What Biomedical Technicians Do
A biomedical equipment technician (BMET) — also called a clinical engineer, biomedical engineer, or biomed tech — is a specialized technician who maintains, calibrates, repairs, and troubleshoots medical devices and healthcare facility equipment. BMETs are the people who keep medical equipment safe, accurate, and operational in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, physical therapy clinics, urgent care centers, and virtually any setting where healthcare is delivered.
On any given day, a BMET might: calibrate patient scales in a nursing home using calibrated reference weights, test patient lifts for load capacity and structural integrity, perform PCREE electrical safety testing on patient care electrical equipment, troubleshoot and repair a malfunctioning vital sign monitor, verify the output calibration of physical therapy e-stim devices, or respond to an emergency repair call when a power patient bed fails mid-shift.
Beyond the technical work, BMETs provide a critical documentation function for healthcare facilities — the calibration certificates, test reports, and service records that are required for CMS surveys, Joint Commission audits, and state licensing inspections.
Where BMETs Work
The traditional path for a BMET was a hospital biomedical engineering department — large hospitals employ full-time biomed staff who manage an equipment inventory of thousands of devices. These positions are still widely available and provide excellent training and career development opportunities.
However, the majority of healthcare facilities can't justify full-time biomed staff. This creates a large and growing market for independent biomedical technicians and small biomedical services companies that serve hospitals, nursing homes, PT clinics, urgent care centers, medical offices, and other providers on a contract or fee-for-service basis.
Independent BMETs and small biomed companies typically develop expertise in a specific equipment category (patient scales, PT equipment, imaging, laboratory, etc.) or a specific facility type (SNFs, urgent care, dental, etc.). Specialization allows for deeper expertise and more efficient service delivery within a focused niche.
Are you a biomedical technician looking for qualified leads from healthcare facilities in your area? Join the Medical Equipment Repair Network — free to join, no commission fees.
Join Our Network →CBET Certification
The Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) credential is the primary professional certification for biomedical technicians. It is administered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) through the Healthcare Technology Certification Commission (HTCC).
To earn CBET certification, candidates must:
- Hold an associate degree in biomedical technology, electronics, or a related field, or have equivalent documented work experience
- Have at least 2 years of documented work experience in biomedical equipment service
- Pass the CBET written examination, which covers anatomy and physiology, patient safety and electrical safety, anatomy of medical devices, medical equipment function, and problem solving
CBET certification demonstrates a recognized level of professional competence and is frequently required or preferred by hospitals, and is increasingly referenced by CMS in guidance related to qualified personnel for equipment testing. Certified BMETs must renew their certification every 5 years through continuing education.
Related certifications include CHTM (Certified Healthcare Technology Manager) for department managers and CRES (Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist) for imaging-focused technicians.
Getting Started in the Field
The typical path into biomedical technology begins with an associate or bachelor's degree in electronics technology, biomedical equipment technology, or a related field. Programs specifically focused on biomedical technology are offered at community colleges and technical schools across the country.
From there, most BMETs begin their careers in hospital biomedical engineering departments, where they receive on-the-job training in the full range of medical equipment categories under the supervision of experienced techs and clinical engineers. After building a portfolio of competencies across equipment categories, many BMETs transition to independent practice.
Independent BMETs who want to grow their client base increasingly rely on referral networks, industry associations, and services like Medical Equipment Repair Network to connect with healthcare facilities that need their expertise.
Join Our Network
If you're a biomedical technician looking to grow your independent practice, Medical Equipment Repair Network connects you with qualified leads from nursing homes, physical therapy clinics, urgent care centers, and medical offices in your service area. Joining is free — we connect you with facilities that need your services, and you work directly with them from there.
Learn more and apply at our Biomedical Technician Network page.
Biomedical Technician Services — Find a Technician by State
Medical Equipment Repair Network connects healthcare facilities with qualified local biomedical technicians for biomedical technician services and related services nationwide. Select your state to find technicians in your area:
Written by the Medical Equipment Repair Network editorial team. Medical Equipment Repair Network connects healthcare facilities across all 50 states with qualified local biomedical technicians for repair, calibration, and compliance services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) install, inspect, calibrate, maintain, and repair medical equipment in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They ensure equipment meets safety standards including NFPA 99 and manufacturer specifications.
Most BMET positions require an associate or bachelor's degree in biomedical equipment technology, electronics, or a related field. AAMI offers the CBET (Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician) certification which is widely recognized by employers.
According to BLS data, biomedical equipment technicians earn a median annual salary of approximately $58,000-$65,000, with experienced BMETs at major health systems or specialized in high-value equipment earning $75,000-$95,000 or more.