The deadline to register for the May 2022 Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) testing window is coming up on April 15, and there are many reasons why you should go for it! For those working in healthcare technology management (HTM), achieving your certification is a terrific way to show your professionalism and commitment to your chosen field. It confirms to potential employers that you are serious about your work and can back that up with proof that you have a basis of knowledge which will make you successful. It also demonstrates to coworkers, in HTM as well as clinical departments, that you are dedicated to learning all you can about how to provide a safe, effective environment for patients.
While few employers require certification outright, all would consider it a clear advantage when selecting between potential candidates. Some employers (this is something to look for when applying for jobs!) may help you to prepare or provide incentives for you to achieve your certification, through training classes, bonuses, or other recognition. While those are nice, they aren’t primary reasons to do it. Studying for the exam is going to take up some of your personal time. You’re investing in yourself and should be doing it not just for the potential monetary awards, but also for the knowledge you will gain and the satisfaction of achievement.
Most BMETs enter the field because they are curious problem solvers who enjoy learning new concepts and understanding as much as they can about the environment in which they work. Achieving CBET certification is an extension of this thirst for learning and a way to demonstrate your knowledge.
There are several paths to qualify for eligibility to sit for the exam, but the most common are completion of two years full time work as BMET after either completion of U.S. military biomedical equipment technology program or an associate degree (AS) or higher in biomedical technology. You can also qualify with AS degree or higher in electronics and three years working as BMET or four years full time work as BMET.
There are several ways to prepare for the exam, through self-study, online self-paced courses and instructor led course. AAMI offers all those options so you can choose what suits you best:
- AAMI CBET Smart Practice, featuring more than 900 interactive multiple-choice questions and answers, each with a detailed explanation.
- AAMI CBET Study Course eLearning, self-paced course that allows you to navigate the content of the CBET via an interactive eLearning module.
- CBET Study Course Online, live virtual classes.
Barbara Maguire is vice president, HTM, at ISS Solutions and a member of AAMI’s Technology Management Council.
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