Bethlehem College
Biomedical Technician Kaihangarau Utauta Whakaora
Biomedical technicians make, modify, maintain and repair mechanical and electronic medical equipment such as clinical machines, surgical instruments and implants.
Biomedical technicians who work with electrical and electronic equipment need to be registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board, or work towards this once they are employed. They also need an annual practising licence.
Experienced biomedical technicians can apply to the Engineering Associates Registration Board to become a registered engineering associate.
- Electrical Workers Registration Board website - information about registration with NZ qualifications
- Electrical Workers Registration Board website - information about the practising licence
- Engineering Associates Registration Board website - information about registration
Biomedical technicians may do some or all of the following:
- advise and consult with medical staff about their equipment requirements
- make surgical equipment and tools
- install and test medical equipment
- examine, maintain and repair equipment
- do quality assurance and electrical safety checks on equipment
- train staff to use equipment and give technical advice and assistance
- help design and develop implants for use during operations – for example, artificial joints.
Physical Requirements
Biomedical technicians need to have good hand-eye co-ordination and normal colour vision.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for biomedical technicians includes:
- work with a medical equipment company
- mechanical, electrical and engineering work
- computer work.
Personal Qualities
Biomedical technicians need to be:
- careful, methodical, well organised and responsible
- practical and logical
- able to work without direct supervision and show initiative
- customer-focused and mindful of patients' rights and comfort
- good communicators
- skilled at analysis and problem-solving
- good with computers.
Skills
Biomedical technicians need to have:
- knowledge of medical equipment, its use and care
- knowledge of biomedical technology
- practical skills in mechanics, engineering, electronics and testing equipment
- a basic understanding of physiology and medical terms.
Conditions
Biomedical technicians:
- work regular business hours, but may be on call
- work in hospital workshops, clinics, and departments.
Subject Recommendations
NCEA Level 2 is required to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include biology, construction and mechanical technologies, design and visual communication, digital technologies, mathematics and physics.
Related Subjects
Biomedical Technicians can earn around $58K-$86K per year.
Pay for biomedical technicians varies depending on their qualifications and experience.
Biomedical technicians working for Te Whatu Ora Health NZ (former DHBs)
- Qualified biomedical technicians usually earn $58,000 to $86,000 a year
- Senior biomedical technicians, who may also supervise staff, can earn $87,000 to $104,000.
Sources: Auckland Region District Health Boards/ PSA, ‘Allied, Public Health, Scientific & Technical Multi Employer Collective Agreement, expires 30 June 2023’, 2022, and District Health Boards/ PSA, ‘Allied, Public Health, Scientific & Technical Multi Employer collective agreement, expires 30 June 2023’, 2022.
Biomedical technicians can progress into managerial or biomedical engineering positions.
Years Of Training
2 years of training usually requiredTo become a biomedical technician you need one of the following:
- New Zealand Diploma of Engineering (in electrical, electronic or mechanical engineering)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology.
Biomedical technicians who are registered as electrical service technicians must take a refresher course every two years to keep their licence up to date.
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