Biomedical Technician (BMET) Overview

Biomedical Technician (BMET)

• A BMET installs, maintains, and repairs medical equipment in healthcare settings like hospitals and laboratories.
• Their work ensures that medical devices such as ventilators and X-ray machines function correctly.

Typical Duties of a BMET

• Inspecting, testing, and repairing medical equipment are key responsibilities.
• Calibrating devices to meet safety and operational standards is essential.
• BMETs train medical staff on the proper usage of equipment.
• They keep records of maintenance and repairs.
• Ensuring compliance with regulations like FDA and OSHA is part of the role.

Demand and Employment

• There is high demand for BMETs in healthcare.
• BMETs are employed by every hospital.
• They are essential for running diagnostics and repairing equipment like MRIs and CT scanners.
• Training in radiologic technology is necessary.
• TSTC (Texas State Technical College) offers training programs across 11 campuses, with 3 focusing on biomedical programs.
• Graduates can often find immediate employment due to high demand.
• The training program is two years long.
• Entry-level positions allow individuals to gain experience.
• Hospitals may send health professionals for training on modifications to global headquarters.
• Career advancement to supervisory roles is possible.
• Supervisors may have responsibilities in selecting new personnel and equipment.

Salary Information for BMETs

• Salary depends on factors like hospital size and location.
• Rural locations often offer higher pay due to greater demand.
• Inexperienced BMETs can earn $72,000-$75,000.
• Supervisory roles can have salaries of $100,000 and up.
• Advancement to management roles typically requires 4-5 years of experience.
• Employee discounts on food may be available.
• The training program is hands-on and competitive, with 10-15 students accepted.
• There is limited patient interaction in this role.

Dentistry

• Dentistry is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating issues of the teeth, gums, and mouth.
• Dentists provide routine checkups, fillings, extractions, and complex procedures such as root canals and dental implants to maintain oral health.

Typical Duties of a Dentist

• Dentists examine patients' teeth, gums, and oral structures.
• Diagnosing and treating dental conditions (cavities, gum disease, etc) are key.
• Performing procedures like fillings, root canals, crowns, and extractions.
• Prescribing medications like antibiotics and painkillers.
• Educating patients on oral hygiene and preventive care is important.
• Using dental imaging (X-rays, 3D scans) for diagnosis.

Education Requirements for Dentists

• Extensive education and training is required.
• A Bachelor's Degree (Pre-Dental Track), typically a 4-year degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field, is needed.
• Dental School (Doctorate Degree) – A 4-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree is required.
• Residency (Optional for Specialties) – Additional 2–6 years of training, if specializing (e.g., orthodontics, oral surgery).

Statistics in Dentistry

• There are approximately 160,000-170,000 active dentists.
• Texas has 7500 dentists.
• 60% of dentists are general dentists in private practice.
• 20% are specialists in private practice.
• 80% of dentists are males.
• The 2023 entering class at the 4 Texas dental schools was 53% females and 47% males.
• Dental programs involve four years of intensive clinical/didactic study.

Growth and Impact

• 18% projected growth is expected in 2024.
• 99.7% of adults believe a smile is an important asset.
• 200,000 high school and college football injuries are prevented yearly by faceguards and mouth guards.
• The lifetime cost for treating cleft lip or cleft palate is $100,000 for multiple surgeries and therapies.
• Dentists are ranked among the top jobs, with salaries ranging from $105k to $146k.

Dental School Enrollment and Locations

• There are 70 dental schools in the US, DC, and Puerto Rico.
• Four of these are in Texas.
• There are currently 23,000 pre-doc students in dental schools.
• Dental programs include 4 years of intensive curriculum with didactic and clinical requirements.
• Approximately 6300 students are in post-doctoral residencies.
• Last year, 4800 students graduated.
• Degrees granted are DDS (doctor of dental surgery) and DMD (doctor of dental medicine).

Dental School Selection Criteria

• Metrics considered are Grades (GPA) and DAT scores.
• Relevant experiences include employment, research, and dentistry-related experience.
• Attributes: Skills and abilities and personal and professional characteristics.
• Demographic factors.

Dental Admission Test (DAT)

• The DAT is accepted by 66 dental schools in the US and Canada.
• It is administered at Prometric test centers in the US and Canada.
• The test is available year-round.
• Topics covered include Survey of the Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.

Steps to Becoming a Dentist

• Earn a Bachelor's Degree (4 years) – Taking pre-dental courses (biology, chemistry, physics).
• Take the DAT Exam to apply for dental school.
• Complete Dental School (4 years) – Earn a DDS or DMD degree.
• Pass Licensing Exams (NBDE/INBDE + Clinical Board Exam).
• Get Licensed & Start Practicing – Work in a clinic or start a private practice.
• Specialize in a Field by completing a residency for advanced training (optional).

Dental Graduate Practice Stats

• General Practice - nearly 80%.
• Specialties - 20%.
• Pediatric Dentistry - 12%.
• Orthodontics - 11%.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - 9%.
• These are ADA Recognized Specialties.

Dental Practice Options

• Private practice - nearly 90%.
• Academics: Dental Schools or specialty programs.
• Hospital dentistry.
• Research (NIH).
• Federal Dentistry.

2025 Practice Option Update

• Sleep dentistry.
• Temporomandibular disorders/Chronic pain.
• Oral Medicine / Stomatology.
• Dental Acupuncture.

Polysomnography

• Polysomnography applies to a wide variety of ages with sleep disorders.
• Sleep Technologists conduct overnight sleep studies in various settings.
• Preparing Patients for Sleep Studies by applying electrodes, sensors, and monitoring equipment.
• Monitoring Patients During Sleep – Observing breathing, movement, and brain activity via computers.
• Identifying Sleep Disorders – Recording abnormal sleep patterns and disturbances.
• Operating Sleep Study Equipment – Handling CPAP/BiPAP machines for patients with sleep apnea.
• Analyzing Data & Writing Reports – Assisting doctors in diagnosing sleep disorders.
• Educating Patients – Teaching about sleep hygiene and treatment options like CPAP therapy.

Introduction to Polysomnography

• Polysomnography encompasses the clinical care and management of sleep disorders.
• More than 100 sleep disorders identified.
• 60 million people in the US suffering from at least one sleep disorder.
• Over 1,000 sleep labs nationwide.
• Over 16,000 RPSGTs worldwide.

Polysomnography Program Details

• Only 1 of 16 Associate degree polysomnography programs in the US.
• It has 2 tracks - AAS and Certificate.
• Two prereqs only.
• No early classes.

Sleep Medicine Throughout History

• The study of sleep goes back to 3000 BC with the Mesopotamians.
• Seen in Greek and Roman mythology.
• Hypnos = Greek god of sleep.
• Somnus = Roman god of sleep.
• Earliest medical treatment for sleep disorders involved opium.
• Sleep was thought to be an unconscious state between wake and death.

Evolution of Polysomnography

• Nathaniel Kleitman is considered the father of sleep research.
• The first comprehensive book on sleep written in 1939.
• First sleep scoring manual - 1968.
• William Dement is considered the father of sleep medicine.
• The first sleep lab was founded in 1970.
• The term "polysomnography” was coined in 1974.
• 1979 - First RPSGT exam administered.

Early Sleep Study Data Collection

• Mid 1970s to mid 1990s - sleep studied recorded on analog pen and paper machines.
• Digital replaced in the 1990s.

Sleep Disorder Categories

• Insomnias, SRBD, Hypersomnias, Circadian Rhythm Disorders, Parasomnias and SRMD.

Physiological Parameters Evaluated by PSG

• Each page of a sleep study is individually evaluated
• Specific criteria for sleep staging and marking of sleep events
• Audio and visual components; tech notes; physician report and diagnosis and treatment

Interpreting Sleep Studies

• Each page of sleep study is individually evaluated
• Specific criteria for sleep staging and marking of sleep event
• Audio and visual component, Tech notes, Physician report and Diagnosis and treatment
• Being sleep deprived is almost the same as being drunk.

Sleep Phases and Stages

• There are two distinct phases: NREM sleep and REM sleep.
• NREM sleep accounts for 75% of total sleep and has three distinct stages: N1 sleep, N2 sleep and N3 sleep.
• REM sleep accounts for 20-25% of total sleep and cycles about every 90-110 minutes but Shortest at the beginning of the night.

Polysomnography Training

• Was on the job training initially.
• Now need certificate
• Credentials = CPSGT, RPSGT, CCSH.
• Licensure required in certain states (not currently in Texas).
• Requires 50 CECs every 5 years.

Scope of Practice

• Categories of duties: Instrumentation and Performance of PSG.

Types of Polysomnography Jobs

• Night/day shift; Scoring tech; Clinical sleep educator; DME consultant; Software/equipment sales; Scheduling/billing and Teaching professions.

Radiologic Sciences

• Radiologic Sciences involves the use of medical imaging technologies such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound to diagnose and treat diseases.
• Professionals in this field include Radiologic Technologists (Rad Techs), Radiographers, and Radiologists.
• Common Medical Imaging Techniques:
  • X-ray (Radiography) – Captures images of bones and internal structures.
  • Computed Tomography (CT scan) – Produces detailed cross-sectional images.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Uses magnetic fields to image soft tissues.
  • Ultrasound (Sonography) – Uses sound waves to create images of organs.
  • Fluoroscopy – Live X-ray images for procedures.
  • Nuclear Medicine – Uses radioactive tracers for organ imaging.
• Entry Level (primary); pathways into diagnostic imaging with National Certifications (ARRT).

Radiography Schools

• The following are radiography schools:
  • Dallas College - Brookhaven
  • Tarrant County College - Trinity River
  • North Central Texas - Gainsville
  • Grayson College
  • Midwestern State University

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)

• Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound) schools include:
  • Dallas College
  • Collin County

Additional certifications

• Additional secondary certifications include: CT, Mammography, Vascular Interventional and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
• Responsibilities include performing diagnostic imaging exams in hospitals, medical centers, diagnostic centers and doctor's offices.
• Requires angle, geometry, algebra for proper functioning and positioning.
• Effective communication, cognitive and psychomotor skills is needed and the ability to obtain an accurate patient history
• It is important to Explain radiographic procedures to the patients.
  • The patient must not move the will be blurry.
• Other responsibilities include professional behavior, teamwork, communication with patients and working with computers and high-tech equipment.

Job Outlook

• The job outlook is expected to grow 7% between 2019-2029.
• The median pay is $30/hr or about $63,000/year.
• An associate degree is the minimum requirement.
• Additional education means more opportunities and more money.

Dallas College Radiography Curriculum 64 Semester Hours

• 64 hours required with prerequisites: ENGL 1301, College algebra, Anatomy and Physiology 1, Radiographic Imaging Equipment and Intro to Radiography.

Industrial Hygiene (IH)

• Industrial Hygiene is the science of protecting workers from workplace hazards.
• It involves identifying, evaluating, and controlling environmental factors that could harm employees' health and safety.
• Common Workplace Hazards Addressed by Industrial Hygienists:
  • Chemical Hazards – Exposure to toxic chemicals, fumes, or gases.
  • Physical Hazards – Noise, heat, radiation, and vibrations.
  • Biological Hazards – Viruses, bacteria, mold, and fungi in workplaces.
  • Ergonomic Hazards – Poor workstation design causing strain or injury.
  • Airborne Contaminants – Dust, asbestos, smoke, and vapors.
  • Workplace Stressors – Excessive workload, repetitive motions

Industrial Hygienist

• IHs works in various industries to prevent occupational illnesses and ensure safe working conditions.
• The science of practicing/enhancing the health and safety of people at work and in their communities.
• Started in 1914 with medical doctors at Harvard who noticed how black lung was caused by people working in coal mines.

Association Name

• American Industrial Hygiene Association is used.
• Its original name was the American Health Association
• The definition is the science of protecting and enhancing the health and safety of people at work and their communities.
  • Health and safety hazards cover a wide range of chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic stressors. Those dedicated to anticipating, recognizing, evaluating and controlling are known as industrial hygienists.
• A key aspect involves air sampling and noise measurements.
• Determining potential exposures on employees in their working environments.
• The measurement accuracy is very important like air sampling
• The primary goal it to keep the patients healthy as they get older such as hearing-loss.

Salary and Stats

• Requirements include main sciences and acceptance of engineering classes.
• 2017 salaries ranged from $97k-$168k.
• The average was $134k-$150k.
• The average range: is 97,000/year and the highest: 168,000.
• For 2024: 71% percent that responded had master's degree or pHD.

Physical Therapy

• Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing movement, functionality, and overall quality of life.
• The four key areas are:

1. Rehabilitation (after injury, following surgery).
2. Pain management (chronic pain and orthopedic issues).
3. Performance enhancement (sports, aging, and recovery).
4. Injury Prevention (workplace, athletes, and everyday activities).

• The 3 M's: Movement, Manual Medicine, Modalities.

The Role of Physical Therapy

• Physical Therapy is: More than exercising and stretching but a focus on underlying the root causes of dysfunction rather than alleviating symptoms.
• It decreases dependency on pharmaceuticals, injectables, and surgical interventions.
• Enchancing quality of life for various groups, including athletes, seniors, and individuals recovering from surgery.
• Is applicable in hospitals, clinics, sports org, research facilities, and private practices.
• It is grounded in scientific research, clinical expertise, and patient values.
• Grounded in scientific research, clinical expertise, and patient values.
• Uses high Ivl studies; such as RCTs; systematic reviews and meta-analyses; functional outcome measures and applying the best available evidence to treatment plans.

The Role of a PT includes

• More than exercising and stretching; Manual therapy (hands on techniques); Therapeutic exercises (strength, flexibility, movement retraining); Neuromuscular re-education (restoring coordination and balance); Pain management techniques (biophysical agents, electrical stimulation, thermal imaging)
• Patient education (injury prevention, biomechanics).
• PTs careers are fast growing with high demand and job stability that are Financially rewarding and flexible, competitive salaries, and private practice opportunities.
• Other diverse career paths includes: sports medicine, neurology, orthopedics, research, pediatrics, pelvic health
• A core tenet: fulfilling and purpose-driven work to make an impact every single day

Pathway to Physical Therapy

• Earn a bachelor's degree (Pre-PT track) with a major in exercise science, kinesiology, biology or related field which involves maintaining high GPA and complete PT pre-reqs.
• Get Clinical Experience either Shadow via licensed PTs (200+ observation hours recommended) or to work as a PT aide or volunteer in different PT settings.
• Take the GRE (if required) and apply via PTCAS then to complete a 3-Year DPT Program and Pass the National PT Exam (NPTE). Become A Top Candidate For DPT School:

To become a top candidate make sure to

• Excel in Science Courses (Anatomy, Physiology, Physics).
• Get Hand-On Experience (Internships, volunteering, PT clinics).
• Network with PT and Professors (Mentorship, strong recommendation letters).
• Diversify clinical shadowing (Orthopedics, neuro, sports, pediatrics).

The Future of PT-AI, Technology, and Personalized Medicine

• Al-driven diagnostics and wearable sensors.
• Personalized rehab plans using motion tracking.
• Virtual reality.
• Bioelectricity/electrotherapy - stimulation tissue repair and Mechanobiology/movement loading.
• Wearable sensors and Al motion analysis - personalized treatment plans.