Biomedical Equipment Technician

Winter 2018

Enrollment:

Fall, Winter

Degrees and Certificates

Program Website:

View the program website

Tuition and Fees

http://www.ccs.spokane.edu/TuitionFees

Additional Costs

Books$1641
Supplies and Equipment$747
* Estimate for seven quarters. Insurance required.

Program Description

This program is designed to prepare students for employment in the specialized field of biomedical electronics in a hospital or in the medical electronics industry.
The curriculum has been planned to give comprehensive training in circuit analysis, laboratory techniques and the use of modern test equipment. A balanced study of peripheral subjects that make the biomedical equipment technician unique also is included. These subjects include fundamentals of physics, chemistry, physiology, medical terminology, hospital ethics and hospital safety. The curriculum provides special lectures and laboratories in repair, and preventive maintenance of medical electronic equipment.
Graduates are prepared for employment as entry-level biomedical equipment technicians. To qualify for graduation, the student must have successfully completed five quarters of basic electronics including the additional required courses (i.e., chemistry and physics) and the six and seventh quarter biomedical sequence. Entrance to each quarter of basics is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the previous quarter. Students may enroll fall and winter quarters only. The clinical practicum is available during summer quarter only.

The goal of the program is to provide the health care field with biomedical equipment technicians who have a thorough understanding of electronic fundamentals; a practical ability to design, construct and troubleshoot electronic circuits; and knowledge about the theory of operation, physiological principles, and the safe and practical applications of biomedical equipment.

Night classes, which cover material from the first and second quarters of the program are available. Students must complete ELECT 115, 116, 117; 125, 126, 127; 105, 106, 107. Upon completion of the night classes, students may enter the daytime program in the third quarter.

Prerequisite:  scores in math (or alternative courses) must be met before admission into the program is granted. Written permission of the department chair or the technical division dean may supersede requirements.

To qualify for this degree, the student must successfully complete specific core electronics courses, as well as the biomedical classes during the sixth and seventh quarter of study. The seventh quarter of study includes a Clinical Experience at a medical facility. Since there are a limited number of clinical sites in the Spokane area, students must be willing to go out of town to an available clinical site. The student must also successfully complete specific related classes including medical terminology, chemistry and physics. Successful completion will be determined by meeting the following criteria: Note:  upon review, the department chairperson and/or Technical Education Dean may waive any or all of the previous criteria when extenuating circumstances arise.

Course of Study

Students may start the program only in the fall and winter quarters.  Students starting this program winter quarter should meet with the department chair to discuss the order in which classes will be taken. It is recommended that winter starts enroll as Electronics Engineering Technician program and then complete the Biomedical Equipment Technician degree. The third quarter for a winter start doesn't have enough time to complete Physics 100 in the summer.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. State the characteristics of electronic components and circuits.
  2. Calculate circuit parameters.
  3. Demonstrate proper safety procedures.
  4. Construct electronic circuits.
  5. Use electronic test equipment to evaluate and troubleshoot electronic circuits and biomedical equipment.
  6. Explain career related regulatory requirements.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the biomedical equipment technician program will be prepared to enter into medical electronics field in a variety of ways. Some of the possibilities include: in-house (hospital) BMET, medical equipment manufacturer’s technician, contractual servicing centers, clinical engineering companies, and research facilities.
Currently, on a national scale, trained BMETs are in great demand. Some areas of the country have a greater need for BMETs than others, and graduates of the program need be aware that they may have to relocate; in so doing, the probability of employment is excellent.

AAS - SCC

Offered at Locations:  Spokane Community College

First Quarter
ELECT111DC Circuits 9
ELECT112DC Circuits Lab 5
ELECT113DC Electronics Math 5
19

Second Quarter
APLED121Applied Written Communication 14
ELECT121AC Circuits 9
ELECT122AC Circuits Lab 5
ELECT123AC Electronics Math 5
23

Third Quarter
ELECT131Solid State Devices 5
ELECT132Solid State Devices Lab 4
ELECT133Computer Systems 5
ELECT134Computer Systems Lab 4
PHYS 100Introductory Physics 15
23

Fourth Quarter
CHEM&121Intro to Chemistry: w/Lab 15
ELECT211Digital Concepts 5
ELECT212Digital Concepts Lab 4
ELECT215Linear Devices 5
ELECT216Linear Devices Lab 4
23

Fifth Quarter
APLED125Employment Preparation 23
ELECT221RF Communications 5
ELECT222RF Communications Lab 4
ELECT225Internet of Things 5
ELECT226Internet of Things Lab 4
21

Sixth Quarter
BIOEQ199Medical Terminology for Biomedical Equipment Technology 32
BIOEQ242Physiology for Biomedical Equipment Technology 3
BIOEQ251Biomedical Instrumentation Patient Monitoring and Clinical 10
BIOEQ252Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory 6
21

Seventh Quarter
BIOEQ271Biomedical Equipment Technology Clinical Rotation 10
BIOEQ272Biomedical Seminar 4
14
144 credits are required for the AAS
1It is recommended that students starting fall quarter should take APLED 121, CHEM& 121 and PHYS 100 during summer quarter to lighten their credit load for the third and fourth quarters. APLED 121 may be substituted by any course or combination of courses approved by the instructional dean.
2This course may be substituted by any course or combination of courses approved by the instructional dean.
3This course is offered spring quarter only.

Disclaimer: The college cannot guarantee courses will be offered in the quarters indicated. During the period this guide is in circulation, there may be curriculum revisions and program changes. Students are responsible for consulting the appropriate academic unit or adviser for more current and specific information. the information in this guide is subject to change and does not constitute an agreement between the college and the student.