maintenance and repair activities.
Monitor and evaluate the performance of biomedical systems.
Install new biomedical equipment and software.
Train staff on proper operation and maintenance of biomedical equipment.
Assist in the design, development, and testing of new biomedical devices and systems.
Troubleshoot and repair electrical and mechanical components of biomedical devices.
Monitor biomedical system performance to ensure safe and effective operation.
Research and analyze product specifications to determine compatibility with customer requirements.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of biomedical engineering principles and fundamentals
Ability to read and interpret medical diagrams, schematics, and drawings
Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems related to medical equipment
Knowledge of safety practices related to biomedical engineering
Ability to use and maintain biomedical engineering tools and equipment
Knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements
Ability to perform basic maintenance and repairs on medical devices
Knowledge of computer systems and software applications related to medical imaging
Ability to accurately record data and generate reports
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively

The role of a Biomedical Engineering Technician is one of great importance in the medical field. It requires a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology and engineering principles in order to effectively carry out their duties. As a result, having a wide range of skills and knowledge is essential for success in this profession.

The most important skill a Biomedical Engineering Technician must possess is strong problem-solving skills. This includes being able to accurately diagnose and troubleshoot systems, as well as coming up with creative solutions to complex issues. the ability to understand and apply the necessary principles for designing, constructing and maintaining medical equipment is key.

Technical expertise with both mechanical and electrical components is also essential in order to understand how certain systems work and how to work with them. Finally, strong communication skills are necessary to effectively communicate with colleagues and patients. All of these skills are vital for a Biomedical Engineering Technician to be successful in their profession.

Biomedical Software Developer, Biomedical Data Analyst, and Biomedical Database Administrator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with biomedical engineering technology?
How do you troubleshoot complex biomedical engineering problems?
How do you stay up to date with new developments in the field of biomedical engineering?
What safety protocols do you follow when working with biomedical engineering technology?
What challenges have you faced while working with biomedical engineering technology?
How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects at once?
How would you explain complex biomedical engineering concepts to a layperson?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy and precision in your work?
How do you collaborate with other technicians and engineers on projects?
What challenges have you faced while working with a team of technicians and engineers?

Common Tools in Industry

Microscope. Used to magnify and observe small objects. (eg: electron microscope)
Lab Automation System. Equipment used to automate laboratory processes and experiments. (eg: robotic pipette)
Spectrophotometer. An instrument used to measure the intensity of radiation at various wavelengths. (eg: UV-Visible spectrophotometer)
Ultrasound Machine. A device which uses sound waves to create images of soft tissues inside the body. (eg: echocardiogram machine)
Flow Cytometer. An instrument used to measure the characteristics of particles in a fluid suspension. (eg: cell sorter)
Imaging Systems. Equipment used for imaging and analyzing biological tissue and organs. (eg: MRI scanner)
3D Printer. A device used to create three dimensional objects from digital designs. (eg: fused deposition modeling)
Bioreactor. A vessel which allows chemical and biological processes to take place in a controlled environment. (eg: fermentor)
Surgical Tools. Instruments used to perform surgery and other medical procedures. (eg: scalpel, forceps, stapler)
Lab Equipment. Devices used in the laboratory such as centrifuges, pipettes, and balances. (eg: stir plate)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE)
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering (IFMBE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Society for Computer Aided Surgery (ISCAS)
American Society of Biomechanics (ASB)
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC)
Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI)

We also have Biomedical Network Administrator, Biomedical Regulatory Consultant, and Biomedical Regulatory Affairs Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Biomaterials. Materials used in the biomedical engineering field, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, which are specially designed to interact with the human body or environment.
Biomechanics. The study of the mechanical properties of living organisms and their interaction with the environment.
Biomedical Informatics. The application of information technology and computer science to healthcare and medical research.
Medical Imaging. The use of imaging techniques such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds to diagnose medical conditions and study the body.
Prosthetics. Artificial body parts or devices used to replace or supplement a missing or damaged body part.
Robotics. The use of machines or robots to carry out tasks that are too difficult or dangerous for humans to do.
Tissue Engineering. The use of living cells, biomaterials, and engineering techniques to create or repair tissue for medical purposes.
Diagnostics. The use of tests to diagnose medical conditions or diseases.
Pharmacology. The study of how drugs interact with the body and how they affect health outcomes.
Clinical Trials. Tests conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of new treatments or medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Biomedical Engineering Technician?

A Biomedical Engineering Technician is a professional who works with healthcare professionals and biomedical engineers to diagnose, maintain and repair medical equipment.

What type of education is required for this position?

A Biomedical Engineering Technician typically requires an associate degree or certification in biomedical engineering, electronics or a related field.

What skills are needed to be successful in this role?

To be successful in this role, a Biomedical Engineering Technician must have strong technical skills and knowledge of medical equipment and systems, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively with healthcare professionals.

How much does a Biomedical Engineering Technician make?

According to PayScale, a Biomedical Engineering Technician earns an average salary of $45,460 per year.

What is the job outlook for this field?

The job outlook for this field is generally positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 7% growth in employment of biomedical engineering technicians from 2018-2028.