If you have ever visited a hospital you know there are a lot of medical devices. There are
an average of 15 medical per hospital bed with many hospitals approaching one hundred
thousand medical devices. Have you ever wondered who takes care of all these medical devices?
Patient see and interact with doctors and nurses but patients rarely know who is responsible
for the technology that supports patient care. Who are these hidden heroes of healthcare?
We know that technology does not always work the way it was designed and in the healthcare
system if technology fails the consequences can be devastating. There is an entire career
field dedicated to keeping medical technology safe. That career field is called healthcare
technology management.
There is an entire career field dedicated to keeping medical technology safe and. The
career field is called healthcare technology (HTM) management. The professional in this
field go by a variety of names including. Historically was called
BioMed’s
More recently referred to as Clinical engineers
Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMET’s), Medical equipment repair technicians
HTM professionals
HTM professional’s manage medical devices through their entire life cycle. These professionals
make sure that when you get your vital signs measured, the measured values are accurate,
the alarms work properly, and the device is safe to use.
From the sensors in your infusion pump, to the motors in your hospital bed, the gas lines
in your ventilator and circuit boards in your x-ray machine. HTM professionals track, measure,
and certify equipment that keeps you safe and healthy.
HTM professionals must have a variety of knowledge and skills to keep you safe.
Communication and Project Management Electronics Testing and Troubleshooting
Knowledge of Mechanical repair and tools skills Understand the function and purpose of medical
equipment. Repair and maintain computer software and
hardware Understand computer networking and security
HTM professionals most commonly work in medical device repair and support but can also find
positions as HTM department managers, medical device education and training, medical device
assembly and remanufacturing, and medical device sales
If you are considering a career in HTM profession, consider earning a technical certificate or
degree at a local college in Biomedical MET or HTM program. HTM was created in part to
eliminate some of the confusion between BME and BMET’s. Most biomedical Engineering
program are not intended to lead you into the HTM career field. Make sure the program
you enroll in is focused on repair, maintenance, and management of medical technology.
In general biomedical engineers focus on pharmaceutical development, medical device development, biological
engineering, and laboratory skills
Additionally, consider Joining a local chapter of HTM professionals and go to chapter meetings
and state and national HTM conferences to learn and network with HTM professionals
Check out some of the great free websites and resources such as this YouTube channel,
Fluke biomedical, MD publishing which include publications
You can also find additional resources, such as jobs and events through the Association
for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation also known as AAMI.
Eventually consider earning industry credentials such as the CABT—Certified Associate in
Biomedical Technology and after gaining 2 years of work experience consider earning
the Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET). Additional specialty industry certifications
are also available in areas such as management, imaging, laboratory equipment, and sterilization.
Consider checking out the HTM levels guide in the description section for more details
on how to progress through this career field.
HTM professionals are rarely seen, and often go unrecognized, they understand every device
matters because every patient matters. You may not have known about their impact before
this video but know you understand that these behind the scenes technicians work to keep
every device in the hospital performing and functioning correctly for your safety and
health.