Biomedical Engineering Technology

The health-care industry has experienced an explosive increase in the application of sophisticated medical diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. The increased use of these technologies and equipment has resulted in heightened technical expertise requirements for medical professional employees. From the need for medical professional employees to provide safe and effective application of patient care technology, the field of biomedical engineering technology has evolved.

The biomedical engineering technologist assists the medical profession by maintaining medical equipment (heart monitors, surgical lasers, defibrillators, etc.), educating users on appropriate equipment practices, developing improved equipment designs, providing consultation on equipment selection and ensuring adherence to codes, laws and regulations pertaining to medical equipment.

The Biomedical Engineering Technology program provides students with the skills of an electronic technologist while focusing specifically on biomedical equipment technology. In addition to courses in basic electronics, computer systems, industrial electronics, digital communications and control systems, the program includes courses in three major areas of medical equipment application: biomedical instrumentation, X-ray and diagnostic imaging equipment and medical laboratory instrumentation. Supplementary courses in anatomy and physiology and medical equipment management complete the medical specialization. Fourth-semester field practice placements and clinical guest lectures at hospitals in the region are integrated with a one-month practicum to provide students with a practical foundation for employment in the field.