How to Become a Biomedical Equipment Technician — Salary, Training & Licensing
Hospitals run on technology — and every ventilator, MRI machine, and infusion pump needs a human expert to keep it running safely.
88% High Demand
$45K–$85K
Salary Range
Very High
Demand
+14%
Job Growth
℞ Prescribed by data · BLS · WEF · McKinsey
Biomedical Equipment Technician Apprenticeship & Training in Oregon
Licensing & Requirements
Oregon does not require a specific state license for BMETs. CBET certification through ACI is recommended and preferred by employers. Hospital credentialing required. Oregon's health systems generally require certified BMETs for advanced positions.
Training Programs
No BMET-specific AAS programs in Oregon; students attend programs in neighboring states (WA) or use military pathway (Army MOS 68A). On-the-job training available at Oregon hospitals. Portland Community College offers relevant electronics programs.
OHSU, Providence Health, Legacy Health, Kaiser Permanente NW, Salem Health, VA Portland, PeaceHealth, TRIMEDX, Agiliti, GE HealthCare, Siemens Healthineers.
Career Overview
Is this career right for you?
✓You enjoy troubleshooting electronics, mechanical systems, or computers
✓You're detail-oriented and safety-conscious
✓You want to work in healthcare without direct patient care
✓You're fascinated by medical technology and how devices work
✓You like solving problems that directly impact patient safety
✓You want a career with strong job security and hospital benefits
Your Roadmap
1
Build Your Technical FoundationAges 16–18
Excel in physics, math, and electronics courses
Take any available computer science, robotics, or engineering classes
Tinker with electronics: build circuits, repair devices, learn to solder
Study basic anatomy and medical terminology
Tour a local hospital's biomedical engineering department if possible
2
Earn Your Associate Degree in Biomedical Equipment TechnologyAges 18–20
Enroll in an AAS program in Biomedical Equipment Technology (BMET)
Study electronics, medical instrumentation, anatomy & physiology, and networking
Learn about medical device regulations (FDA, Joint Commission, AAMI standards)
Complete clinical internship at a hospital biomedical department
Top programs: Texas State Technical College, Community College of Denver, Indiana University-Purdue
3
Get Your First BMET PositionAges 20–22
Apply to hospital biomedical engineering departments
Or join an independent service organization (ISO) like Agiliti or TRIMEDX
Learn to service common devices: infusion pumps, defibrillators, patient monitors
Master preventive maintenance (PM) schedules and documentation
Study manufacturer service manuals for each device type you encounter
4
Earn Professional CertificationAges 22–24
Pass the ACI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) CBET exam
CBET (Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician) is the industry standard credential
Continue manufacturer-specific training on advanced equipment (GE, Siemens, Philips)
Learn networking and IT skills for connected medical devices (IoMT)
Build expertise in specific modalities: imaging, lab, surgical, or patient monitoring
5
Specialize in Advanced EquipmentAges 24–28
Specialize in high-value equipment: MRI, CT, ultrasound, surgical robots, or lab analyzers
Attend manufacturer training programs for advanced diagnostic and imaging equipment
Learn about cybersecurity for medical devices — a rapidly growing need
Consider a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering technology for management roles
6
Lead and AdvanceAges 28+
Move into lead BMET, supervisor, or biomedical engineering manager roles
Manage hospital-wide medical equipment programs and capital planning
Consult on equipment procurement, lifecycle management, and regulatory compliance
Become a field service engineer for major manufacturers (GE Healthcare, Siemens, Philips)
Teach at BMET programs or mentor the next generation of technicians
Companies & Training Pathways
TRIMEDX
One of the largest independent clinical engineering companies, offering training programs and career development for BMETs nationwide.
Agiliti (formerly Universal Hospital Services)
Major medical equipment management company providing service, maintenance, and training opportunities.
GE HealthCare
Global medical device manufacturer with extensive field service engineer training and career paths.
Siemens Healthineers
Leading imaging and diagnostics manufacturer offering advanced technical training and field service positions.
US Military (Army 68A / Navy HM-BM)
Military BMET training programs provide world-class education with guaranteed employment and GI Bill benefits.
The US Military is one of the best BMET training paths — Army MOS 68A and Navy HM-BM programs provide free, comprehensive training that transitions directly to civilian hospital jobs.
Lead BMET / Manager / Field Engineer$80K–$110K+Year 8+
vs. College
A BMET with an associate degree and CBET certification earns $50K–$65K within 3 years, with full hospital benefits and zero or minimal student debt. Imaging specialists and field service engineers earn $80K–$110K+ — comparable to many bachelor's and master's degree holders but with less debt and more job security.
The Real Talk
The Good
Excellent job security — hospitals always need medical equipment maintained
Work in healthcare with great benefits without direct patient care stress
Fascinating, varied work — different equipment and challenges every day
Strong salary growth with clear specialization paths
High demand with projected 14% growth — much faster than average
Multiple career paths: hospitals, ISOs, manufacturers, military, consulting
The Hard Parts
On-call rotations are common — equipment failures don't wait for business hours
Requires continuous learning as medical technology evolves rapidly
Some repairs involve hazardous materials, radiation, or high-voltage systems
Hospital bureaucracy and documentation requirements can be frustrating
Entry-level positions may have limited advancement without CBET certification
Is It Worth It?
Biomedical equipment technology is one of the best-kept secrets in healthcare careers. Every hospital, surgery center, and clinic depends on thousands of medical devices — and they all need skilled technicians to keep them running safely. The 2-year associate degree gets you earning quickly, the CBET certification opens doors to better pay, and specializing in imaging or surgical equipment can push your salary past $85K. Job security is outstanding because hospitals can't function without working equipment. If you love technology and want meaningful work in healthcare without dealing with blood and patients, BMET is an exceptional choice.
A Career Is Just One Part of Your Story
The best careers don't just pay well — they give you freedom, purpose, and time for the people and things you love. Choose a path that makes your whole life better, not just your resume.
Get your free Biomedical Equipment Technician Starter Guide
We'll send you a detailed guide with training programs, costs, and next steps to start your biomedical equipment technician career.