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What They Do
Biomedical Electronics Technologists provide technical maintenance and repair support for medical and dental equipment used in the Canadian Forces. 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
- diagnostic imaging equipment
Working 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 Canadian Forces on a regular basis.
Career Development
The starting salary for a fully-trained Biomedical Electronics Technologist is $49,400 per year; however, depending on previous experience and training the starting salary may be higher. Biomedical Electronics Technologists who demonstrate the required ability, dedication and potential are selected for opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced 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 Forces 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.
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
The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Canada. Foreign education may be accepted.
If you already have a Diploma of Technology in Biomedical Engineering froma recognized Canadian college and six months of work experience, the Canadian Forces will decide if your academic program and experience match the training criteria for this job and may place you directly into the any required on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training and military occupation training is required before being assigned.
Non-commissioned Member Subsidized Education Program.
This position is available for part-time employment through the Reserves. Reservists generally work part-time for a Reserve unit in their community. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.
Reservists train with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required professional standards of the job. If additional training is required in order to specialize skills, arrangements will be made by the home unit.
It is also possible to set up an “Individual Learning Plan” to take courses leading to a college diploma related to this job, and upon successful completion, be reimbursed for up to 50% of tuition and other mandatory costs. Education fees for successfully completed courses are reimbursed as long as the student was a Reservist during the entire duration of the course.
Typically, Reservists work or train with their home unit for at least four evenings and one weekend per month, from September to May of each year. They are paid 85% of Regular Force rates of pay and receive a reasonable benefits package.
