Top 10 Biomedical Technician Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the biomedical technician job market because they demonstrate a level of competency, knowledge, and skills. For example, certifications in medical device repair or maintenance can help a biomedical technician stand out from other applicants and prove to employers that they have the qualifications necessary to perform their duties. Furthermore, having certifications can open up opportunities for advancement and higher pay. In addition, certifications can provide proof of continuing education requirements, which may be mandated by some employers or organizations. Finally, certifications are often necessary when applying to certain healthcare organizations or government agencies.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Biomedical Technicians and explain how they can help advance a biomedical technician's career.

What are Biomedical Technician Certifications?

Biomedical technician certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the field of biomedical equipment repair, maintenance, and installation. It is awarded by organizations such as the National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), the International Certification Commission (ICC), and other associations.

The certification provides an assurance of quality to employers and patients that certified technicians are knowledgeable and capable of servicing, repairing, maintaining, and installing medical devices safely and correctly. In addition to demonstrating a level of expertise in the field, it can also help technicians advance their careers by increasing their chances of employment or promotion. The certification can also be used to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements for the safe operation of medical equipment.

By obtaining certification, technicians can demonstrate their commitment to professional development and show potential employers that they are up-to-date on current industry standards. It also serves as a way for technicians to stay abreast of advances in technology related to medical equipment repair. Additionally, certification may be required for certain positions or when working with specific types of medical equipment.

Pro Tip: When considering biomedical technician certification, make sure to research the different certifications available and ensure they are accredited by a reputable organization. Additionally, make sure that the certification you pursue is tailored to your specific area of expertise as it will give you an edge in the job market.

Related: What does a Biomedical Technician do?

Top 10 Biomedical Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET)

Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) is a professional certification offered by the International Certification Commission (ICC) for individuals who work in the field of biomedical equipment technology. The CBET certification demonstrates that an individual has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to perform maintenance, testing, installation, troubleshooting and repair of medical equipment.

It typically takes six months or more to prepare for the CBET exam. Preparation may include taking courses or attending seminars related to biomedical equipment technology, as well as studying for the exam itself. The ICC offers study materials and practice tests that can help you prepare for the exam.

To get certified, you must pass a comprehensive written examination administered by the ICC. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety requirements, electrical systems and components, mechanical systems and components, testing procedures and calibration techniques. You must also have at least two years of experience working with medical equipment in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost of obtaining CBET certification varies depending on which study materials you choose to use and whether or not you take any courses or seminars related to biomedical equipment technology. The cost of taking the written examination is $250 USD plus applicable taxes.

2. Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES)

A Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES) is a professional who has received specialized training in the installation, maintenance, and repair of radiology equipment. This certification is offered by the American Society for Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

It typically takes about four to six months to complete the CRES certification program. The program consists of both online and on-site instruction, as well as hands-on experience with radiology equipment. In order to become certified, students must pass an exam administered by ASRT.

To get certified as a CRES, you must first enroll in an ASRT-approved course. These courses can be found at many community colleges and technical schools across the country. Once enrolled in an approved course, you will need to complete all required classes and exams within the timeframe specified by ASRT. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, you will receive your CRES certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist varies depending on the institution offering the coursework. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 for tuition and other associated fees.

3. Certified Clinical Engineering Technician (CCET)

A Certified Clinical Engineering Technician (CCET) is a professional who has met the standards of the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Technology (ICC-CET). The CCET certification is designed to recognize individuals with knowledge and experience in the field of clinical engineering. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the practice of clinical engineering.

The certification process requires applicants to pass an exam administered by ICC-CET. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as medical device safety, patient safety, healthcare technology management, and regulatory compliance. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $250-$500 USD. The exam can be taken at any approved testing center or online through ICC-CET's website.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you study for the exam and how well you do on it. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from several weeks to several months to prepare for the exam and obtain certification.

4. Certified Laboratory Equipment Technician (CLEC)

Certified Laboratory Equipment Technician (CLEC) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to safely and effectively install, maintain and repair laboratory equipment. The program is offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).

To become a CLEC, applicants must have at least two years of experience in laboratory equipment installation, maintenance or repair. They must also complete an application and pass an examination. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety, electrical systems, environmental regulations and more.

The CLEC certification process typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish. Applicants can expect to receive their results within two weeks of taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CLEC certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$400. This fee includes the application fee, examination fee and any other associated costs.

5. Certified Medical Instrumentation Technician (CMIT)

A Certified Medical Instrumentation Technician (CMIT) is a professional who has been trained and certified to work with medical instrumentation and equipment. CMITs are responsible for the maintenance, installation, calibration, troubleshooting and repair of medical instruments used in hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities.

The certification process typically takes six months or less to complete. It involves completing a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as electronics, physiology, anatomy, safety protocols and more. After completing the training program, applicants must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

In order to get certified as a CMIT, applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and have some experience working with medical instruments or related equipment.

The cost of becoming a Certified Medical Instrumentation Technician varies depending on the specific training program chosen by the applicant. Generally speaking, it can range from around $1,000-$3,000 USD.

6. Certified Clinical Engineering Technologist (CCET)

Certified Clinical Engineering Technologist (CCET) is a certification program offered by the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC-CET). The CCET certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of clinical engineering and biomedical technology.

The CCET certification requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as medical device safety, regulatory compliance, and system design. Applicants must also demonstrate professional experience in the field of clinical engineering or biomedical technology.

To become certified, applicants must submit an application to the ICC-CET and pay a fee of $200 USD. Once approved, applicants will be given access to an online exam portal where they can take the CCET exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their official CCET certificate from the ICC-CET. The certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking a recertification exam every three years or by completing continuing education credits in clinical engineering or biomedical technology.

7. Certified Healthcare Technology Management Professional (CHTMP)

Certified Healthcare Technology Management Professional (CHTMP) is an internationally recognized certification for healthcare technology management professionals. This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who manage and maintain medical equipment in a healthcare setting.

To become CHTMP certified, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in the field of healthcare technology management. In addition, they must pass an online examination that covers topics such as safety regulations, quality assurance, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to two hours to complete.

The cost to take the CHTMP exam varies depending on the country you are located in. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 USD to register for the exam.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official CHTMP certification from the International Association for Healthcare Technology Management (IAHTM). This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking a refresher course or retaking the exam every three years.

8. Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician (CMDRT)

Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician (CMDRT) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM). The CMDRT certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals who are responsible for reprocessing medical devices.

It takes approximately four to six weeks to complete the CMDRT program. The program consists of online coursework, an online practice exam, and a final examination. The coursework covers topics such as device selection, cleaning and disinfection, sterilization processes, quality assurance, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.

To become certified as a CMDRT, you must first be employed in a healthcare facility that performs medical device reprocessing activities. You must also have completed at least 1 year of full-time experience in medical device reprocessing or have completed an IAHCSMM-approved training program.

The cost to become certified as a CMDRT is $250 USD for IAHCSMM members and $300 USD for non-members. This fee includes the cost of the online coursework, practice exam, and final examination.

9. Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)

Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) is a professional credential offered by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). This credential is designed for individuals who are involved in the performance of invasive cardiovascular procedures, such as cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, and stenting. To become an RCIS, an individual must have completed a minimum of two years of clinical experience in an accredited cardiovascular laboratory or equivalent setting and pass a comprehensive examination.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the educational requirements to become an RCIS. To get started, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by CCI. These include having a high school diploma or GED equivalent; completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit; completion of a formal program in cardiovascular technology; and two years of full-time clinical experience in an accredited cardiovascular laboratory or equivalent setting.

Once these requirements are met, individuals can register for the RCIS exam which is administered twice a year. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, imaging modalities, patient care principles, instrumentation and equipment operation, hemodynamics and pharmacology.

The cost to take the RCIS exam is $350 USD. Once passed, individuals will receive their RCIS certification which must be maintained through continuing education credits every three years.

10. American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification in Cytotechnology (ASCP-BCCT).

The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification in Cytotechnology (ASCP-BCCT) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of cytotechnology. It is designed to promote excellence in the practice of cytotechnology and to ensure that those certified have met rigorous standards for knowledge, experience, and performance.

To become certified by ASCP-BCCT, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university; completing a minimum of 12 months of full-time clinical training in cytology; passing the ASCP Board of Certification Examination; and maintaining continuing education credits. In addition, applicants must be members in good standing with ASCP.

The process to become certified typically takes between six months and one year depending on how quickly all the requirements are met. The cost to become certified varies depending on whether you are already an ASCP member or not. For non-members, it costs $385 for the application fee and $500 for the exam fee. For members, it costs $200 for the application fee and $400 for the exam fee.

Do You Really Need a Biomedical Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For some, a biomedical technician certificate is essential for achieving the desired position in the field. For others, it may not be necessary but could be beneficial to possess.

A biomedical technician certificate is an official document that verifies that an individual has received formal training and education in the field of biomedical technology. This type of certification is typically awarded by institutions recognized by the National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NBIB). Having this certification can give individuals an advantage over those who do not have it when applying for jobs or promotions in the field. It also shows employers that they have a greater understanding of biomedical technology and are therefore more likely to be successful in their job.

In addition to providing proof of your knowledge and skills, having a biomedical technician certificate can also open up other opportunities for advancement within your chosen career path. Depending on what type of certificate you receive, you may qualify for higher-level positions or even become eligible for special certifications or advanced courses. These additional qualifications can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to continuing education in the field.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a biomedical technician certificate depends on what kind of job you’re looking for and how much experience you already have in the field. If you’re just starting out or don’t have much experience yet, obtaining a certificate could be beneficial as it will provide evidence of your qualifications and skillset. On the other hand, if you already have significant experience working as a biomedical technician, then it might not be necessary to obtain one unless your employer requires it.

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FAQs About Biomedical Technician Certifications

1. What is a Biomedical Technician Certification?

Answer: A Biomedical Technician Certification is a credential that validates the professional knowledge and skills required to work as a biomedical technician. It is awarded by an accredited organization after the successful completion of an assessment or examination.

2. How do I become certified as a Biomedical Technician?

Answer: To become certified as a biomedical technician, you must first complete a formal education program in biomedical technology or related field and then pass an assessment or examination from an accredited organization.

3. Are there different levels of certification for Biomedical Technicians?

Answer: Yes, there are different levels of certification for biomedical technicians depending on their experience and expertise. The levels range from entry-level to advanced certifications such as Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) or Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE).

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Biomedical Technician?

Answer: Becoming certified as a biomedical technician can provide many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and increased recognition from colleagues and employers. Additionally, it can help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and show your expertise in the field.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a Biomedical Technician?

Answer: It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to become certified as a biomedical technician depending on the level of certification you are seeking and your prior experience in the field.