Tawa College
Biomedical Technician Kaihangarau Utauta Whakaora
Biomedical technicians make, modify, maintain and repair mechanical and electronic medical equipment such as clinical machines, surgical instruments and implants.
Biomedical technicians who work with electrical and electronic equipment need to be registered as electrical service technicians with the Electrical Workers Registration Board, or work towards this once they are employed. They also need an annual practising licence.
Experienced biomedical technicians can apply to the Engineering Associates Registration Board to become a registered engineering associate.
- Electrical Workers Registration Board website - information about registration and licensing
- Engineering Associates Registration Board website - information about registration
Biomedical technicians may do some or all of the following:
- advise and consult with medical staff about their equipment requirements
- make surgical equipment and tools
- install and test medical equipment
- examine, maintain and repair equipment
- do quality assurance and electrical safety checks on equipment
- train staff to use equipment and give technical advice and assistance
- help design and develop implants for use during operations – for example, artificial joints.
Physical Requirements
Biomedical technicians need to have good hand-eye co-ordination and normal colour vision.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for biomedical technicians includes:
- work with a medical equipment company
- mechanical, electrical and engineering work
- computer work.
Personal Qualities
Biomedical technicians need to be:
- careful, methodical, well organised and responsible
- practical and logical
- able to work without direct supervision and show initiative
- customer-focused and mindful of patients' rights and comfort
- good communicators
- skilled at analysis and problem-solving
- good with computers.
Skills
Biomedical technicians need to have:
- knowledge of medical equipment, its use and care
- knowledge of biomedical technology
- practical skills in mechanics, engineering, electronics and testing equipment
- a basic understanding of physiology and medical terms.
Conditions
Biomedical technicians:
- work regular business hours, but may be on call
- work in hospital workshops, clinics, and departments.
Subject Recommendations
NCEA Level 2 is required to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include biology, construction and mechanical technologies, design and visual communication, digital technologies, mathematics and physics.
Related Courses
Biomedical Technicians can earn around $44K-$48K per year.
Pay for biomedical technicians varies depending on their qualifications and experience.
- Trainee biomedical technicians usually start on the minimum wage.
- Biomedical technicians with one to six years' experience usually earn up to $48,000 a year.
- Biomedical technicians with more than six years' experience usually earn $48,000 to $85,000.
Source: Public Service Association and Auckland Region District Health Boards, 'Allied, Public Health and Technical Multi-Employer Collective Agreement to 06 October 2017', 2017.
Biomedical technicians can progress into managerial or biomedical engineering positions.
Years Of Training
2 years of training usually requiredTo become a biomedical technician you need one of the following:
- New Zealand Diploma of Engineering (in electrical, electronic or mechanical engineering)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology.
Biomedical technicians who are registered as electrical service technicians must take a refresher course every two years to keep their licence up to date.
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