Top 10 Biomedical Engineer Certifications

Certifications are an important way for biomedical engineers to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the job market. They show employers that the engineer is knowledgeable in their field, and has the experience and qualifications necessary to do the job. Certifications also provide a way for biomedical engineers to stay up-to-date on advancements in technology and keep ahead of competitors in the job market. Certification also helps employers determine if a potential employee is a good fit for their organization. By having certifications, biomedical engineers will be more likely to stand out from other applicants and be taken seriously when applying for jobs.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Biomedical Engineers and explains how they can help advance a biomedical engineer's career.

What are Biomedical Engineer Certifications?

Biomedical engineer certification is a form of professional recognition that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in biomedical engineering. It is typically obtained through a combination of education and experience in the field, and is often used to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge of the principles, practices, and regulations related to biomedical engineering. Certification can help professionals advance their careers by providing evidence of their competence in the field, as well as helping them stand out from other job applicants. Additionally, it can help employers ensure that they are hiring qualified individuals who have a comprehensive understanding of the profession. Furthermore, certification allows professionals to stay up-to-date on advancements in the field and better serve their clients by being knowledgeable about current trends and technologies. Finally, obtaining certification can open up new opportunities for those looking to further their career in biomedical engineering or move into higher positions within the industry.

Pro Tip: When considering biomedical engineer certification, make sure to research and understand the requirements for each specific certification. Different certifications may have different eligibility criteria, such as educational background, experience, or passing an exam. Be sure to check these requirements carefully before committing to a certification program.

Related: What does a Biomedical Engineer do?

Top 10 Biomedical Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Biomedical Engineers today.

1. Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET)

Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) is a certification program offered by the International Certification Commission (ICC). The CBET certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced biomedical equipment technicians. It is a voluntary certification that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession and provides employers with assurance of a technician’s competency in the field.

The CBET certification requires passing an exam administered by the ICC. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in biomedical equipment maintenance or repair. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a hands-on practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as safety, anatomy, physiology, electronics, and troubleshooting techniques. The practical portion involves working on actual medical equipment to demonstrate proficiency in maintenance and repair procedures.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for the CBET exam. During this time, applicants should focus on studying relevant materials such as textbooks, reference guides, and online resources. Additionally, they may benefit from taking practice exams or attending review courses offered by professional organizations or educational institutions.

The cost of taking the CBET exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $250-$500 USD. This fee includes both parts of the exam as well as any applicable taxes or fees associated with registering for the test.

Once certified, individuals can maintain their credential by completing continuing education activities every three years.

2. Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE)

A Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of clinical engineering. It is awarded by the American College of Clinical Engineering (ACCE), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in clinical engineering.

The CCE certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination, which covers topics such as medical device safety and risk management, healthcare technology management, biomedical equipment design and maintenance, and medical informatics. The exam also includes questions on legal and ethical issues related to clinical engineering practice.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of clinical engineering or healthcare technology management. They must also hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an appropriate discipline such as biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or health information technology.

The cost for taking the CCE exam is $500 for ACCE members and $600 for non-members. The exam fee includes a study guide and practice questions to help prepare for the exam. The actual test takes about three hours to complete and can be taken at any Prometric testing center throughout the United States. Once passed, the certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

3. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the field of healthcare quality. It is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

The CPHQ certification is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the core competencies required for effective healthcare quality management, including: organizational performance improvement, patient safety, risk management, data analysis, and regulatory compliance. The CPHQ credential is recognized as a mark of excellence in the healthcare industry.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for and pass the CPHQ exam. To become certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and submit an application to NAHQ. You must also pass a 200-question exam that covers all aspects of healthcare quality management.

The cost of becoming certified includes an application fee ($150), an examination fee ($350), and any additional fees associated with study materials or review courses.

4. Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician (CDRT)

A Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician (CDRT) is a professional who has completed specialized training and certification in the area of medical device reprocessing. This individual is responsible for ensuring that all medical devices used in patient care are properly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized before being reused. The CDRT must also be knowledgeable about the various types of medical devices, their uses, and the proper methods for cleaning and sterilizing them.

The process of becoming a CDRT typically takes between six to twelve months depending on the specific program chosen. To become certified, an individual must complete a formal education program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience with medical device reprocessing techniques. Upon completion of the program, individuals must then pass an examination administered by a recognized certifying body such as IAHCSMM or CBSPD.

The cost of obtaining certification as a CDRT will vary depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500 to $2,000 depending on length and scope of instruction offered. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the certification exam which can range from $50 to $200 depending on the certifying body chosen.

5. Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES)

A Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES) is a professional who specializes in the maintenance, repair, and operation of radiological equipment. This certification is offered by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). It requires that applicants have at least two years of experience in the field and pass an exam administered by ASRT.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient safety, radiation protection, imaging techniques, and equipment maintenance. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any ASRT-approved testing center. The cost for taking the exam is $200.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CRES certification and become a part of an elite group of professionals who specialize in radiological equipment maintenance. As a CRES certified professional, you will be expected to maintain a high level of knowledge about current technology and trends in radiology equipment. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all equipment is functioning properly and safely.

In addition to the certification itself, many employers may require additional training or continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on industry standards and best practices.

6. Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM)

Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM) is a professional certification program developed by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The CHTM credential is designed to recognize healthcare technology professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in managing healthcare information systems. It is intended to provide recognition for those who have achieved a level of expertise in the field of healthcare technology management.

The CHTM program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as health information systems, project management, system security, data analysis and other related concepts. In order to qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in healthcare technology management or a related field.

The CHTM exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam is $295 for ACHE members and $395 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will be awarded the CHTM credential.

To maintain the credential, individuals must complete 45 continuing education credits every three years. These credits can be earned through attending conferences, completing online courses or participating in other activities related to healthcare technology management.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Healthcare Technology Manager credential can help demonstrate an individual’s expertise in this field and may lead to career advancement opportunities within the healthcare industry.

7. American Board of Bioanalysis Certification (ABB-Certified)

The American Board of Bioanalysis Certification (ABB-Certified) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of bioanalysis. This certification is offered by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS).

To become ABB-Certified, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as laboratory safety, instrumentation, data analysis, and quality assurance. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and is administered at approved testing centers. The exam typically takes two to three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the ABB-Certified exam, applicants must have a minimum of five years' experience in bioanalysis or a related field. They must also have completed an accredited degree program in bioanalysis or a related field.

The cost of the ABB-Certified exam varies depending on the applicant's location and whether they are taking the exam online or in person. In general, the cost ranges from $200-$400 USD.

Once applicants pass the ABB-Certified exam, they will receive their certification within 8-10 weeks after completion of the exam. The certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the examination.

8. American College of Clinical Engineering Certification (ACCE-Certified)

The American College of Clinical Engineering (ACCE) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of clinical engineers in the healthcare industry. The certification is designed to demonstrate a mastery of clinical engineering principles and practices, as well as an understanding of current technologies and trends.

In order to become ACCE-Certified, applicants must complete an application process that includes submitting documentation, taking an exam, and having their credentials verified by the ACCE Board of Directors. The application process typically takes between 6-8 weeks to complete.

Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to be considered for ACCE-Certification. These include: a minimum of three years of experience in clinical engineering; completion of at least five continuing education courses related to clinical engineering; and a passing score on the ACCE Certification Exam.

The cost for becoming ACCE-Certified varies depending on the applicant's circumstances. The initial fee is $400 USD, which covers the cost of processing the application and administering the exam. Additional fees may apply if additional documentation or verification is required.

9. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies Certification (NICET-Certified)

NICET-Certified is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who work in engineering technology fields. The certification is awarded after successful completion of an examination that covers a variety of topics related to engineering technology.

The NICET-Certified certification process typically takes several months to complete. To begin the process, applicants must first submit an application and pay the associated fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants are required to take a series of exams that cover topics such as mathematics, physics, electronics, computer programming, safety, and other areas related to engineering technology. After successfully passing all exams, applicants are then eligible for certification.

The cost of obtaining NICET-Certified certification varies depending on the level of certification sought and the number of exams taken. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200 - $1,000 USD or more to become certified. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exams or renewing your certification every few years.

Overall, becoming NICET-Certified provides individuals with a valuable credential that can help them stand out in their field and open up new opportunities for career advancement within engineering technology industries.

10. International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering Certification (ISPE-Certified).

The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) is a global, non-profit organization that provides education and certification programs for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. ISPE-Certified is an industry-recognized certification program that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the areas of pharmaceutical engineering and manufacturing.

The ISPE-Certified program consists of two levels: Certified Professional in Pharmaceutical Engineering (CPPE) and Certified Professional in Manufacturing Science (CPM). The CPPE designation is designed for individuals with at least five years of experience in pharmaceutical engineering, while the CPM designation is designed for those with at least three years of experience in manufacturing science.

It typically takes around six months to complete the requirements for either level of certification. To become certified, applicants must complete an online application process, submit proof of their educational background and work experience, pass a written examination, and attend a one-day workshop to review the exam material.

The cost to apply for either level of certification is $1,000 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee includes all required materials such as study guides, practice exams, and workshops.

Do You Really Need a Biomedical Engineer Certificate?

Yes, a biomedical engineer certificate can be extremely beneficial for those seeking to pursue a career in this field. A biomedical engineering certificate can provide the knowledge and skills needed to understand the complex principles of medical science, electronic engineering, and computer science. It can also provide individuals with the necessary education and experience to design and develop sophisticated medical devices, systems, and equipment.

Biomedical engineering certificates are designed to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. They learn how to apply these principles in designing and constructing medical devices that improve patient care. They may also gain an understanding of how to use simulation software to create virtual models of various medical processes or components.

In addition to providing technical knowledge in areas such as electrical engineering and computer programming, biomedical engineers must have an understanding of safety regulations related to healthcare products. A biomedical engineer certificate gives the student an opportunity to not only understand the complexities of medical device design but also gain insights into regulatory compliance issues associated with their work.

A biomedical engineer certificate is also advantageous when seeking employment in this field. Many employers prefer candidates who possess relevant certifications as it demonstrates their commitment to professional development. With a biomedical engineer certificate, you may be able to stand out from other potential applicants due to your specialized skillset.

In conclusion, obtaining a biomedical engineer certificate is highly recommended for those pursuing a career in this field. This certification provides individuals with both technical knowledge and practical experience that is essential for success within this profession. Furthermore, having a formal certification can give you an edge over other job applicants when it comes time for hiring decisions.

Related: Biomedical Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Biomedical Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications are available for biomedical engineers?

Answer: There are several certifications available for biomedical engineers, including Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE), and Registered Clinical Engineer (RCE).

2. How do I become certified as a biomedical engineer?

Answer: To become certified as a biomedical engineer, you must meet the eligibility requirements of the certification organization offering the certification and pass their examination.

3. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most organizations require that certified biomedical engineers complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification status.

4. Is it necessary to be certified in order to work as a biomedical engineer?

Answer: No, it is not necessary to be certified in order to work as a biomedical engineer; however, having a certification can demonstrate your knowledge and experience level within the field.

5. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The time frame for becoming certified varies depending on the certification organization offering the certification; however, most organizations provide information about the approximate time frame for obtaining their specific certification on their website.