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

Apr 2, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Biomedical Service Technicians play an important role in ensuring that medical equipment is functioning properly. They are responsible for performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing medical equipment. When a medical facility has reliable and properly functioning equipment, it can lead to better patient care and improved safety.

Without the expertise of a Biomedical Service Technician, medical facilities would be at risk of malfunctioning or outdated equipment. As a result, patients could face risks of inaccurate diagnoses or delayed treatments. Therefore, it is essential that Biomedical Service Technicians be employed in order to maintain the highest level of quality care and safety in the medical field.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to become a biomedical service technician is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. This is typically the minimum educational requirement for entry-level positions.
Consider Postsecondary Education. Many employers prefer to hire biomedical service technicians with some postsecondary training or education in the field. Certificate and associate degree programs are available in biomedical equipment technology, which may be obtained from community colleges and technical schools.
Get Hands-On Training. Oftentimes, employers may provide on-the-job training for new hires in biomedical service technology. This type of training may include instruction in the use of specific tools and equipment as well as safety protocols.
Obtain Certification. With the proper training and experience, aspiring biomedical service technicians can seek voluntary certification from organizations such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
Consider Continuing Education. Many states require biomedical service technicians to participate in continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification or licensure.

Biomedical service technicians are vital to the healthcare industry, providing reliable and capable maintenance and repair services for medical equipment. Properly working and up-to-date medical equipment is essential in the delivery of safe and effective patient care; if equipment breaks down or malfunctions, it can cause costly delays and significant disruption to patient care. Furthermore, if not properly maintained, medical equipment can become a safety hazard, potentially exposing patients and staff to infection or injury. Therefore, having reliable and capable biomedical service technicians is essential to maintaining the efficient and safe operation of medical facilities.

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Job Description

Perform preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on biomedical equipment.
Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in biomedical equipment.
Install, calibrate, and service biomedical equipment.
Perform safety tests and inspections on biomedical equipment.
Maintain accurate records of repairs, maintenance, and safety tests.
Provide technical advice and assistance to users of biomedical equipment.
Investigate and resolve customer complaints related to biomedical equipment.
Research and evaluate new biomedical equipment for purchase.
Train biomedical staff on the proper use of biomedical equipment.
Develop and maintain a spare parts inventory for biomedical equipment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical equipment, including installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.
Knowledge of safety protocols related to biomedical equipment.
Ability to diagnose and repair complex medical equipment.
Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy.
Ability to communicate effectively with medical personnel and patients.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficiency in using computer systems for the purpose of maintaining records and ordering parts.
Ability to lift and move heavy equipment.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

Biomedical Service Technicians play an important role in providing healthcare services to patients. As such, having the right skills is essential for success in this role. The most important skill for a Biomedical Service Technician is attention to detail.

Being able to identify problems quickly and accurately is critical for identifying and fixing issues with medical equipment. strong problem solving skills are essential for figuring out the root cause of any malfunctions and coming up with effective solutions. Excellent communication skills are also important, as they allow technicians to effectively diagnose issues, explain them to healthcare professionals, and ensure that the patient receives the best care possible.

Finally, having a strong knowledge of medical terminology and safety protocols is paramount as it allows technicians to accurately diagnose and repair medical equipment without endangering the patient or themselves. With these skills, Biomedical Service Technicians can provide a vital service that helps keep patients safe.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with biomedical equipment and systems?
Describe a challenging situation you encountered while working on a biomedical system and how you overcame it.
What experience do you have troubleshooting and repairing biomedical equipment and systems?
How do you stay up to date on the latest biomedical equipment and technologies?
How do you ensure safety when working on biomedical equipment?
Describe a time when you identified an issue with a biomedical system before it became a problem.
How do you prioritize tasks when servicing multiple biomedical systems simultaneously?
What techniques do you use to troubleshoot complex biomedical systems?
How do you communicate effectively when troubleshooting and repairing biomedical systems?
What is your experience with preventive maintenance and calibration of biomedical equipment?

Common Tools in Industry

Multimeter. An electronic device used to measure voltage, current and resistance. (Eg: A biomedical service technician may use a multimeter to test the accuracy of an electrical device. )
Oscilloscope. A device used to view electrical signals over time, used to diagnose and troubleshoot electronic equipment. (Eg: A biomedical service technician may use an oscilloscope to analyze the waveforms of a patient monitoring system. )
Soldering Iron. A tool used to join two metals together with a heated wire. (Eg: A biomedical service technician may use a soldering iron to connect an electrical wiring harness. )
Test Leads. Electrical wires used to connect a test device to a circuit or power source. (Eg: A biomedical service technician may use test leads to measure the voltage of a circuit board. )
Screwdrivers. A tool used to loosen and tighten screws. (Eg: A biomedical service technician may use screwdrivers to open up an electrical device for repair. )
Crimpers. Pliers-like tools used to apply pressure to a wire or other material in order to secure a connection. (Eg: A biomedical service technician may use crimpers to secure the wiring of a medical device. )
Wrenches. A tool used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. (Eg: A biomedical service technician may use wrenches to replace a broken part on a medical device. )
Pliers. Handheld tools used to grip, twist and bend objects. (Eg: A biomedical service technician may use pliers to cut wires or remove parts from a medical device. )

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
International Society for Medical Device Technicians (ISMDT)
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Biomedical Equipment Technicians Certification Board (BMETCB)
Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA)
American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
National Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers (NAMES)
International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM)
Association of Clinical Engineering Technicians (ACET)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

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Common Important Terms

Medical Devices. Refers to any type of equipment or instrument used to diagnose, monitor, or treat medical conditions.
Clinical Engineering. The practice of designing and maintaining medical devices, systems, and technology within a healthcare setting.
Quality Assurance. An organized system of activities that monitor the performance of medical devices and equipment to ensure they are safe and effective.
Regulatory Compliance. The process of ensuring all medical devices adhere to FDA and other mandated standards for safety and performance.
Troubleshooting. The process of identifying, analyzing, and resolving technical problems with medical devices.
Maintenance. The regular care and upkeep of medical devices to keep them operating properly and in compliance with regulatory standards.
Documentation. The process of recording, organizing, and maintaining accurate records of medical device operations, maintenance, and compliance.
Medical Recordkeeping. The process of maintaining records about the use and performance of medical devices for legal, regulatory, and quality assurance purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Biomedical Service Technician?

A Biomedical Service Technician is a healthcare professional who is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and calibration of medical equipment.

What qualifications are needed to become a Biomedical Service Technician?

Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is required to become a Biomedical Service Technician. Additionally, employers may require certification through organizations such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

What duties do Biomedical Service Technicians typically perform?

Biomedical Service Technicians typically perform a range of tasks including inspecting, testing, and maintaining medical equipment; troubleshooting malfunctions; and repairing or replacing defective parts.

How much do Biomedical Service Technicians earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Biomedical Service Technicians was $49,480 in 2019.

What organizations offer certification for Biomedical Service Technicians?

The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) offers certification for Biomedical Service Technicians. Certification requires passing an examination and completing continuing education credits.

Web Resources

Biomedical Service Technician: Clinical Engineering - BatesTech www.batestech.edu
Biomedical Training Certification Online - cbet.edu cbet.edu
Biomedical Equipment Technician - anokatech.edu anokatech.edu