Join the Biomedical Electronics Technologist occupation today

August 24, 2022 - Defence Stories

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A military Biomedical Technician inspects a portable X-ray machine in Petawawa, Ontario.

Thinking of becoming a Biomedical Electronics Technologist? BE Techs play a key role in ensuring the operational readiness of Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) through their expertise in maintaining medical and dental equipment.  Now is the time to join this occupation. The Non-Commissioned Members Subsidized Training and Education Plan (NCM-STEP) is a CAF program whereby the military will completely subsidize the costs of a BE Tech program from an accredited post-secondary institution. In addition to having your education paid for, you will receive the full-time salary and benefits of a member of the Regular Force.

BE Techs’ primary task is to provide technical maintenance and repair support for medical and dental equipment used by their CFHS colleagues. The equipment must be maintained according to the specifications of the Canadian Standards Association and the equipment manufacturers. BE Techs are responsible for understanding a variety of medical and dental devices inside and out.

These include monitors and devices for operating and emergency rooms, intensive care units, medical laboratories, and physiotherapy clinics. BE Techs are also responsible for maintaining and repairing diagnostic imaging equipment, such as portable X-ray machines and CT Scanners. These hard-working individuals are ready to solve any problems that arise, in order to ensure the accurate performance of the equipment needed for life-sustaining treatment.

BE Techs can work in diverse locations both domestically and internationally; they may work in regional repair facilities, Canadian Field Hospitals, and advanced surgical centres, or onboard a ship. They must also regularly perform maintenance visits to all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) medical establishments. BE Techs can deploy on operations to support medical units where they may have the opportunity to work with allied nations or with local health care establishments. BE Techs are also part of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) of the CAF. Through DART, they travel to regions affected by natural disasters, and participate in humanitarian missions.

Upon finishing the BE Tech program, you will complete one year of on-the-job training. This training provides the core knowledge and skills required to work as a BE Tech in the CAF. BE Techs are encouraged to develop specialized skills as they advance in their career, such as in technical administration, leadership, and management.

Military medical missions in Canada and abroad rely on Biomedical Electronics Technologists to get the job done. To learn more, email CFHSAttractionCell-CelluledattractionSSFC@forces.gc.ca and join this impressive occupation today.