There will be much more released about this, with many more details. But for now, this is the main thrust of the meeting.

(Represented were biomedical educators, clinical engineers, BMETs, manufacturers, ISOs, directors, nurses, administrators, and the Office of Veterans Health Administration. )

Field Service: BMETs working for an OEM or ISO are many times called Field Service Engineers (FSE). FSE are more narrowly focused and specialized technicians who support Service and Sales.

Both must face increased risk of contact with electrical, mechanical, high pressure steam, noise, blood borne diseases, LASERs, chemicals and nuclear contaminates.

Military roles

All military members entering the BMET career field receive comprehensive down to the component level and theory technical training. Prior to 1998, Army and Navy BMETs received training at the United States Army Equipment and Optical School (USAMEOS) at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center (FAMC) in Aurora, Colorado. Only after a July 1995 Base Realignment Closure Commission decided to close FAMC did the Army and Navy merge with the Air Force, conducting training at the DoD Biomedical Equipment Technician Training School [1]. This school has a partnership with Aims Community College where students receive 81 quarter credits (from the Community College of the Air Force) toward an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree with an emphasis in Biomedical Electronic Technology. In addition to the credits acquired from DoD BMET Training School, a minimum of 24 credits must be completed through Aims Community College [2] to receive a degree. As of August 4, 2010, the U. S. Military moved the BMET training to San Antonio, TX as a part of their new base realignment plan. All three forces remain in rigorous, tri-service training for 10 months prior to returning to their individual services. The training is held at Fort Sam Houstion and is a part of the Military Education and Training Campus ( www.metc.mil ).

United States Air Force

•Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 4A2X1 (where X represents the corresponding skill level 3, 5, 7 or 9)

•Air Force Instruction 41-201, "Managing Clinical Engineering Programs" [3]

•More at about.com [4]

•More at airforce.com [5]

•Career Field Education & Training Plan [6] (pdf)

United States Army

•Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) 68A.

•The Army recently redesignated this MOS from 91A to MOS 68A. (Also formerly MOS 35G & 35U)

•More at about.com [7]

•More at goarmy.com [8]

•Military Occupation Specialty - Warrant Officer (MOS) 670A Health Services Maintenance Technician.