Biomedical Technician and Technology

When life is hanging in the balance, medical staff trusts biomedical equipment to monitor life signs of patients around the clock and provide status precisely. The people who design, service and maintain this advanced equipment are biomedical technicians.

The discipline of Biomedical Technician and Technologist is an exciting and challenging profession. It requires the highest commitment and nothing less, since lives can easily be at stake if a slip occurs. These technicians inspect, calibrate and maintain equipment regularly. Further, when malfunctions occur, they troubleshoot and repair equipment like defibrillators, infusion pumps and electrocardiograph machines.

There are several programs like 2 year associate degrees that prepare students to enter careers in biomedical technology. 4 year Bachelor’s degrees and short duration certifications are also available. These courses train students in installing, maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing, not only biomedical equipment, but also complex software enabling effective functioning. Course content usually spans biotechnology laboratory methods, chemistry, cell culture and molecular biology techniques.

The job outlook for this profession is forecasted as greater than average for other professions through 2014 particularly since elderly population is expected to rise in coming years.  As per Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), biomedical technicians draw median annual salaries between $30,000-64,000. Work settings include hospitals, physician’s offices and private / public clinical settings.

Popular demand for the Biomedical Technician programs is addressed by University of Phoenix and Argosy University. The former specializes in campus and online learning and provides quality education whereas the former focuses on practitioner-oriented instruction to provide knowledge and tools for creation of successful and meaningful careers. Kaplan University and Everest College follow next. Kaplan offers host of programs that enable students to achieve their goals whereas Everest specializes in online programs designed to jump start careers. Sanford Brown College joins the league providing innovative programs that are practitioner oriented.