Online Biomedical Technician Degrees: Comparing Top Schools

Associate Degrees

Those who want to pursue careers as biomedical equipment technicians mostly earn this degree because it provides the fundamentals and prepares them for entry-level positions. Provided by community colleges and technical schools, these programs teach subjects such as:

• Electronics
• Medical terminology
• Technology repair
• Mathematics

In some cases, students can focus their studies on a specific type of technology, like laboratory, imaging, or surgical equipment.

After they finish their coursework, students complete internships where they work alongside experienced biomedical equipment technicians to gain experience and discover more about what the duties of the career entail.

Examples of Accredited Online Biomedical Technician Associate’s Degree Programs

• North Seattle College
• Dakota County Technical College

Bachelor’s Degrees

Biomedical technician bachelor’s degrees are for those with an associate-level education who want to become more advanced practitioners. These programs allow students to expand their knowledge and further develop their problem-solving skills. Students also gain knowledge on these topics:

• Maintenance of specific types of biomedical hardware and software
• Various technologies used for specific types of patients
• Principles of equipment project planning

Examples of Accredited Online Biomedical Technician Bachelor’s Programs

• Arizona State University
• DeVry University

Certificates

Biomedical technician certificate programs take six to 12 months to complete and provide an intensive overview that quickly prepares students for entry-level positions in the field. Students learn to repair and maintain medical equipment and perform preventive services. Coursework covers:

• Electronics
• Networking fundamentals
• Troubleshooting theory and methodology

A capstone course is sometimes required to expose students to the realities and challenges of the profession. After completing this program, students can work at hospitals, manufacturing companies, and independent service providers.

Examples of Accredited Online Biomedical Technician Certificate Programs

• Southern California Institute of Technology
• Mesa Community College

How much do online biomedical technician degrees cost?

The cost of BMET training online depends on the school, particularly if it’s public or private. Public school in-state tuition is usually significantly lower than private college or university tuition.

Another consideration is if a program is offered completely online. Although the tuition for online programs is usually comparable to in-person programs, students can save money by not traveling to campus regularly.

Financial aid and program length also play a role in cost. The examples below give you an idea of what to expect regarding the cost of your online biomedical technician degrees.

Madisonville Community College

Associate in Applied Science – Biomedical Technology Systems

Total Credits: 65

$179/credit

Texas State Technical College

Biomedical Equipment Technology Associate of Applied Science

Total Credits: 60

$14,400 program cost

Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

AS in Healthcare Engineering Technology Management

Total Credits: 67

$25,658/semester

How much of my BMET training will I be able to complete online?

Whether or not you’re able to complete all your BMET training online depends on the school you enroll in. In some cases, classes are offered entirely online, and students are only required to complete an in-person internship to get experiential learning.

Other schools split online and on-campus learning and require that students come to campus for seminars once a semester or participate in weekly labs.

Is financial aid available for online biomedical technician degrees?

Depending on the program you choose, you may be able to receive scholarships and grants provided directly by your school. There are also state and federal financial aid options. Student loans are another option to help offset the upfront cost of your degree.

How important is accreditation for online biomedical technician programs?

Accreditation is important because it certifies a program’s quality and ability to prepare future professionals to work effectively. Top programs are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a nonprofit agency offering accreditation for engineering technology, computing, natural science, and engineering programs.

To give its stamp of approval, ETAC considers educational objectives, curriculum, and continuous improvement procedures. Outcomes, such as students’ ability to apply the concepts they learn in class to technical and non-technical environments, are also part of the decision.

What certification is required to become a CBET?

To work as a biomedical technician, professional certifications are not required, but they can be helpful. Biomedical technicians can choose from two certifications: the Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) certification and the Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology (CABT).

The CBET IS offered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and demonstrates that professionals can:

• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment
• Review technical manuals
• Teach users how to work with medical devices
• Understand how equipment and devices found in medical facilities are used on patients

The CABT demonstrates the biomedical technician’s knowledge of healthcare technology management.

Common Online BMET Courses

BMET Instrumentation I

This course teaches students how to troubleshoot, calibrate, and repair various medical devices and instruments, so they can effectively work with these products based on manufacturers’ instructions. They may learn about:

• Instrumentation amplifiers
• Electrodes
• Transducers
• Defibrillators

Electronic Fabrication

Students learn about the tools and techniques used during the electronic fabrication process. This course covers:

• Wire routing
• Inspection and repair of circuit boards
• Wire preparation and termination
• Soldering wires

Circuit Analysis

This class teaches students about DC and AC electricity laws and theories, and may include a laboratory requirement. Topics include:

• Identifying the parts of AC/DC circuits
• Understanding circuit requirements in AC/DC devices
• Troubleshooting circuits through different techniques
• Using safe practices when working with AC and DC equipment

Microcontrollers

Students learn about the design and programming of microcontroller-based products. The course focuses on assembly language that is used to develop software and hardware.

Wireless Technology

Wireless technology classes cover link managers, wireless application protocol, frequency bands, transport layers, and wireless mark-up language.

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering degrees combine biology, medicine, and engineering to teach students how to solve problems related to healthcare. The curriculum covers medical devices, imaging, biomechanics, biomedical regulations, and therapeutic treatments.

Biotechnology

When students enroll in a biotechnology master’s program, they learn how biological principles are used to create and improve on technologies. Biotechnology graduates work in medical, environmental, energy, and agricultural jobs thanks to the expertise they gain in virology, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular neurobiology.

Radiologic Technology

Radiologic technology degrees are for those wanting to pursue jobs as cardiovascular technologists, CT scan technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, and ultrasound technicians. These programs teach the different modalities of radiographic technology and how they are used to provide services to patients.