Overview of Key HTM Roles
Biomedical Engineering Technician (BMET)What we refer to as “Biomed” in a clinical setting is typically Biomedical Engineering Technicians, or BMET’s. A BMET is focused on the hands-on support and maintenance of the equipment.
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Clinical Engineer
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Healthcare Technology ManagerHealthcare technology Managers focus more on the day-to-day management of medical equipment and devices and usually involves direct managerial responsibility for BMETs, CEs, and other HTM support staff.
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Biomedical Engineer (BME) |
The term Biomedical Engineering is by definition is an engineering discipline. Students who receive a degree in Biomedical Engineering may learn very little about working in a healthcare setting. The focus is primarily on product design, research and development. This is a very broad field of study and does not typically imply a role in HTM, however Clinical Engineering is often considered a sub discipline of BME. Some BMET's, CE's, and HTM leaders have a degree in BME but most BME graduates do not work in a healthcare setting.
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Deeper Dive Into the Roles of HTM...
Biomedical Engineering Technician (BMET)
"The BMET applies electrical, electronic, mechanical, chemical, optical, and other engineering principles to perform maintenance, service, repairs and overhaul of all medical equipment and medical systems." (AAMI Definition)
Education
Employment
Certification
Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES) Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES) (AAMI Accreditation Institute) |
Not just "fixers"The term “Biomed” doesn’t capture the full spectrum of what it takes to manage medical devices in a clinical setting. There is just as much a business aspect as there is technical. Building technical support teams takes investment in training and equipment. That investment needs to be clinically or financially justified. Equipment service strategies are primarily driven by regulations and standards, but they are also driven by financial factors.
Most healthcare facilities cannot afford to pay for full coverage service contracts on all of their medical equipment. So, the task is to identify what you are technically capable of? What is the financial risk compared the benefit? Discussions around equipment finance quickly drift into discussions around contractual arrangements and vendor management, purchasing programs and supply chain management, and so on. |
Clinical Engineer (CE)
"A Clinical Engineer is a professional who supports and advances patient care by applying engineering and managerial skills to healthcare technology." (ACCE Definition)
Education
Employment
Certification
Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) (American College of Clinical Engineering) |
"Clinical Engineer" vs "Biomedical Engineering Technician"Clinical Engineering is applying engineering principles and training in a clinical setting. The definition of a Clinical Engineer can be found on the American College of Clinical Engineering website. We often see the term “Biomed” and “Clinical Engineer” used interchangeably where technically this is not accurate. Biomedical Engineering Technicians can have a variety of academic backgrounds and it is becoming more common for graduates of Biomedical Engineering bachelors programs to support and maintain medical devices. However, by definition this is still technically a Biomedical Engineering Technician role. The role is not defined by the degree, but rather the nature of the work being done.
Clinical Engineer roles do require the equivalent of an engineering degree (see ACCE website for full credentials) but they also must be performing "engineering" tasks. This can include medical equipment quality programs, technology assessment, equipment planning, systems integration, research and development, regulatory compliance, financial management, and operational management. Biomedical Engineering Technicians and Clinical Engineers have complementary roles that are of equal importance and value to the HTM industry. |
Healthcare Technology Manager (HTM)
Education
Employment
Certification
Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM) (AAMI Accreditation Institute) |
"Clinical Engineer" vs "Healthcare Technology Manager"While both Clinical Engineers and Healthcare Technology Managers work with medical devices and equipment, they differ in their focus and responsibilities. Both roles are critical to the effective management of medical devices and equipment in healthcare settings. They are responsible for ensuring that medical devices are properly maintained, repaired, and used safely and effectively. This may involve developing and implementing maintenance programs, managing equipment inventory, establishing training strategies, and collaborating with vendors.
Clinical engineers tend to have a more technical focus, while Healthcare Technology Managers tend to be more operationally oriented. Healthcare technology managers focus more on the day-to-day management of medical equipment and devices and usually involves direct managerial responsibility for BMETs, CEs, and other HTM support staff. |
Other Related Roles
Biomedical Engineer (BME)"A Biomedical Engineer applies electrical, mechanical, chemical, optical, and other engineering principles to understand, modify, or control biologic (i.e., human and animal) systems, as well as design and manufacture products that can monitor physiologic functions and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients." (AAMI)
Education
Certification
Professional Engineer (PE) |
Healthcare Engineering (HE)Focused on more on the environment rather than the technology.
Architecture, Construction, Design, Facilities Management Education
Employment
Certification
Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) See American Society of Healthcare Engineers (ASHE) |
IT ConvergenceThe world of Information Technology and Medical Devices has blurred. We used to say the “Biomed” covers the equipment to the wall, then IT covers the network and beyond. That is no longer a clear distinction. Medical devices are incorporated into hospital networks, they depend on IT systems to function, and the way we manage and support these systems is changing.
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