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Closeup of hand working with see-through healthcare screen

Get the skills you'll need to repair and maintain sophisticated biomedical equipment by training at Minnesota State College Southeast.


Career Area: Health Sciences
Program: Biomedical Equipment Technology
Campus(es): Winona

 Major Details

Biomedical equipment technician training at MSC Southeast in Winona, Minnesota will teach you the skills and knowledge to maintain, adjust, calibrate, and repair a wide variety of electronic and electromechanical equipment, as well as computerized and networked systems used in hospitals.

You will also gain the expertise needed to work on equipment such as CT scanners, ultrasound equipment, electric wheelchairs, and sophisticated dental, optometric, and ophthalmic equipment.

Biomedical Equipment repair is an up-and-coming occupation that is in high demand. The number of job openings is expected to outnumber qualified applicants, due in part to the increased demand for health care services and the increasing complexity of the medical equipment used in hospitals and by private practitioners.

The Biomedical Equipment Technician degree is built on the foundation of the college’s successful 2-year Electronics program and is taught by experienced instructors at our Winona, MN campus. As part of your studies you will complete an on-site internship at a health care facility or medical equipment repair company, so you will be well-prepared to enter the workforce when you graduate.

To be successful in Biomedical Equipment repair you:

  • Must have technical skills and problem solving abilities

  • Need good hand/eye coordination and show mechanical aptitude

  • Must show great attention to detail, have excellent communication skills, and be able to work as a member of a team

Apply now for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast


Cluster/Pathway

Career Field: Engineering, Manufacturing & Technology
Cluster: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Pathway: Engineering & Technology

Download the Program Plan

 Courses

1) Must complete a minimum of 3 different MnTC goals in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

2) 1100 or higher Liberal Arts and Sciences courses required unless specified.


GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Choose one Goal 4 course. Math 1230 Intro to Statistics is suggested. (If transferring to a 4-year college, MATH 1220 College Algebra or MATH 1225 Pre-Calculus are preferred.)
3 cr
3 cr
 
15 crs
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
NWAT elective courses. See your advisor for options.
6 cr
BMET2221
This introductory course begins with a brief overview of the human body. There will be special focus on the heart and circulatory system. Biomedical instrumentation and measurement will include information on electrodes, sensors, transducers, bioelectric amplifiers, electrocardiographs and other cardiovascular devices. (Prerequisites: ELEC1202 Intro to DC Electricity, ELEC1204, ELEC1209 DC, ELEC1212, and a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
3 cr
BMET2222
This course covers the quality assurance and continuous quality improvement aspects as related to a hospital setting. Electrical safety and preventive maintenance will be covered. Hospital safety codes will be discussed and information from NEC, NFDA and, JCAH will be presented. (Prerequisites: ELEC1202, ELEC1204, ELEC1209 and ELEC1212) (2 credits: 2 lecture/0 lab)
2 cr
BMET2223
This course focuses on biomedical technology as it applies to the respiratory and nervous system. Biomedical instrumentation and equipment utilized in the following areas will include: respiratory therapy, measuring brain function, intensive care monitoring, operating rooms, medical laboratory, and ultrasonography. (Prerequisites: BMET 2221, BMET2222 and a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
3 cr
BMET2224
This course focuses on the various types of equipment used in the hospital setting. These include waveform display devices, fiber optics and lasers, computers, networking, and the Pak system, also radiology and nuclear equipment. (Prerequisites: (Prerequisites: BMET2223 and a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
3 cr
BMET2225
This course introduces the student to an on-site learning experience as a biomedical equipment technician. The student will be assigned to a Health Care Facility or Medical Equipment repair company. Supervision of the intern is shared by a biomedical technician, or facility supervisor and a college faculty member. This course gives the students an opportunity to develop the practical skills necessary to work individually or in a group in a professional hospital setting. (Prerequisite or Concurrent: BMET2224 and 6 credits NWAT electives - see advisor. Also a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better) ( 3 Credit: 0 Lect. / Pres, 0 Lab, 3 OTJ)
3 cr
ELEC1202
This course covers the general information, theory, and problem-solving techniques required for an analysis of DC circuits with emphasis on the meter measurements, current flow, and voltage division. (Prerequisite: Proficient in basic math) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
2 cr
ELEC1204
This course covers the general information, theory, and problem-solving techniques required for an analysis of AC circuits. Topics include: AC waveforms, oscilloscope operation, meter measurements, and AC vs. DC comparisons. (Prerequisites or Concurrent: ELEC1202, proficiency in basic math) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
2 cr
ELEC1209
This course covers the study of Ohm's Law, Kirchoff's Law and network theorems, with an emphasis on the theoretical concepts as related to electricity/electronics. The application of DC theory through laboratory experiments are also examined. Instruction in the operation of basic test equipment is used to provide verification of topics and to reinforce the theory. (Prerequisite or Concurrent: ELEC1202) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
2 cr
ELEC1212
Students will learn about basic digital gates and how to use those gates to develop combinational logic circuits. Experimentation with digital circuits will aid in the reinforcement of the fundamental digital concepts. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
3 cr
ELEC1214
In this course students will study the proper techniques necessary for placement of components on PCB's, with emphasis on THM and SMT technologies. Proper use of standard and specialized tools and equipment will be demonstrated. Soldering techniques will be critiqued in accordance with IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 soldering standards. (Prerequisite: None) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
2 cr
ELEC1220
This course presents an overview of electronic communication systems and principles. Amplitude Modulation, Frequency Modulation, and Multiplexing Fundamentals. Practical experiments will reinforce many points presented in Electronics Communications. (Prerequisites: ELEC1202, ELEC1204) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
2 cr
ELEC1250
A theoretical understanding of solid-state devices, which includes diodes, bipolar transistors, field effect transistors and others, and their operation in both DC and AC circuits will be covered. Analysis of these operations will be demonstrated through the lab exercises and proper use of test equipment. Proper biasing of solid-state devices is stressed. (Prerequisites: ELEC1202, ELEC1204, ELEC1209) (4 credits: 2 lecture/2 lab)
4 cr
ELEC1330
This course is an introduction to sensing, instrumentation and control using The BASIC Stamp microcontroller. Pre-built applets will be used to input and output data from digital and analog interfaces, make logical decisions based upon the inputs. Devices interfacing with this tool may include, but are not limited to photo-electric sensors, servos, and LEDs. Upon completion, students should have a fundamental understanding of how The BASIC Stamp can be used for data input, control, and monitory environments. (Prerequisite: none) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
2 cr
ELEC2211
Digital electronics are so widely used that it is almost impossible to think of electronic equipment without them. Digital circuits have greatly improved electronic methods and have given practical electronic equipment amazing compatibility. In this course you will learn how advancements in digital IC technology reduce the size of complex circuits. We will explore counters, shift registers, and others to build complex digital circuits. (Prerequisite: ELEC1212) (4 credits: 2 lecture/2 lab)
4 cr
ELEC2227
This course will explore the personal computer. Emphasis will be placed on the hardware and assembly of the PC. Basic troubleshooting techniques will be discussed as it relates to the Personal Computer. The use of diagnostic and monitoring software will be explored. Topics covered provide a preparation for a possible A+ certification. (Prerequisite: 3 credits NWAT electives - See Advisor) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)
4 cr
ELEC2260
This course covers linear integrated circuits. In this course a wide variety of amplifiers, oscillators and generators will be analyzed, which use the op amp. The op amp is one of the most versatile integrated circuits; it provides high gain and wideband width in a simple configuration. (Prerequisite: ELEC1250 ) (4 Credits: 2 lecture/2 lab)
4 cr
 
51 crs

Total Credits Required for this Major: 66

 Cost

Estimated Costs for this Major
Approximate Tuition/Fees: $14,544
Minimum Tool Cost: $50
Books/Supplies: $1,200
Estimated Total: $15,794

 Career Opportunities

  • Biomedical Electronics Technician

  • Biomedical Engineering Technician

  • Biomedical Equipment Specialist

  • Electromedical Equipment Repairer

  • Medical Equipment Repairer

  • Field Service Technician

Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.

 Outcomes

Program graduates will be able to:

  1. Use knowledge and skills to analyze, troubleshoot, measure and/or program systems and devices used in the biomedical equipment industry.

  2. Work as a productive and responsible team member.

  3. Repair systems and equipment by applying logic and knowledge to solve complex problems associated with biomedical equipment technology.

  4. Demonstrate the use of software, programming, and interfacing to troubleshoot micro and personal computers and their applications within the biomedical equipment technology industry.

  5. Apply acquired skills and learn new skills by engaging in lifelong learning.

  6. Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to the analysis of biomedical equipment problems.

  7. Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively.

  8. Function with a respect for diversity and knowledge of professional, social, and global issues.

 Highlights

  • Learn to service and maintain medical equipment

  • Work in computerized and networked electronic and electromechanical environments

  • Instructors have experience in multiple disciplines

  • Learn communication skills to work in a high tech environment with other respected professionals in healthcare and medical facilities

  • Learn how to support medical staff in the use of technology

  • Job stability and satisfaction

  • Career growth and development opportunities

 Instructors

Delane Frauenkron

A graduate of Minnesota State Southeast Biomed Electronics Program in 2015, Delane has more than a decade of experience working at Winona Health and Emplify Heath (formerly Gundersen), most recently as a Biomed Technician Consultant. A lifelong resident of Houston, Minnesota, Delane operates a small beef farm that has been in his family for 150+ years. Away from work, Delane enjoys coaching, fast-pitch softball, hunting, fishing and anything involving his kids.