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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.
The role of the Canadian Forces Health Services Reserves is to provide trained personnel to support, augment and sustain Canadian Forces Health Services organizations for Canadian Armed Forces operations and training activities, while building and maintaining links between the Canadian Armed Forces and the local community.
This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve as a member of the 1 Canadian Field Hospital Detachment Ottawa. Reserve Force members in this unit reside across Canada and serve part time a minimum of 14 days per year in a military clinic or on military training when required. They are paid during their training. 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.
Biomedical Electronics Technologists may serve with the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army or the Royal Canadian Air Force as part of the Canadian Forces Health Services Group. They are employed to provide technical maintenance and repair support for medical and dental equipment used in the Canadian Armed Forces. When they are employed on a part-time or casual full-time basis they usually serve at a location within Canada.
Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts. They begin training by attending a basic military training course where they must meet the required basic professional military standards. Following basic military training, Biomedical Electronics Technologists will complete up to one year of on-the-job training under the supervision of a senior Biomedical Electronics Technologist to achieve their qualification. This on-the-job training will be coordinated and monitored by a senior technologist, taking into account past civilian trade-related experience as well as civilian work commitments. The on-the-job training may take place in blocks of training lasting from one week to longer periods of time based on your availability.
Reserve Force Biomedical Electronics Technologists may serve part-time at a Health Services Clinic and may also serve in full-time positions at some units for fixed terms, depending on the type of work that they do. They are paid 85% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.
For more information, and to start the application process for part-time employment, send an e-mail to: HealthServicesReserves@forces.gc.ca.
