Online Biomedical Technician Degrees: Top Schools & More
Did you know you can become a certified biomedical equipment technician (BMET) in as little as two years, thanks to online programs? By earning an accredited online biomedical technician degree, you can gain technical expertise while completing coursework remotely.
Whether you’re pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or certificate program, EduMed’s comprehensive guide will educate you on top online schools, curriculum details, career opportunities, certification options, and salary potential for BMETs.
Do you enjoy tinkering with computers and other technical equipment? Do you also have a desire to help people by contributing to the healthcare field? If this sounds like you, becoming a biomedical equipment technician (BMET) can be a rewarding career path. Biomedical techs repair and maintain critical equipment used in healthcare facilities and can expect significant job growth over the next decade.
To help make the education needed for this career easier to complete, many colleges are now offering partially online biomedical technician degrees that combine remote coursework with hands-on training. Use EduMed’s comprehensive guide to find a biomedical technician program that meets your needs and explore key details about the curriculum, available degrees, post-graduation certification, and much more.
Types of Online Biomedical Technician Degrees
Choosing the biomedical technician degree that best fits your career goals requires knowing your options. The various degree paths and certificates available for prospective and current biomedical technicians are described below followed by listings of the top schools offering them.
Associate Degrees
Those who want to pursue careers as biomedical equipment technicians mostly earn this degree because it provides the fundamentals and prepares them for entry-level positions. Provided by community colleges and technical schools, these programs teach electronics, medical terminology, technology repair, and mathematics. In some cases, students can focus their studies on a specific type of technology, like laboratory, imaging, or surgical equipment. After they finish their coursework, students complete internships where they work alongside experienced biomedical equipment technicians to gain experience and discover more about what the duties of the career entail.
Examples of Accredited Online Biomedical Technician Associate’s Degree Programs
Bachelor’s Degrees
Biomedical technician bachelor’s degrees are for those with an associate-level education who want to become more advanced practitioners. These programs allow students to expand their knowledge, further develop their problem-solving skills, and learn to maintain specific types of biomedical hardware and software. They may also learn about the kinds of technology used for specific types of patients as well as about equipment project planning principles.
Examples of Accredited Online Biomedical Technician Bachelor’s Programs
Certificates
Biomedical technician certificate programs take six to 12 months to complete and provide an intensive overview that quickly prepares students for entry-level positions in the field. Students learn to repair and maintain medical equipment and perform preventive services. After completing this program, students can work at hospitals, manufacturing companies, and independent service providers. Coursework covers electronics, networking fundamentals, and troubleshooting theory and methodology. A capstone course is sometimes required to expose students to the realities and challenges of the profession.
Examples of Accredited Online Biomedical Technician Certificate Programs
What Do You Learn in an Online Biomedical Technician Degree Program?
Each biomedical technician online program has its unique approach. At the same time, all BMET programs also have similarities in courses, topics, and learning outcomes to ensure students have the education and skills needed to meet employer expectations. The following overviews five key skills you can expect to gain by the time you graduate from any quality BMET online training program.
- Ability to applying an understanding of medical equipment and devices to real-world problem solving and repair issues.
- Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency of safety procedures designed to keep technicians, patients, and medical personnel safe.
- Effective writing skills for drafting reports that describe the technical issues with equipment in ways medical professionals and other technicians can understand.
- Verbal communication and collaboration skills to work efficiently with members of a healthcare team and other biomedical equipment professionals.
- Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology, healthcare safety methods, and medical procedures to understand the role biomedical equipment and devices play in the delivery of care.
Common Online BMET Courses
BMET Instrumentation I
This course teaches students how to troubleshoot, calibrate, and repair various medical devices and instruments, so they can effectively work with these products based on manufacturers’ instructions. They may learn about instrumentation amplifiers, electrodes, transducers, and defibrillators.
Electronic Fabrication
Students learn about the tools and techniques used during the electronic fabrication process. This course covers wire routing, inspection and repair of circuit boards, wire preparation and termination, and soldering wires.
Circuit Analysis
This class teaches students about DC and AC electricity laws and theories, which allows them to identify the parts of AC/DC circuits, understand circuit requirements in AC/DC devices, troubleshoot circuits through different techniques, and utilize safe practices when working with AC and DC equipment. This class may also have a laboratory requirement.
Microcontrollers
Students learn about the design and programming of microcontroller-based products. The course focuses on assembly language that is used to develop software and hardware.
Wireless Technology
Wireless technology classes cover link managers, wireless application protocol, frequency bands, transport layers, and wireless mark-up language.
FAQs About Getting Your BMET Training Online
How much do online biomedical technician degrees cost?
The cost of BMET training online depends on the school, particularly if it’s public or private. Public school in-state tuition is usually significantly lower than private college or university tuition. Another consideration is if a program is offered completely online. Although the tuition for online programs is usually comparable to in-person programs, students can save money by not traveling to campus regularly. Financial aid and program length also play a role in cost. The examples below give you an idea of what to expect regarding the cost of your online biomedical technician degrees.
Madisonville Community College
Associate in Applied Science – Biomedical Technology Systems
Total Credits: 65
$179/credit
Texas State Technical College
Biomedical Equipment Technology Associate of Applied Science
Total Credits: 60
$14,400 program cost
Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
AS in Healthcare Engineering Technology Management
Total Credits: 67
$25,658/semester
How much of my BMET training will I be able to complete online?
Whether or not you’re able to complete all your BMET training online depends on the school you enroll in. In some cases, classes are offered entirely online, and students are only required to complete an in-person internship to get experiential learning. Other schools split online and on-campus learning and require that students come to campus for seminars once a semester or participate in weekly labs.
Is financial aid available for online biomedical technician degrees?
Depending on the program you choose, you may be able to receive scholarships and grants provided directly by your school. There are also state and federal financial aid options. Student loans are another option to help offset the upfront cost of your degree.
How important is accreditation for online biomedical technician programs?
Accreditation is important because it certifies a program’s quality and ability to prepare future professionals to work effectively. Top programs are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a nonprofit agency offering accreditation for engineering technology, computing, natural science, and engineering programs.
To give its stamp of approval, ETAC considers educational objectives, curriculum, and continuous improvement procedures. Outcomes, such as students’ ability to apply the concepts they learn in class to technical and non-technical environments, are also part of the decision.
What certification is required to become a CBET?
Professional certifications are not required for working as a biomedical technician, but they can be helpful. The Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) certification, offered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), demonstrates that professionals can perform preventive maintenance on equipment, review technical manuals, teach users how to work with medical devices, and understand how equipment and devices found in medical facilities are used on patients. Biomedical equipment technicians can also earn a Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology (CABT) to demonstrate their knowledge of healthcare technology management.
Job and Salary Outlook for Biomedical Equipment Technicians
Nationally, biomedical technicians experience an average job growth rate of 13.1%. This suggests that finding a job in this field is relatively easy, with ample opportunities to advance into leadership roles or shape your career as you see fit. It may also provide more negotiating power when discussing salaries, paid time off, and other benefits with employers.
On average, a biomedical technician earns between $36,810 and $97,780 annually. This wide range indicates that earnings vary based on location, education, and experience. States where biomedical technicians earn more include Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, and Iowa. In some states, such as Missouri, biomedical technicians earn less than the national average.
Biomedical technicians can also take continuing education courses or specialize in a specific sector of the field to command higher salaries in their state. Additionally, salaries may naturally increase with more work experience in the field.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 66,400 | 75,100 | 8,700 | 13.10% | 7,300 |
| Alabama | 1,050 | 1,190 | 140 | 13.30% | 120 |
| Alaska | 50 | 70 | 20 | 40.00% | 10 |
| Arizona | 1,150 | 1,470 | 320 | 27.80% | 150 |
| Arkansas | 410 | 470 | 60 | 14.60% | 50 |
| California | 6,000 | 7,000 | 1,000 | 16.70% | 690 |
| Colorado | 580 | 720 | 140 | 24.10% | 70 |
| Connecticut | 840 | 1,020 | 180 | 21.40% | 100 |
| Delaware | 200 | 230 | 30 | 15.00% | 20 |
| District of Columbia | 100 | 120 | 20 | 20.00% | 10 |
| Florida | 5,320 | 6,660 | 1,340 | 25.20% | 680 |
| Georgia | 980 | 1,210 | 230 | 23.50% | 120 |
| Idaho | 160 | 220 | 60 | 37.50% | 20 |
| Illinois | 2,240 | 2,520 | 280 | 12.50% | 240 |
| Indiana | 1,150 | 1,280 | 130 | 11.30% | 120 |
| Iowa | 690 | 820 | 130 | 18.80% | 80 |
| Kansas | 720 | 840 | 120 | 16.70% | 80 |
| Kentucky | 1,070 | 1,240 | 170 | 15.90% | 120 |
| Louisiana | 280 | 330 | 50 | 17.90% | 30 |
| Maine | 170 | 190 | 20 | 11.80% | 20 |
| Maryland | 1,560 | 1,810 | 250 | 16.00% | 180 |
| Massachusetts | 520 | 590 | 70 | 13.50% | 60 |
| Michigan | 1,840 | 2,050 | 210 | 11.40% | 200 |
| Minnesota | 2,320 | 2,730 | 410 | 17.70% | 270 |
| Mississippi | 710 | 790 | 80 | 11.30% | 80 |
| Missouri | 1,130 | 1,290 | 160 | 14.20% | 130 |
| Montana | 200 | 260 | 60 | 30.00% | 30 |
| Nebraska | 400 | 480 | 80 | 20.00% | 50 |
| Nevada | 150 | 200 | 50 | 33.30% | 20 |
| New Hampshire | 200 | 230 | 30 | 15.00% | 20 |
| New Jersey | 2,460 | 2,880 | 420 | 17.10% | 280 |
| New Mexico | 250 | 310 | 60 | 24.00% | 30 |
| New York | 2,710 | 2,990 | 280 | 10.30% | 30 |
| North Carolina | 3,410 | 4,290 | 880 | 25.80% | 440 |
| Ohio | 3,950 | 4,630 | 680 | 17.20% | 460 |
| Oklahoma | 460 | 510 | 50 | 10.90% | 50 |
| Oregon | 460 | 560 | 100 | 21.70% | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,280 | 2,560 | 280 | 12.30% | 250 |
| Rhode Island | 280 | 350 | 70 | 25.00% | 30 |
| South Carolina | 720 | 900 | 180 | 25.00% | 90 |
| South Dakota | 330 | 420 | 90 | 27.30% | 40 |
| Tennessee | 1,190 | 1,670 | 480 | 40.30% | 180 |
| Texas | 7,780 | 10,130 | 2,350 | 30.20% | 1,050 |
| Utah | 1,800 | 2,410 | 610 | 33.90% | 250 |
| Vermont | 70 | 70 | – | 0.00% | 10 |
| Virginia | 1,250 | 1,440 | 190 | 15.20% | 140 |
| Washington | 1,210 | 1,360 | 150 | 12.40% | 150 |
| West Virginia | 330 | 340 | 10 | 3.00% | 30 |
| Wisconsin | 1,200 | 1,490 | 290 | 24.20% | 150 |
| Wyoming | 80 | 110 | 30 | 37.50% | 10 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $36,810 | $60,670 | $97,780 |
| Alabama | $33,240 | $50,690 | $81,400 |
| Alaska | $47,580 | $79,550 | $100,550 |
| Arizona | $43,330 | $73,540 | $103,310 |
| Arkansas | $35,360 | $41,180 | $65,350 |
| California | $44,310 | $66,810 | $115,580 |
| Colorado | $39,240 | $64,230 | $82,220 |
| Connecticut | $44,740 | $70,910 | $100,390 |
| Delaware | $239,000+ | $239,000+ | $239,000+ |
| Florida | $35,920 | $49,400 | $99,850 |
| Georgia | $34,490 | $45,820 | $75,780 |
| Hawaii | $37,280 | $69,750 | $100,030 |
| Idaho | $46,510 | $64,930 | $80,960 |
| Illinois | $36,230 | $64,630 | $96,090 |
| Indiana | $37,000 | $62,180 | $93,920 |
| Iowa | $35,330 | $57,680 | $101,510 |
| Kansas | $36,120 | $58,990 | $82,930 |
| Kentucky | $30,890 | $47,520 | $89,490 |
| Louisiana | $33,360 | $37,830 | $56,830 |
| Maine | $62,690 | $85,130 | $98,440 |
| Maryland | $36,930 | $60,180 | $81,980 |
| Massachusetts | $41,790 | $68,620 | $108,110 |
| Michigan | $40,290 | $55,170 | $84,030 |
| Minnesota | $46,100 | $75,170 | $98,690 |
| Mississippi | $32,120 | $37,140 | $66,160 |
| Missouri | $31,710 | $58,840 | $95,280 |
| Montana | $39,480 | $71,320 | $80,530 |
| Nebraska | $40,730 | $59,110 | $85,440 |
| Nevada | $36,780 | $45,290 | $79,590 |
| New Hampshire | $40,060 | $55,000 | $84,120 |
| New Jersey | $58,200 | $79,580 | $102,680 |
| New Mexico | $32,120 | $43,160 | $56,250 |
| New York | $37,710 | $59,790 | $95,100 |
| North Carolina | $40,000 | $62,820 | $102,970 |
| North Dakota | $39,790 | $68,150 | $91,590 |
| Ohio | $39,540 | $62,200 | $95,000 |
| Oklahoma | $31,830 | $45,070 | $70,080 |
| Oregon | $48,030 | $70,180 | $106,980 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,780 | $58,890 | $97,870 |
| Rhode Island | $38,490 | $67,830 | $91,680 |
| South Carolina | $35,760 | $58,670 | $92,750 |
| South Dakota | $52,250 | $79,370 | $100,410 |
| Tennessee | $38,380 | $51,740 | $81,160 |
| Texas | $34,960 | $50,600 | $82,720 |
| Utah | $47,010 | $66,700 | $103,760 |
| Vermont | $47,760 | $55,950 | $76,070 |
| Virginia | $34,730 | $49,900 | $97,260 |
| Washington | $49,000 | $75,660 | $106,190 |
| West Virginia | $30,380 | $48,960 | $102,780 |
| Wisconsin | $46,560 | $74,040 | $91,380 |
| Wyoming | $37,720 | $40,140 | $75,570 |
Source: Medical Equipment Repairers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Related Fields & Online Degrees to Consider
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering degrees combine biology, medicine, and engineering to teach students how to solve problems related to healthcare. The curriculum covers medical devices, imaging, biomechanics, biomedical regulations, and therapeutic treatments.
Biotechnology
When students enroll in a biotechnology master’s program, they learn how biological principles are used to create and improve on technologies. Biotechnology graduates work in medical, environmental, energy, and agricultural jobs thanks to the expertise they gain in virology, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular neurobiology.
Radiologic Technology
Radiologic technology degrees are for those wanting to pursue jobs as cardiovascular technologists, CT scan technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, and ultrasound technicians. These programs teach the different modalities of radiographic technology and how they are used to provide services to patients.
Best Online Schools Offering Biomedical Technician Degrees
With so many online options available, finding the best graduate program in biomedical technology requires careful research. To simplify the process, we’ve ranked today’s top online degree programs based on key data points, including accreditation, online accessibility, tuition costs, and student support.
These rankings rely on the latest Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data, ensuring an accurate and transparent assessment. Whether you seek flexibility, affordability, or academic excellence, this guide will help you find the right fit.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Why We Selected Johns Hopkins University:
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$58,720
- Average Institutional Aid$42,863
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course78%
- % of Students Receiving an Award93%
- Student/Faculty Ratio6/1
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Why We Selected University of Southern California:
Program Details
- AccreditationWASC
- Average In-State Tuition$60,446
- Average Institutional Aid$36,359
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course27%
- % of Students Receiving an Award91%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, Massachusetts
Why We Selected Worcester Polytechnic Institute:
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$54,640
- Average Institutional Aid$23,130
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course19%
- % of Students Receiving an Award89%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
Online Resources for BMET Students and Professionals
- Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
- AAMI Credentials Institute Certification Candidate Handbook
- Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) Library
- BMET Soft Skills
- California Medical Instrumentation Association
- Healthcare Technology Management Association of the Midwest
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health
- American Medical Informatics Association
- Better Biomed Channel
