Interested in Becoming a BMET?
California’s BMETs arrive at their professions through a number of educational paths including:
- A two year associates or four year bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology, Biomedical Engineering
- A two year associates or four year bachelor’s degree in Electronics or Computer Science plus on-the-job training
- Military service by completing courses at the Sheppard Air Force Base Department of Defense Medical Equipment School
- An extensive period of on-the-job training and attending manufacturer’s maintenance classes. Today this path is rare and is usually through transfer from another position within the organization
The CMIA can help fund your education with a Frank Yip Scholarship. This year two $1,000 scholarships were awarded.
California university programs in Bio-Engineering and Biomedical Engineering are not discussed for their emphasis is on design, development, research or preparation for those interested in graduate school.
If you are interested in pursuing a BMET career you are encouraged to visit your local hospital’s Biomedical Engineering department and speak with its management and BMETs and contact your local college about their BMET program or armed forces recruiter about their educational programs and opportunities.
AAMI Student Resources
For information on becoming a Biomedical Engineering Technologies /Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) check, the Student Resources provided on the AAMI website
Educational Paths
In California, Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) offers curriculums leading to a certificate or associate degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology. American River College’s (Sacramento) program covers the theory, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and certification of biomedical equipment used in hospitals, medical device manufacturers, or other service organizations. Mira Costa College offers a 440-hour BMET Program. SCIT’s biomedical technology program trains students to troubleshoot and repair electronics based biomedical instruments and equipment. Fresno City College provides career and technical education (CTE)
A resource for other states’ programs is the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
CMIA Educational Partner: College of Biomedical Equipment Technology
The California Medical Instrumentation Association is proud to partner with the College of Biomedical Equipment Technology (CBET) to help prepare the next generation of Biomedical Equipment Technicians and Healthcare Technology Management professionals.
CBET is a majority veteran-owned and operated private college specializing in Healthcare Technology Management education and training. Its programs are designed for students entering the profession as well as working HTM professionals seeking to expand their technical knowledge and career opportunities.
CBET offers several educational pathways, including:
- Biomedical Equipment Technician Certificate
- Associate of Applied Science in Biomedical Equipment Technology
- Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist Certificate
- Associate of Applied Science in Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist
- Additional training in medical imaging, medical-device integration, cybersecurity, dental equipment repair and other specialized areas
The BMET Certificate program introduces students to electronics, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, networking, test equipment, preventive maintenance, electrical safety and systematic troubleshooting. The program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions with hospitals, medical-device manufacturers, independent service organizations and other healthcare technology employers.
CBET’s BMET and BESS certificate and associate-degree programs are available through interactive distance learning, making them accessible to students throughout California. Credits completed through CBET’s certificate programs may also be applied toward its corresponding associate-degree programs.
CBET is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training and is recognized through California’s Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. The college also supports military-connected students, apprenticeships, career services and customized workforce-development programs for healthcare organizations.
To learn more about CBET’s programs, admission requirements and available educational pathways, visit CBET.edu.
During the third year, biomedical engineering technology students take industry focused coursework covering anatomy and physiology, medical diagnostic instrumentation, biomedical devices and equipment, medical imaging, data communications and networking, and telemedicine.
During the fourth year, all students are required to work as a team on a senior project where they go through the complete product development cycle for a biomedical project from initial concept to completed product. The final product along with the written report is presented to a panel of judges in the form of an oral presentation. They are also required to document and present their findings in an extensive written report with proper citations and APA format. As part of the graduation requirement, and also to directly expose students to the healthcare field, they spend 16 weeks of internships either at a medical facility of a medical equipment company.
After Graduation
After graduation, students can continue building their knowledge and credentials as they advance within the Healthcare Technology Management profession. The College of Biomedical Equipment Technology (CBET) offers educational pathways for both individuals entering the field and experienced professionals seeking to expand their technical expertise, move into specialized roles, or prepare for supervisory and management responsibilities.
CBET graduates may pursue employment with hospitals, healthcare systems, medical-device manufacturers, independent service organizations, government agencies, equipment vendors, and other organizations that support healthcare technology. Graduates may begin their careers as Biomedical Equipment Technicians and later advance into positions such as senior BMET, imaging service engineer, field service engineer, cybersecurity or medical-device integration specialist, supervisor, manager, director, or consultant.
Biomedical Equipment Technicians are responsible for supporting the safety, reliability, and performance of patient-care equipment. Their duties may include inspecting, testing, maintaining, calibrating, and repairing medical devices; performing preventive maintenance; documenting service activities; troubleshooting equipment failures; assisting with equipment purchases and service contracts; training clinical users; and helping healthcare organizations comply with safety and regulatory requirements.
Because hospitals and healthcare facilities rely on thousands of different medical devices, the BMET profession offers considerable variety and opportunities for continued growth. BMETs play an essential role in patient safety and healthcare delivery by helping ensure that medical equipment is available, functioning properly, and safe for clinicians and patients to use.
Learn more about becoming a BMET by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions page. You may also view a presentation by Paul Kelley, former Biomedical Engineering Department Manager at Washington Hospital and former CMIA Chair, to learn more about careers in Healthcare Technology Management.
AAMI Professional Development
AAMI offers a number of resources to help professionals in the healthcare technology and sterilization fields advance in their careers. Whether you are just starting out or a veteran looking for new opportunities and training, we have the help and support you need. Our resources include:
- Industry Training for manufacturers lists courses—from CAPA to Human Factors—scheduled for the year.
- Certification for biomedical equipment technicians, radiology equipment specialists, laboratory equipment specialists, healthcare technology managers, quality system managers, and industrial sterilization specialists.