by Glen L. Wolfe, CBET, CET

The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) has announced that it will be adding a certified biomedical imaging technician (CBIET) option to its 22 other certification exams. Since the mid-1960s, ETA-I has offered a variety of certification exams to electronics technicians. These certifications are globally recognized throughout the electronics industry and backed by the ICAC (International Certification Accreditation Council). From avionics to fiber optics, the ETA-I has continually kept pace with the ever-changing landscape of the electronics technician. In this tradition the CBIET was created.

The ETA-I’s biomedical committee appointed a specialized subcommittee that included a former United States Army Medical Equipment School instructor, a certified biomedical equipment technician, and former field service engineers from the top medical imaging manufacturer. This committee compiled a 100-question exam covering a broad spectrum of imaging modalities. Topics include x-ray, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging. Theory and troubleshooting are covered, as are anatomy, medical terminology, regulation, and safety. Once the exam was completed it was beta-tested through the Indiana Biomedical Society.

Now the CBIET exam will be offered alongside the ETA-I’s other certifications. It can be taken at any time for a fee of $75. A minimum of 75 correct answers will earn a candidate the certification. Testing sites are located throughout the country and can be located by visiting the ETA-I’s Web site. The ETA-I has given the imaging engineer the ability to demonstrate proficiency and gain recognition with the addition of this certification. It is anticipated that this long overlooked industry will embrace the chance to be included in the certification process. The ETA-I continues to meet the needs of technicians worldwide with training, resources and a strong voice in the electronics community. Adding an imaging technician certification is just one example of how the ETA-I is working for the technician. For information on this certification or others visit the Electronics Technicians Association, International at www.eta-sda.com.

Glen L. Wolfe CBET, CET, is the biomedical engineering operation manager for Adventist Healthcare System, Midwest Region. He has worked in the field for 12 years and holds a BS in biomedical technology.

“The Pickering award recognizes people who live a life of service to others [and] Dave Harrington’s job at TiM revolves around teaching and developing people. He has great strength in working with new and younger people in our field, bringing their skills along. He has also exposed people to the professional side of the business through teleconferences for the managers, encouraging attendance at professional meetings, and involving staff technicians in publishing.”

Harrington, the director of education and training at TiM, is a well-respected clinical engineer, teacher, and commentator. His career has spanned 4 decades, during which he has mentored hundreds of biomeds as director of clinical engineering at Tufts-New England Medical Center. Harrington is a regular contributor to 24x7 and is a member of its editorial advisory board.

Congratulations, Dave.