The right stuff - What it takes to become a military BMET

Trimedx associates Angela Bennett and Alex Collins were recently featured in a TechNation article about transitioning from military biomedical equipment technician roles to civilian healthcare technology management (HTM) careers. They credited their military service with building the technical skills required to maintain critical medical equipment—and the adaptability to solve complex, high-stakes problems quickly.

Becoming a military biomedical equipment technician (BMET) takes months of intensive, hands-on training — and it leaves service members with a skill set that carries straight from field hospitals into civilian HTM careers.

The branches of the military offer a number of jobs and career paths that provide quality training for an occupation that might transfer effectively to civilian life. The U.S. Army and Marine Corps officially use the term Military Occupational Specialty most often referred to as MOS. The U.S. Air Force and Space Force use the term Air Force Specialty Code or AFSC. The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard use ratings and the Navy Enlisted Classification system.

Individuals entering the military must assess their strengths and the subjects they did well in during high school or college. They also need to be mindful of their personal interests such as helping people, solving puzzles or using technical skills. Jobs can vary significantly, from intelligence analysis to aircraft maintenance to public affairs. This is true whether the military is a long-term career or a steppingstone to a civilian job.

As is the case with many occupations available through the military, a biomedical equipment technician (BMET) assignment includes intense training and a satisfying occupation that can carry over into civilian life.

The TechNation/AAMI 2025 State of HTM Survey, earlier this year, found that 25.6 percent reported having received their biomed training in the military. The survey also found that about 2.5 percent reported being active duty or reservists.

Not a short equipment-repair course

The military’s tri-service biomed training program has evolved over the years. It was initially located at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. In 2010, it moved to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. It is located on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The program provides soldiers, airmen and sailors with an intense hands-on training program with access to cutting-edge technology.

Part of the Medical Education & Training Campus (METC), students attend a state-of-the-art Department of Defense (DoD) healthcare education campus; the biomed program is one of 49 academic courses. The program graduates about 400 BMETs annually.

“The BMET Training Course is a tri-service course for Army, Air Force and Navy personnel. Army and Air Force students are here for 44 weeks of full-time training. The current Navy pipeline is 60 weeks, which includes 41 weeks of consolidated training with the Army and Air Force. The Army’s and Air Force’s service-specific training is three weeks, while the Navy’s is 16 weeks,” says Aleksandr K. Manuylidi, CW2, MS, course director of the BMET Training Course at Fort Sam Houston.

While the Navy’s course has the longest first phase, Manuylidi says that some courses have a second phase at a military hospital.

He says that the standard academic day is generally 0800-1700 (8a.m.-5p.m.), Monday through Friday. Students complete 12 consolidated modules with classmates from all three services, with the occasional international student and a service-specific 13th module.

“The course depends heavily on practical laboratory instruction. Students do not merely study theory; they inspect, troubleshoot, calibrate, service and repair representative medical equipment under instructor supervision,” Manuylidi says.

Training includes a wide variety of skills and topics including:

• Electrical and electronic fundamentals
• Medical-device safety
• Inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, service and repair
• Test equipment and technical documentation
• Work-order management and data quality
• Physiological monitoring equipment
• Dental and sterilization equipment
• Surgical and medical-support equipment
• Diagnostic imaging systems
• Medical-device information technology and networking
• Deployable medical equipment
• Advanced imaging equipment in the Navy-specific portion
  

“The course is full-time and conducted in a group-lockstep format, combining classroom instruction, demonstrations and extensive hands-on laboratory training,” Manuylidi says.

He says that each military service determines eligibility.

“For example, all Navy students are prior Corpsmen with years of Navy experience. Students are generally initial-entry personnel, prior-service reclassification students, or Reserve and National Guard personnel assigned to the appropriate biomedical equipment specialty. It is not an open-enrollment civilian technical program,” Manuylidi says.

He explains that initial-entry students generally live in service-managed barracks or dormitories. Housing arrangements for prior-service students may differ.

A curriculum that keeps evolving

The program has evolved as the biomed field itself has evolved, adapting to new technologies and responsibilities.

“Our roles as BMETs have expanded beyond traditional electronic and mechanical repairs. Modern medical devices increasingly depend on software, network connectivity, digital data and integration with healthcare information systems. The curriculum has therefore placed greater emphasis on medical-device information technology, networking fundamentals, cybersecurity awareness, digital imaging, software-supported troubleshooting, and the management of interconnected systems,” Manuylidi says.

He says that at the same time, students must still master the electrical, mechanical, physiological and safety fundamentals required to maintain medical equipment in both fixed and deployable treatment facilities.

Keeping the curriculum up-to-date is no easy task with input from many stakeholders.

“Keeping the curriculum current and relevant can be a lengthy process. We have to coordinate with all three services and agree on which tasks need to be taught with which equipment. We have to justify how much funding, space, equipment, and instructors we will need. Then we need to develop the curriculum, create the bugs and implement them into the equipment, and the list goes on. The added difficulty is that 90 percent of our staff are military, which means they have to move every three years; there is constant turnover,” Manuylidi says.

Insights from METC students

Current METC biomed students found their way to the biomed training in a variety of different ways.

“From an early age, I was drawn to the biomedical field. I dreamt of becoming a physician, and that passion led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Along the way I developed a strong interest in technology and learned full-stack programming, discovering how much I enjoyed solving complex, technical problems. After graduating, I pursued a career in web development. However, meeting increased competition due to widespread layoffs within the tech industry, I was unable to secure employment at the time. Seeking opportunities for growth, I decided to join the U.S. Air Force instead,” says Airman First Class Kaegan O’Hara.

Kelsey Kane says the main priority was to always keep the mission moving, one repair at a time. In Army Medical Maintenance, every component matters, every repair matters, and ultimately, every life matters. He says that becoming a BMET was the perfect fit for him.

“It combines my passion for healthcare with my interest in technology, allowing me to apply both my scientific background and technical skills in a way that directly supports patient care. Knowing that the equipment I maintain helps medical professionals deliver safe and effective patient care gives me a strong sense of purpose and reinforces that I chose the right career path,” O’Hara says.

Air Force biomed students are joined by their Army counterparts at the METC campus.

“When my time as an active-duty infantryman was nearing the end, I had to decide if I wanted to continue that path for another few years or look into other MOS options. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. The infantry lifestyle was fun, rewarding and challenging however it was getting old very fast. I decided I’d see what opportunities the Army National Guard had to offer and the retention NCO said he had gone through a BMET program, and by pure luck, that was how I found out what the 68A MOS was. Within a week I signed the new contract, and I am happy for the chance to find something new and that I can see myself doing as a career,” says Corporal Mark Lang.

He says that the first five years in the Army were focused on training for combat.

“I was counting the days until I could be a civilian again, and today, I am learning to troubleshoot complex medical equipment and devices that can improve and even save lives. A change I never imagined would happen, but I am grateful for it every day. The training I have received through the BMET course will lead me into a direct career path in the civilian sector that I can be proud of,” Lang says.

One of the METC school’s Navy biomed students already had logged plenty of time in the presence of biomeds.

“I’ve had the pleasure of serving 12 years so far as a General Duty/8404 Corpsman. I’ve worked in clinics, hospitals, BAS’s and onboard the USNS Comfort Hospital ship. Although I enjoy patient care, the job opportunities are limited when we retire as a General Duty Corpsman. The amount of skills we learn while we’re in doesn’t directly transfer to the civilian sector. You’re required to pursue further education when you get out in order to put those skills to use,” says HM2 Ken Hartzog, Petty Officer 2nd Class.

He wanted to gain a skill set while still on active duty that will directly transfer to another career once he retires.

“Working alongside the BMETs on my ship gave me a better insight as to what they do and how the work they do benefits everyone in the medical field. With it being such a small community, and the fact I can get hands-on with all different levels of equipment every day, it made me want to pursue the school even more. It’s been the best decision I’ve made in my career so far,” Hartzog says.

He says that his favorite part of the METC biomed program is the instructors.

“All of them have their own experiences throughout their careers and can give us insights on how the job actually is outside of what we learn in the schoolhouse. They are very knowledgeable and are willing to go above and beyond to make sure we understand the material. They truly care about making sure the next generation of BMETs will be ready to take their places after they retire,” Hartzog adds.

O’Hara says he enjoys working hands-on with a wide variety of medical equipment.

“Before becoming a BMET student, I never realized how many different types of medical devices are used in healthcare. Learning how each one functions and how to troubleshoot problems has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the program. One of the most challenging aspects of the program are the preventative maintenance (PM) tests. PMs require us to work efficiently without sacrificing attention to detail. It can be easy to overlook something if you lose focus. This experience has taught me the value of staying disciplined and methodical, even when working under strict time constraints,” he says.

Lang likes that the instructors are proficient at getting students to think critically about the problems that they encounter and teaching them how to find solutions instead of just telling them how to fix it.

“They are helpful with letting you ask questions and explaining it in different ways depending on your skill level. The more you put into this program the more you will get out of it. The most challenging aspect of this program is its accelerated pace. There are a lot of exams, progress checks and objectives to pass in short periods of time. You must adjust on the fly but after being here for a while you learn to adapt and trust yourself and the course,” Lang says of the program.

Transitioning to civilian success

Military biomed training can provide benefits and a vocation beyond active military service. Representing a large portion of the HTM field, many military-trained biomeds have added long civilian careers including many who have transitioned to leadership positions.

“I initially planned to join the military as a medic while pursuing a nursing degree, with the goal of using military education benefits to continue my nursing education after completing my service commitment. However, there were no medic positions available within the timeframe which I wanted to enlist. I was offered opportunities in other medical specialties, and based on my ASVAB scores, I qualified for the biomedical equipment technician program. I accepted the opportunity, and that decision ultimately launched my career in healthcare technology management (HTM), a field for which I developed a strong passion and purpose,” says Angela Bennett, MBA, CHTM, CLSSGB, network director for Trimedx at Our Lady of the Lake Health System.

She says that her military BMET training provided significant benefits during her service and throughout her civilian career.

“While serving in the military, I supported the operation and maintenance of medical equipment in field hospital environments. Field hospitals present unique challenges that differ considerably from traditional healthcare facilities, requiring adaptability, teamwork and problem-solving under demanding conditions. In these environments, service members and local civilians often rely on fully operational medical equipment to receive critical care. Knowing that my work directly contributed to patient care and mission readiness was both rewarding and fulfilling,” Bennett says.

Kelsey Kane, clinical engineering team lead at Duke Raleigh Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, joined the United States Army in 2018. She is the first member of her family to serve.

“After taking the ASVAB, I had several career fields to choose from, but one stood out – 68A, Biomedical Equipment Technician. To be honest, I had very little idea what the job actually entailed or what my day-to-day responsibilities would be. My decision was almost entirely based on instinct. I figured that an 11-month technical school had to mean valuable credentials and the opportunity for a rewarding career, and I took the leap,” she says.

She began her journey by completing Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before moving to the METC campus to attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at the Army’s biomedical equipment technician schoolhouse.

“My experience as an Army biomedical equipment technician taught me that success in this profession extends far beyond technical expertise. It demands adaptability, critical thinking, leadership and the ability to transition between vastly different responsibilities at a moment’s notice. Whether repairing lifesaving equipment, preparing for deployment, supporting large-scale medical operations or briefing senior leaders, every day required wearing multiple hats and remaining mission-focused. That versatility is what makes Army biomeds unique – and it’s one of the reasons I’m proud to have been one,” Kane says.

Another current HTM leader recalled signing up with the military initially for a different reason.

“Truth be told, I joined the military for the military experience, not because of the job field. I was only 16 when I signed my papers and needed my parents’ permission. My mother was actually the one who pointed out that the job would translate well to a civilian career when I got out. That realization didn’t mean much to me at the time, but the fulfillment I found in the work is what convinced me to stay after my first contract – even though I had originally wanted to be a combat engineer,” says Nathan “Alex” Collins, CHTM, CBET, DSL, site manager for Trimedx in the healthcare technology management department at SSM DePaul Health Center in Bridgeton, Missouri.

Collins attended the 68A Army biomed program at the METC school.

“I also attended the 670A Warrant basic course for the health services maintenance course,” he says.

Bennett says that on the civilian side, the skills gained through military training continue to provide tremendous value.

“Transitioning from a military environment to a civilian healthcare system involves a significant cultural and operational shift, often moving from smaller field operations to large, complex hospital networks. The ability to think critically, adapt quickly and make informed decisions under pressure has proven invaluable throughout that transition,” she says.

Bennett also says that military service provides a strong foundation in leadership, accountability and teamwork.

“Ultimately, the military BMET program provides the building blocks for a successful career by developing both technical expertise and leadership capabilities that can be expanded upon throughout one’s professional journey,” she adds.

Collins says that there is a certain fearlessness in military-trained techs and that mentality often carries over when military techs leave active duty.

“They’re used to working through problems with the resources available to them – whether that’s manuals, technical documentation or the knowledge of those around them. As a manager, I’ve seen people approach unfamiliar equipment in different ways, but military-trained techs will often be comfortable opening the manual, giving it a shot, and then having a supervisor, senior technician or manager verify that everything was done correctly. Once they’ve validated the work, they’re ready to move on to the next challenge. I think that confidence, resourcefulness and willingness to keep learning are some of the biggest strengths military-trained technicians bring to the field,” he says.

Kane says that since transitioning from the military to the civilian side of clinical engineering, she has found that her military biomedical training has been one of the strongest foundations she could have received.

“The Army provided me with extensive hands-on experience across a wide range of medical equipment, while also emphasizing troubleshooting under pressure, mission readiness, accountability, and adaptability. Beyond the technical skills, it also developed my leadership abilities, communication and critical thinking – skills that have been invaluable in the hospital environment,” she says.

Kane says that one of the biggest benefits of military training is the emphasis on standardized processes, documentation and preventive maintenance, all of which translate extremely well to civilian healthcare.

It should come as no surprise that military-trained biomeds have excelled to such a great degree. As Manuylidi points out, the scope and intensity of the METC BMET training are designed to produce top-tier biomeds.

“This is not a short equipment-repair course. The Army and Air Force programs involve roughly 1,750 instructional hours, while the Navy pipeline reaches approximately 2,400 hours. Students move from electrical fundamentals to sophisticated medical systems within a highly structured, full-time program,” he says.

Patients and clinicians have more than one reason to say “thank you for your service” to an active-duty or military-trained civilian biomed. Nothing less than top-tier training is expected and provided.