BMET is an acronym for a biomedical engineering technologist. It could also refer to a biomedical equipment technician. The BMET career path is interdisciplinary: It requires not only an intimate knowledge of medical machinery, but also of the life sciences. BMETs are responsible for installing, inspecting, servicing and repairing medical equipment. They might also operate or modify the equipment. BMET certification requires the successful completion of an education program, related work experience and a certification exam.

Enroll in an accredited institution that offers a BMET program. You may choose a two-year program to earn an associate of science (A.S.) degree. Or you may choose a four-year program to earn a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or biomedical equipment technology.

Take and pass courses in your chosen education path. You’ll need to take courses in human anatomy and physiology, as well as electrical engineering and computer engineering. You’ll learn how to service and repair equipment such as lasers, hemodialysis and physiological monitoring systems.

Gain work experience. According to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, to become certified you need two years of full-time BMET work experience and an associate’s degree in a biomedical program. If you have an associate’s degree in electronics technology, you’ll need three years of full-time work experience.

Select your certification exam when you complete your education. BMET certification exams are offered by the Board of Examiners for Biomedical Equipment Technicians. Take a separate certification exam for each specialty within the field in which you are interested. The specialties are: CBET (biomedical equipment technician), CLES (laboratory equipment specialist) and CRES (radiology equipment specialist).