CERTIFICATE IN BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST (BESS) - IDL
The Certificate in Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) is a 30-credit hour program that prepares students to provide clinical and administrative support to staff, patients, and administrators for all matters of concern relating to the facility wide lifecycle management of networks, networked medical equipment and associated systems.
Program Overview
| Course Term | Program Cost | Credits | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
|
540 Clock Hours / 30 Semester Credit Hours 30 Weeks (Full Time) 60 Weeks (Part Time) |
$12,497.50 |
30 |
540 |
CERTIFICATE IN BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST (BESS) - IDL
Program Manager: John Schmidt
The BESS Certificate Program is designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in the healthcare industry, focusing on medical device integration, cybersecurity, and other IT/IS-related tasks associated with the management, maintenance, and safe operations of medical devices. Through a combination of theory and hands-on experience, students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to ensure the successful integration of medical devices in healthcare settings, while upholding safety and efficiency.
The program addresses crucial topics in healthcare IT, such as medical device networking, data management, cybersecurity principles, patient privacy, and compliance with industry regulations, including HIPAA and FDA standards. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, the curriculum incorporates courses in computer science, electronics, and health informatics to foster a comprehensive understanding of the complex medical device landscape commonly referred to as the Internet of Medical Things, or IoMT.
A key feature of the program is its emphasis on practical experience, providing students with opportunities to collaborate on real-world projects in order to gain proficiency in popular healthcare IT tools and resources. Students will also benefit from networking opportunities and guidance from experienced professionals in the field, ensuring their readiness for fast-growing and in-demand roles upon graduation.
Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to support medical device integration and maintenance, gain awareness and understanding of cybersecurity measures, and manage foundational IT-related tasks integral to medical device operations. With their specialized knowledge and skills, they will be poised for success in this vital, rapidly-evolving healthcare sector.
Certificate Program Courses
| COURSE PREFIX & TITLE | IDL Lecture | IDL Lab | Total | |||
| Clock Hours | Credit Hours | Clock Hours | Credit Hours | Clock Hours | Credit Hours | |
| General Education | ||||||
| PCDV 1305 Professional Career Development | 30 | 2 | 30 | 1 | 60 | 3 |
| Core Component | ||||||
| BMET 1305 Electronics I | 45 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
| BMET 2304 Biomedical Equipment I | 45 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
| BMET 1303 Networking Fundamentals I | 30 | 2 | 30 | 1 | 60 | 3 |
| BMET 2308 Introduction to Clinical Asset Management Systems | 45 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
| HISM 1505 Intro to Information Technology (ITF) | 45 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
| HISM 1510 Introduction to Servers (Server +) | 30 | 2 | 30 | 1 | 60 | 3 |
| HISM 1520 Cybersecurity Fundamentals (Sec+) | 30 | 2 | 30 | 1 | 60 | 3 |
| HISM 2510 Medical Device Integration | 30 | 2 | 30 | 1 | 60 | 3 |
| HISM 2515 Network Troubleshooting and Methodology | 30 | 2 | 30 | 1 | 60 | 3 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 360 | 25 | 180 | 6 | 540 | 30 |
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) certificate program is designed to provide students with the base knowledge, skills, and competencies to maintain, configure, and troubleshoot networked biomedical devices, telehealth peripherals, and imaging devices. The curriculum offers entry-level and existing Biomedical Technicians the foundation in Information systems technologies, including configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of networked biomedical devices
CREDENTIALS AWARDED UPON COMPLETION
Upon completion of all requirements, the student will be awarded a Certificate (30 Credit Hours) in Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS).
For students seeking to continue their education, 100% of the Certificate program course content is transferable to the A.A.S. Degree in Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS).
CAREER OBJECTIVES
Healthcare technology management is a diverse and rapidly-evolving field where professionals in various roles ensure that medical institutions maintain cutting-edge technologies for improved patient care and better outcomes. These diverse roles, along with many others within the healthcare technology management realm, offer rewarding opportunities for individuals with different skill sets and educational backgrounds. This sector offers multiple career paths, including:
- Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMETs) – Responsible for the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of medical devices in healthcare facilities.
- Healthcare IT Specialists/Biomedical Equipment Support Specialists (BESS) – These specialists manage advanced healthcare information systems to facilitate electronic medical records, telemedicine, and cybersecurity.
- Health Informatics Professionals – This role merges expertise in healthcare and information technology to analyze, design, and implement efficient healthcare systems.
- Health and Safety Managers – These individuals oversee hazardous materials handling, workspace ergonomics, and emergency management to ensure safe work environments.
- Medical Device Sales Representatives – These professionals sell various types of medical equipment to healthcare organizations and practitioners.
- Clinical Application Specialists – These experts support healthcare providers by mapping out and training staff in the utilization of medical systems.
