Knowledge, skills and attributes  

Duties and Tasks

To become a biomedical engineer you usually have to complete an engineering degree at university with a major in biomedical engineering. Students complete a bachelor’s degree with a major in engineering science followed by a Master of Professional Engineering, with a biomedical specialisation.
   
To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in engineering with a major in biomedical engineering.

Additional Information

Graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia.

Most biomedical engineers are employed in public hospital-based engineering departments, by medical equipment vendors or by third-party service organisations. Some may be employed by firms involved in the development of medical devices and instruments and in the development or transfer of medical services technology. Biomedical engineers may also be employed in state and federal government departments and universities, and some are self-employed as consultants. Rehabilitation engineers are usually employed in rehabilitation centres.

Medical equipment technicians install, test, adjust, or repair biomedical, electromedical and patient care equipment.

ANZSCO ID:  3112
   
Alternative names: Medical Technician, Biomedical Clinical Equipment Technician, Biomedical Equipment Technician, Medical Equipment Repairer,
 
Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become a medical equipment technician, you would need:

• an interest in technology, science and medicine

• the ability to work accurately and precisely

• good problem solving and troubleshooting skills

• the ability to read and follow technical manuals and specifications

• familiarity with a wide range of medical equipment and means of repair

• good communication skills

• the ability to work in a team

(Source: Chron)

Duties and Tasks

As a medical equipment technician, you would:

• install and calibrate medical equipment

• inspect and test malfunctioning equipment, following manufacturers' specifications

• keep records of maintenance, repair, and required updates of equipment

• perform preventive maintenance or servicing, such as cleaning, lubricating, or adjusting equipment

• test and evaluate excess or in-use medical equipment to determine serviceability, condition, and possible replacement or disposal

• explain and demonstrate the proper use of medical equipment

• ensure compliance with safety regulations

• keep up-to-date with new equipment and technologies.

Working conditions

As a medical equipment technician you would typically work a standard number of hours per week. In a full-time job in a hospital you would usually work on a shiftwork basis, including nights, weekends and public holidays.

You would usually work in a hospital, day surgery, or other medical practice. You might work for an equipment manufacturer or specialised repair company, and service machines at a number of sites. You could work in settings where you might have contact with very sick patients and distressed relatives, so the work could be emotionally challenging at times.

(Source: Your Career)

Tools and technologies

In any hospital, doctor’s office, and other medical facility, chances are that there are a number of computerized, electronic equipment needed to monitor an array of things from a patient’s blood pressure to their vitals during an emergency medical procedure. Like any technology-dependent field, the machines that coincide with procedures need to be maintained and repaired. Biomedical clinical equipment technicians are essential to the medical field. Technicians must have the skills necessary to repair and replace, test and calibrate, perform preventative maintenance, and facilitate training sessions on medical equipment such as patient monitors, defibrillators, medical imaging equipment, and more.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a medical equipment technician, you would usually have to complete a VET qualification in medical equipment servicing, biomedical equipment technology or engineering, or a similar course at Diploma level.

Technicians who repair less-complicated equipment, such as hospital beds and electric wheelchairs, may learn entirely through on-the-job training, sometimes lasting up to 1 year. Depending on the area of specialisation, such as working on CAT scanners and defibrillators, you may even need a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, or similar.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of medical equipment technicians is projected to grow strongly.

Greater demand for healthcare services and the use of increasingly complex medical equipment will drive employment growth. Those who have an at least a diploma, and preferably a degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering should have the best job opportunities.

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Material sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Biomedical Engineer; ]
CareerHQ [Biomedical Engineer; Medical Equipment Technician; ]
Chron [Biomedical Equipment Technician; ]
CareersOnline [ Biomedical Engineer; ]
Best Accredited Colleges [Biomedical Engineer; ]
ABS [Other Engineering Professionals; ; ]
Try Engineering [Biomedical Engineer; ]
Labour Market Insights [Biomedical Engineers; ]
Your Career [BiBiomedical Engineer; Medical Technician; ]