What is a Biomedical Support Worker Job?
A biomedical support worker job involves assisting healthcare professionals in the delivery of patient care. The job involves providing technical support to healthcare professionals in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research facilities. Biomedical support workers are considered a vital part of the healthcare team and play an important role in improving the quality of care for patients.
What Do They Usually Do in This Position?
Biomedical support workers perform a range of tasks in their day-to-day work. They are typically responsible for the maintenance and repair of medical equipment, such as x-ray machines, ultrasound equipment, and ventilators. They also assist in the installation of new equipment and provide training to other healthcare professionals on how to use the equipment correctly.
In addition, biomedical support workers are responsible for the inventory management of medical equipment and supplies. They ensure that medical equipment is properly cleaned, sterilized, and stored. They also maintain records of equipment maintenance and repairs.
Top 5 Skills for the Position
To be successful in a biomedical support worker job, the following skills are essential:
- Technical Skills: A strong technical knowledge of medical equipment and its operation is essential.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills are required to interact with other healthcare professionals and patients.
- Attention to Detail: A high level of attention to detail is necessary to ensure that medical equipment is properly maintained and repaired.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Biomedical support workers must be able to troubleshoot equipment problems and find solutions quickly.
- Teamwork: They must be able to work effectively as part of a team with other healthcare professionals.
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become a biomedical support worker, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. However, some employers may require an associate's degree or certificate in biomedical technology or a related field. On-the-job training is also typically provided.
Certification is not required, but it may be beneficial for career advancement. The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) offers certification for biomedical equipment technicians.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for biomedical equipment technicians was $51,610 as of May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,900.
Roles and Types
Biomedical support workers can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and private companies. They may also specialize in a particular type of medical equipment, such as imaging equipment or respiratory equipment.
Common job titles for biomedical support workers include biomedical equipment technician, biomedical engineer, and medical equipment repair technician.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
Biomedical support worker jobs are available throughout the United States, but some states and cities have more opportunities than others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top five states with the highest employment levels for biomedical equipment technicians are California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
The top five metropolitan areas with the highest employment levels for biomedical equipment technicians are New York-Newark-Jersey City, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington.
What Are the Typical Tools?
Biomedical support workers use a variety of tools in their work, including hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. They may use soldering irons, multimeters, and oscilloscopes to troubleshoot and repair medical equipment. They also use specialized software to diagnose equipment problems and track maintenance records.
In Conclusion
Biomedical support workers are an essential part of the healthcare team, providing technical support to healthcare professionals and ensuring that medical equipment is properly maintained and repaired. To be successful in this field, a strong technical knowledge of medical equipment, excellent communication skills, and a high level of attention to detail are essential. With the right skills and training, a career as a biomedical support worker can be both rewarding and fulfilling.