University College: Penn State New Kensington
University Park, College of Engineering (2 BET)

The medical community has grown to depend on medical devices and systems to diagnose, treat and monitor patients in health care. These medical devices have become very complex systems, as they are becoming microprocessor controlled, PC based, and networked to share information. Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BETs) are specialized individuals who are educated and trained on the methods of: physiological measurement; equipment application and operation; safety, performance and preventive maintenance testing; calibration; problem solving; and troubleshooting. In addition, BETs may be involved in equipment and technology management programs, selection and installation of medical equipment, manufacturer and FDA recalls of medical devices, quality improvement programs, and training programs for hospital personnel in the safe and proper use of medical equipment.

The classroom and laboratory portions of this major focus on electronically and PC based medical devices for patient monitoring and life-support equipment. The student is exposed to a much broader spectrum of medical equipment through a 400-hour (ten-week) practical internship in an approved health care facility.

The major prepares graduates who, during the first few years of professional practice, will be able to:

• Perform preventive maintenance, performance assurance and safety inspections (PMs) on a wide range of medical devices.
• Understand use, application, and operation on a wide range of medical equipment and systems, with normal/abnormal outcomes/measurements.
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of electrical and electronic engineering technology fundamentals, components and circuits.
• Apply basic mathematical and scientific principals to identify, analyze, and solve technical problems on a wide range of medical equipment and systems.
• Understand use and application of applicable test equipment, simulators and tools required to PM and service medical equipment and systems.
• Awareness, understanding and application of applicable codes, standards, and regulations regarding medical equipment support.
• Perform and assist application design, installation and acceptance testing for medical equipment and systems.
• Work with fellow technicians, clinical professionals, and other related professionals by functioning effectively on committees, teams, and by independent work.
• Properly document actions and follow required procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate effectively with fellow technicians, clinical professionals, and other related professionals.
• Continue professional development by participating in education and training on medical equipment and systems.
• Participate in quality improvement programs that support medical equipment and systems.
• Participate in recognizing, reporting, and monitoring improvements to medical equipment and the related profession, as required by regulation and on a professional voluntary basis.

This program also articulates with Pennsylvania Department of Education approved Tech Prep programs. Secondary school Tech Prep students who have graduated from a program covered by a signed Penn State Tech Prep Articulation Agreement may be eligible for special admission procedures and/or advanced placement. Students completing the 2 BET degree need only complete several additional courses to obtain the Associate in Engineering Technology degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Graduates of the program may qualify for admission to the baccalaureate degree major in Electrical Engineering Technology offered at Penn State Harrisburg and at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College and the baccalaureate degree major in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology offered at Penn State New Kensington, Altoona, York, and Berks.

For the Associate in Engineering Technology degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology, a minimum of 71 credits is required. This program is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc., 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: 410-347-7700, or www.abet.org.

Scheduling Recommendation by Semester Standing given like (Sem: 1-2)
GENERAL EDUCATION: 21 credits
(12 of these 21 credits are included in the REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR) (See description of General Education in front of Bulletin.)
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR: 62 credits
(This includes 12 credits of General Education courses: 3 credits of GN courses; 3 credits of GQ courses; 6 credits of GWS courses.)
PRESCRIBED COURSES (56 credits)
BE T 101(1), BE T 201(5)[1], BE T 202(4)[1], BE T 203 (4)[1], BE T 204W(5)[1], BE T 205(3)[1], CAS 100 GWS(3), CHEM 101(3), EET 105(3), CMPET 117(3), CMPET 120(1), ENGL 015 GWS(3), IST 110 GS(3)[1], MATH 022 GQ(3), MATH 026 GQ(3), PHYS 150 GN(3) (Sem: 1)
IST 220(3) (Sem: 2)
RADSC 230(3) (Sem: 3)
ADDITIONAL COURSE (6 credits)
BI SC 004 GN(3) or BIOL 141 GN(3) (Sem: 1)
Select 3 credits from the following technical courses: BE T 210(3), BE T 296(1-18), BE

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Websites of Universities and Colleges that offer biomedical engineering