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Program Overview
So, you’d like a career in health care, but you’re more interested in how machines work than how the human body works.
Madison College’s Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) apprenticeship program will teach you to support patient care from behind the scenes by keeping life-saving technology running.
This program does not require advanced math and science classes. You just need curiosity and an appreciation for STEM and figuring out how things work. You’ll get plenty of hands-on problem-solving experience, earning a paycheck while you learn.
How It Works
Apprentice at a clinic, hospital or biomedical equipment manufacturer and get real-world experience from your sponsor. You will earn income during all phases of the training period, including the time you spend in the classroom. Through 2028, Madison College tuition is covered for the related classes of this program through a grant from US Economic Development Administration EDA Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub.
An apprenticeship requires 4,000 hours of paid training; 640 hours of that training are spent in the classroom. You will train a minimum of 30 hours per week under a licensed professional at the work site. In addition, you will attend class a maximum of 10 hours per week over four semesters. 100% attendance is mandatory for the successful completion of the apprenticeship program.
Small class sizes mean you’ll get personalized attention from instructors who are experts in their fields and have real-world experience. The curriculum is designed by industry professionals who stay current with technology trends, ensuring students are well prepared for the rapidly evolving electronics field.
Through work site and classroom hours you will learn to:
- Install biomedical equipment
- Perform preventative maintenance
- Troubleshoot and repair equipment
- Maintain records
- Ensure regulatory compliance
- Support end users
- Manage parts and supplies
Program Details
BMET apprenticeship classes are offered in person at the Madison Truax campus.
Do More with Your Credits
Twenty of the 23 course credits in this program can transfer to Madison College’s Electronics associate degree or Electrical Engineering Technology associate degree, if you decide to further your education and prospects.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester (Fall)10-605-112AC/DC Electronics 1
Covers basic concepts of electric circuits including: Ohm’s Law; Kirchhoff’s Voltage, and Current Laws; power calculations; and components such as resistors, switches, fuses, conductors, insulators, capacitors, inductors, relays, and other basic electronic components. Also covers use of test equipment.3 credits10-605-172Applied Electronic Math 2
Continues to develop the mathematics skills needed by technicians to be successful in their field and is closely tied to the other second-semester electronics courses. Laboratory sessions continue to integrate math with electronic applications. Course is only offered in the last 8 weeks of each semester.2 creditsSecond Semester (Spring)10-605-113Analog 1
This introductory electronics course covers devices, circuits and applications. This course uses analog electronics devices — diodes, field effect and bipolar transistors and operational amplifiers to learn basic theory and use of test equipment in testing and troubleshooting. Lab procedures emphasize the use of documentation (schematics, layout diagrams, parts lists, data sheets) and troubleshooting procedures.3 credits10-605-118Electronics Assembly and Soldering
This introductory electronics course covers schematics, component identification, and soldering techniques for through hole and surface mount components. IPC-A-610* Standard for Acceptance Criteria for Electronic Assemblies is followed for inspection of assemblies. Following the RoHS directive, lead free solder and assemblies are used in this course. *IPC certification is not automatic upon course completion. IPC certification is awarded separately from the academic credits.3 creditsThird Semester (Summer)10-605-133Regulatory Compliance for Biomedical Equipment
Covers the regulations governing the installation, maintenance, repair, and use of biomedical devices in health care settings. Topics include safety testing, documentation of audits, and the several applicable regulatory statutes.1 creditFourth Semester (Fall)10-605-119Digital Circuits
Covers digital logic circuits including basic gates, flip-flops, decoders, counters, shift registers, multiplexing circuits, comparators and other similar devices. It also covers Boolean algebra and minimization techniques as well as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA). Lab work includes individual project design, including layout, construction, testing and documentation.3 credits10-605-123Electronics for Robotics and Medicine
Embedded Concepts focuses on embedded programming with a hardware emphasis. Arduino development boards are used heavily in this course to explore programming and troubleshooting. Variables, conditionals, mathematical operations, functions, loops, interrupts, libraries, event sequencing, flow charts, visual programming and general Embedded C programming are covered throughout this course. Students will engage with Arduino development boards to understand compilation, downloading, and troubleshooting of embedded code in a target microprocessor.3 creditsFifth Semester (Spring)10-605-134Installation of Biomedical Equipment
Covers the installation of biomedical devices in health care settings. Topics include proper use of manuals and regulatory guidelines for installation, verification of installation and network connectivity, and proper documentation of installations.1 credit10-605-151Instrumentation and Troubleshooting
This advanced course covers the approach, methodology and techniques in trouble shooting electronic circuits and systems as well as the calibration, uses and limitations of common electronic test equipment.3 creditsSixth Semester (Summer)10-605-135Repair and Maintenance of Biomedical Equipment
Covers all aspects of maintaining and repairing biomedical equipment in in health care settings. Topics include performing and documenting preventative maintenance, diagnosing, repairing and documenting faulty equipment, assisting end users of the equipment, and managing parts and supplies.1 credit -
How to Apply
This program is in development, contact Alberto Rodriguez, arodriguez5@madisoncollege.edu for more information.
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Career Outcomes
Employers throughout Madison consider participants in Madison College's biomedical electronics technician apprenticeship top candidates. Those who have completed this apprenticeship program are ready for employment as a Biomedical Technician Level 1.
Level 1 Biomedical Technicians are highly in demand nation-wide. With plenty of room for growth into Level 2 and Level 3 technician careers, the work can also be very lucrative.