Does the in-hospital BMET face obsolescence?

Changes in electronic technology, increased BMET manpower costs, and changes in hospital purchasing procedures are reducing the hospital's need for an in-hospital, bench technician. A new technologist will probably evolve. As repairs decline, greater emphasis will be placed on device-operator education, the device-patient interface, performance assurance and safety inspections, and coordination of device safety and functional problems. In-hospital BMET's should recognize these changes and prepare themselves for this new role. Certification commissions must establish curriculum and procedural requirements that are responsive to rapid technological change.