Biomedical Electronics Technologist

Overview

As a member of the military, Biomedical Electronics Technologists provide technical maintenance and repair support for medical and dental equipment used in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). As a member of the Health Services team, they use electronic instrumentation and workshop tools to ensure the accurate performance of medical devices.

The primary responsibility of the Biomedical Electronics Technologist is to maintain medical equipment according to the specifications of both the Canadian Standards Association and the manufacturer. This includes a variety of medical devices, such as:

• Operating room monitors and devices;
• Intensive care unit monitors and devices;
• Emergency room monitors and devices;
• Medical laboratory equipment; and
• Diagnostic imaging equipment.

Work environment

Biomedical Electronics Technologists may work in a regional repair facility, at a Canadian Field Hospital, or an Advanced Surgical Centre, within Canada or around the world. They may also work on board a ship where they perform repairs and maintenance. They must make maintenance visits to medical establishments within the CAF on a regular basis.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of a Diploma of Technology in Biomedical Engineering from an accredited Canadian institution and at least six months work experience within the past two years as a Biomedical Electronics Technologist. However, if you are a new graduate of a recognized program within the last 12 months, no minimum work experience is required.

The ideal candidate will already have a Diploma of Technology in Biomedical Engineering from an accredited Canadian college and six months of work experience, the CAF will decide if your academic program and experience match the training criteria for this job and may place you directly into an on-the-job training program following basic training.

For further information, please contact a Canadian Forces Health Services Recruiter: [email protected]

Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training Education Plan (NCMSTEP)

Since this position requires specialty training, the Canadian Armed Forces will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive a full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full-pay in exchange for working with the Forces for a period of time.

For further information, please contact a Canadian Forces Health Services Recruiter: [email protected]

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Biomedical Electronics Technologists complete one year of on-job training under the supervision of a senior Biomedical Electronics Technologist.

Applicants who enrol under the Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP) will have the opportunity to complete a portion, or all of their Basic Occupational Qualification Training at an approved Canadian college, university, other postsecondary establishment.

Biomedical Electronics Technologists may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Technical Administration;
• Leadership and Management; and
• Service tech courses.

Part time options

Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts. They begin training by attending a basic military training course where they must meet the required basic professional military standards. Following basic military training, Biomedical Electronics Technologists will complete up to one year of on-the-job training under the supervision of a senior Biomedical Electronics Technologist to achieve their qualification. This on-the-job training will be coordinated and monitored by a senior technologist, taking into account past civilian trade-related experience as well as civilian work commitments. The on-the-job training may take place in blocks of training lasting from one week to longer periods of time based on your availability.

Reserve Force Biomedical Electronics Technologists may serve part-time at a Health Services Clinic and may also serve in full-time positions at some units for fixed terms, depending on the type of work that they do. They are paid 92.8 percent of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

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