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Post by Kriegel on May 3, 2022 18:33:04 GMT
Hi - inquiring on this forum re: becoming a biomed. I'm looking to expand on my dialysis career. I've been a PCT for going on 5 years; stable job, obviously, but I've been burnt out for a while, to the point where I've all but completely lost my sense of empathy and compassion (just have to be honest). I've been recommended to stay on in my clinics in another capacity, specifically in machine upkeep and water system maintenance. I know theory of the hydraulics and how to analyze endo and LAL, but I'm not too familiar with the mechanics and electronic side of the machines (ROs and dialysis). The biomeds I shadowed and talked to are all old school, OTJ trained with what is seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of what they work on. I'd love to go the OTJ route, but administration says I need to have paper credentials (i.e. degree).
I am a diligent learner, but I don't know what exactly I would need to study. Any suggestions? The biomeds are pulling for me, but can't really pinpoint what I would really need. I looked at programs and the required classes are some that, although would be good to know about, don't really pertain to equipment (I understand the importance of A&P in a clinical sense, but for the biomed?)
Any advice is welcome
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Post by Chuck Weddle on May 3, 2022 19:25:43 GMT
A TRUE biomed needs a minimum of an AA in biomedical technology. I never agreed with people who work on dialysis machines referring to themselves as "biomed technicians" unless they actually have the degree or certificate.
Working on dialysis machines and water systems does not require a degree. You do however need to be "properly trained" which is usually by attending a training program given by the manufacturer of your equipment.
IMHO, a mechanically inclined patient care technician with the desire for something more (which sounds like you) make better machine techs than most degreed "biomeds". Knowing Ohm's law or being able to read resistor color codes does no good in our business.
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bess
Junior Member
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Post by bess on May 4, 2022 16:02:25 GMT
Chuck why do you not agree with dialysis machine technicians being referred to as "biomeds" unless you are referring to OEM production technicians and FSEs. Also OEM production technicians for Fresenius, B Braun, etc do meet the basic requirements for CBET certification. That post sounds rather elitist and could discourage someone who is looking to get their foot in the door.
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eric
Full Member
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Post by eric on May 4, 2022 16:07:25 GMT
Bess,
I think it could be the difference between a technician and a technologist. Could we say that the bio med technician does not have the degree and the bio med technologist does? I have a degree in nuclear medicine technology. this makes me a technologist, not a technician. at least thats the way i was taught. Hard when we all shorten to tech..... I would like to hear your opinion chuck. I dont disagree but its hard to make that differentiation without other terminology to help us with that difference.......
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Post by Chuck Weddle on May 4, 2022 16:14:18 GMT
Chuck why do you not agree with dialysis machine technicians being referred to as "biomeds" unless you are referring to OEM production technicians and FSEs. Also OEM production technicians for Fresenius, B Braun, etc do meet the basic requirements for CBET certification. That post sounds rather elitist and could discourage someone who is looking to get their foot in the door. Bess, I think you may be misunderstanding what I said. I'm actually encouraging those without a "formal" education saying that IMHO someone with a patient care background, desire, and natural inclinations make better dialysis equipment technicians. I would imagine that those with the formal education and degrees take offense to others calling themselves "Biomedical Technicians" the same way trained/educated Chefs feel about a line cook in a diner being called a "chef". |
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Post by Admin on May 4, 2022 17:26:12 GMT
Kriegel - It's tough to say what to study but I would think that if your company wants you to have a degree - they should be able to tell you what they are requiring. Coming to the dark side is fun, it's challenging and you're always learning something new. People can't expect you to be an expert right from the go. If you feel like you are an expert, you're going to have a very very hard time. My biggest BIGGEST thing to tell people - just have some damn critical thinking. If you have water HERE... but not HERE... the problem is prrrooobbbaaabbbllllyyy somewhere in the middle.
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Post by dave74 on May 5, 2022 9:16:45 GMT
I don't want to discourage you, but many units need someone who can hit the ground running and don't have the staff to provide on the job training.
I have no idea what they want you to study. If you follow the posts here, you will see that nobody troubleshoots to the component level. I don't know how a degree in electronics would help. In fact, you will see that some people just throw parts at the machine and don't really troubleshoot.
I assume you are a certified PCT, so you already know dialysis theory. I would think the manufacturer training classes and working with an experienced biomed would be enough.
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Post by guest1234 on May 5, 2022 17:40:41 GMT
Sure a biomedical degree looks good on paper but in my years of working as a biomed your average college graduated couldn't do half of the work we are required to do. I dont know a school around that could prepare you for what we do on a daily basis. Times have changed.
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Post by gnurk on May 6, 2022 12:32:33 GMT
you should be a jack or jill of all trades, replace light bulbs, plunge toliets clean brine tank to do pms on ros and machines
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Post by Travis CHBT on May 6, 2022 14:41:47 GMT
I'm a mechanic turned biomed. I spent 15 years in the automotive industry. I went from a regular oil change tech to shop foreman within my years. I even done some service advisor work. My expertise is diagnostic work. I love troubleshooting problems because I gain so much knowledge from it. I wanted to change career paths and biomed was the closest transferable skill I found. I've been a biomed since 2017 mainly in dialysis but I do have a lot of ancillary equipment skill because of the hospitals I've worked in with different biomed rolls. I've really never agreed with degrees because some of us are not good at school/college but that piece of paper will get you in the door. Some people have the paper but can't fix a pen if it comes apart!! I have my CBNT which will change to CHBT because of Bonent. I also plan on getting my CHWS certification and would like to get CBET but I don't like to study and I'm a hands on learner lol! I believe a good biomed is someone who posses good mechanical and electrical knowledge but more importantly someone who loves to learn and also teach. I love teaching people about the machine and water system! Oh and I did not know a thing about water prior to me changing careers and now I'm like "how long as that bottle of water been sitting out haha! Sometimes someone just needs a chance and I'm extremely grateful I was given one!
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bess
Junior Member
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Post by bess on May 11, 2022 15:55:32 GMT
Amusing story here...a brand new hospital biomed, who has never worked in dialysis, after shadowing me on a PM said "ok I get it. A dialysis machine is just an oversized infusion pump and controller"
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Post by Kriegel on May 11, 2022 18:51:15 GMT
Thank you all for the replies and insight. I can see the side of every bit of input here. In talking with our biomeds, pretty much everything that was shared they concurred with. I'll look into getting the "piece of paper" so I can have something on record; plus, it will most likely (maybe unbeknownst to me) pertain to maintaining the machines and water systems. As busy as they are, the team will take me under its wings as a hands-off shadow when opportunities come about. I will have to work the PCT route a bit longer, though, to maintain a paycheck. Good thing about that is the 12-14 hour shifts leaves me with days free for schooling or observation.
Thanks again! I'll likely inquire here more as my studies progress
Ben
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bess
Junior Member
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Post by bess on May 16, 2022 15:49:39 GMT
You might want to consider CABT (Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology) certification. It is for those new to biomedical engineering, it would be considered the equivalent of an apprentice. The exam is administered online and certification is good for 5yrs.
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bess
Junior Member
Posts: 59
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Post by bess on May 25, 2022 15:01:56 GMT
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bess
Junior Member
Posts: 59
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Post by bess on Jun 2, 2022 13:57:05 GMT
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