MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE
About the MET Certificate Program
The certificate program provides a comprehensive, overview of the biomedical equipment and healthcare technology management industry. Students study hardware, software, and troubleshooting for medical devices. Training includes basic electronics, schematics, pneumatics, hydraulics, customer service skills, environmental of care, EOC training, data management systems, and general biomedical equipment troubleshooting. Students garner the skills and working knowledge to perform medical equipment maintenance services characterized by repair or module replacement; repair of general medical equipment malfunctions; adjustment of medical equipment utilizing common and special purpose tools and electronic test equipment; conduct preventive maintenance checks and services; and conduct calibration, verification, certification and electrical safety tests.
Content and Delivery
The certificate program is a 3-semester-long intensive academic program delivering theoretical instruction via online interactive distance learning. In addition to 3 semesters, students enrolled in the certificate program are also encouraged to participate in an externship. Our training system provides interactive instruction through our Moodle Learning Management System and includes online meetings via Zoom® Video Conferencing. Classes completed as part of the certificate course are transferable to the MET Diploma Program.
Courses and Outlines
| Course Name | Course Code | Course Level | Course ID | Course Credit | Course Outline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy And Physiology | MTEC-APH | 1 | MTEC-APH-001 | 3 | This course deals with normal anatomy and physiology. Topics include the integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems, as well as an introduction to microbiology. Three unifying themes, the interrelationships of body organ systems, homeostasis, and the complimentary of structure and function help students understand how the human body works. |
| Introduction To Biomedical Engineering Technology | MTEC-BET | 1 | MTEC-BET-001 | 3 | This course introduces the student to the fundamental principles and concepts of Biomedical Engineering Technology. Students will gain an understanding of the breadth and depth of the discipline and their role in contemporary healthcare delivery. As homework, students will solve written problems requiring application of theory, work on team projects, read the textbook and articles on course topics. |
| Digital Fundamentals | MTEC-DFU | 1 | MTEC-DFU-001 | 3 | This subject is made up of a 2 hours lecture and a 2 hours laboratory per week, so as to involve the student in both the theoretical and practical applications of digital electronics. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of digital logic circuits. Basic logic gates will be used and emphasised in the laboratory component of the course. Topics will include analog and digital signals and their characteristics, the binary, BCD, hexadecimal numbering systems, digital waveform timing, basic logic gates, Boolean algebra, and simplification of combinational logic circuits such as binary adders, parity generation and parity check circuits and sequential circuits such as Flip-flops including ripple counters. Troubleshooting techniques including tracing breadboard faults will be introduced. Students will work in groups of two in the laboratory. Students will complete a practical digital project which may involve a microcontroller towards end of the course. |
| Electricity I | MTEC-ELE | 1 | MTEC-ELE-001 | 3 | A one-semester course designed to educate the student in direct current electric circuit fundamentals. This course is the foundation and prerequisite for multiple electrical and electronic courses, in your program of studies. The course begins with the coverage of SI units, scientific notation, and electrical quantities. It proceeds with Ohm’s law, electrical power, series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits, which are the backbone of electric circuit theory. The course concludes with an introduction to Magnetism/Electromagnetism, alternating current/voltage and the mathematical analysis of sinusoidal waveforms. This course has three hours of class time configured as one, one hour class, and one, two hour class, as well as one, two hour lab, per week. |
| Mathematics For Technology I | MTEC-MTE | 1 | MTEC-MTE-001 | 3 | The purpose of this course is to refresh and upgrade existing mathematical skills such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and more. Emphasis is placed on developing problem solving techniques by applying these math topics to related engineering problems. It is configured as four one hour classes per week. |
| Physical Science Biomed Technology | MTEC-PSB | 1 | MTEC-PSB-001 | 3 | Physics for Biomedical Engineering Technology is an introduction to physics principles with an emphasis on biomedical engineering applications. The concepts of dynamics, kinematics, forces and newton’s three laws of motion, work and energy, impulse and momentum, rotation, elasticity, fluids, temperature and heat, heat transfer, ideal gas laws, thermodynamics, waves and sound will be covered, as well as a term project discovering the application of physics in a medical device. |
| Biomedical Terms And Devices I | MTEC-BTD | 1 | MTEC-BTD-001 | 3 | Biomedical Terms and Devices I is designed to introduce the biomedical technology student to key biomedical concepts as well as familiarize them with the basic testing devices that are used to determine and gather physiologically measured biopotentials from medical devices in patient environments. Students will learn, identify proper test device use and demonstrate Class I and II medical device use, as well as practice connecting with suppliers and manufacturers of these devices to complete a research project on a device. |
| Electronic Circuits I | MTEC-ECI | 1 | MTEC-ECI-001 | 3 | In this course, you will learn the basics of electronic circuits and devices used all along your program of studies. The course begins with the analysis of the P-N junction, which is the foundation for most electronics devices. Then we will proceed with the discussion and analysis of diodes and some of their applications such as rectification, clipping and clamping followed by looking at some special diodes such as Light Emitting diodes (LED’s), the Zener diode and photo-diodes. The basics of power supplies will be discussed including filtering and different types of voltage regulators. In the second part of the course, we will introduce the Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT), the different types of biasing methods of these transistors and conclude with the types of amplifier configurations we can encounter with them. Components datasheets will be read to understand important characteristics of the electronic devices studied along the course. The knowledge acquired in class will be supplemented with a weekly lab that will cover the concepts taught in the classroom, by problem solving real world circuits and systems and using a simulation software such as Proteus. The course will also cover an introduction to NI- LabVIEW, which is a graphical programming software, Proteus Visual Designer and interface some of the electronic devices studied with an Arduino UNO microcontroller. |
| Digital Fundamentals II | MTEC-DIF | 1 | MTEC-DIF-001 | 3 | This course is a continuation of Digital Fundamentals I. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of advanced digital logic circuits. The TTL and CMOS type of logic families will be used and emphasised in the laboratory component of the course. Topics include binary arithmetic circuits – binary and BCD adders, subtractors; data circuits – multiplexers and demultiplexers, decoders, encoders, comparators; advanced binary counters, shift registers, timers, and analog to digital and digital to analog conversion techniques. Students will get to know how to design digital circuits from schematic diagrams, write timing diagrams and apply their knowledge in designing complex digital circuits. Finally students will also learn about advanced applications of microcontrollers and various troubleshooting techniques in digital design. Students will complete a practical digital project which may involve a microcontroller towards end of the course. |
| Electricity II | MTEC-ELC | 1 | MTEC-ELC-001 | 3 | This course is a continuation of Electricity 1, which focused on DC fundamentals (series, parallel, series-parallel circuits) and magnetism. Electricity 2 begins with an introduction to the analysis of Capacitors and Inductors in DC and AC circuits. The course proceeds with the study of Transformers, and AC RC and RL circuits. It concludes with the analysis of RLC circuits, resonance and passive filters. This course is configured as two, 1 hour classes, and one, 2 hour lab, per week. |
| Mathematics For Technology II | MTEC-MAT | 1 | MTEC-MAT-001 | 3 | This is the second of the two first year mathematics courses. Students develop problem solving skills by applying topics of study to related practical problems. Topics of study include: systems of linear equations in two and three unknowns; trigonometric functions and polar coordinates; exponents and radicals; direct and indirect variation; complex numbers; exponents and logarithms; trigonometric equations and identities; and analytical geometry. |
| Programming For Biomedical Technology | MTEC-PRO | 1 | MTEC-PRO-001 | 3 | This course introduces the student to the foundations of computer programming using object oriented programming languages. It is designed as an introductory course and assumes little or no prior programming experience. Examples and applications are drawn from the field of biomedical engineering technology and relate to other courses in the program of studies. Students will also get the opportunity to program interface and control applications with the Arduino microcontroller kit. |
| Biomedical Terms & Devices II | MTEC-BTE | 1 | MTEC-BTE-001 | 3 | This course builds on the concepts learned in BIOMEDICAL TERMS AND DEVICES I. In this course the biomedical technologist learns about physiological measurements with pressures; respiratory systems and equipment; the nervous system and methods of measuring nervous and brain function, critical care areas such as ICU, CCU, OR, and ER emphasizing bedside monitoring and telemetry, and sterilization techniques. It also includes an introduction to batteries and preventative and corrective maintenance. This course is a combination of hands on laboratories, simulations and demonstrations in the laboratory. It also includes an introduction to batteries and computers in biomedical environments.This course builds on the concepts learned in BIOMEDICAL TERMS AND DEVICES I. In this course the biomedical technologist learns about physiological measurements with pressures; respiratory systems and equipment; the nervous system and methods of measuring nervous and brain function, critical care areas such as ICU, CCU, OR, and ER emphasizing bedside monitoring and telemetry, and sterilization techniques. It also includes an introduction to batteries and preventative and corrective maintenance. This course is a combination of hands on laboratories, simulations and demonstrations in the laboratory. It also includes an introduction to batteries and computers in biomedical environments. |
| Electronic Circuits II | MTEC-ECI | 1 | MTEC-ECI-001 | 3 | Electronics Circuits II is a continuation of Electronics Circuits I. Classes of Amplifiers will be revisited to culminate with Class C Amplifiers from CIRE 1131 to then proceed; to introduce one of the most versatile and widely used electronic devices in linear applications, the operational amplifier or op-amp. Different op-amps will be studied and given the data sheets of the component, its major characteristics will be discussed and compared to those of an ideal op-amp while evaluating their impact on a circuit design. Negative and positive feedback will be explained and used in the design of several op-amp applications such as amplifiers, adders/subtractors, comparators, instrumentation amplifiers, filters, oscillators and waveform generators. Various sensors will be discuss, used and if necessary, signal conditioning will be applied to them in order to carry the electrical signal generated into a microcontroller board such as the Raspberry Pi and/or Arduino UNO. This course is complemented by a lab program, which reinforce skills in electrical measurement and analysis of observed data. The lab experiments will also allow the student to verify principles dealt with during the lecture periods. This course will use the circuit simulation package Proteus and the interactive computer program LabVIEW. This course is configured as 3 hours of lecture and a 2-hour lab per week. |
| Computers And Networking I | MTEC-CAN | 2 | MTEC-CAN-002 | 3 | The Computers and Networking 1 course provides students with the fundamental skills to install and maintain small computer networks. The course also looks at integrating small computer devices into a network through the Raspberry Pi computer. The course starts with the PC and uses hands-on labs to master installation, upgrading, maintenance and basic troubleshooting of workstations. We then look at small computing/mobile devices through an investigation of the Raspberry Pi. This includes some coding to connect the SC system to the environment. The course then continues with networking the workstations, design of small local area networks, installation and maintenance of a small network. The student will also look at wireless technology and specific applications in Industrial, Commercial and Medical environments. |
| Electronic Design Automation For Biomedical | MTEC-EAB | 2 | MTEC-EAB-002 | 3 | This course introduces students to the processes and workflows in the development of electronic systems consisting of analog and digital hardware, microcontrollers and firmware. Working in teams of two or three, students will design a system base module that delivers DC power to a biomedical instrument, monitors itself and the instrument, and displays operating conditions and fault alerts. The completed system is intended to be reused in year 3 capstone projects. Using modern electronic design automation (EDA) tools students will go through the phases of schematic capture, system simulation, firmware development and printed circuit board (PCB) layout. Once the PCB is fabricated, students will assemble and troubleshoot the board, and develop the required firmware. Students will cut and drill openings in a metal case, prepare wiring harnesses, and assemble a COTS SMPS power supply and the PCB subsystem into a complete system. The final assembly also includes a 3D printed component and (optionally) front panel graphics. As part of the system development, important topics in linear and switchmode AC-DC power supplies will the discussed, with an emphasis on electrical safety in healthcare. |
| Microprocessors I | MTEC-MIC | 2 | MTEC-MIC-002 | 3 | This course utilizes the previous knowledge gained in both the DGFN and TPRG courses – we explore Micro’s and through labs develop a degree of comfort to utilize these devices in your regular circuit designs. In industry there general use is increasing expotentional year on year – why ?, they are becoming very easy to use and are very reliable and low in terms of cost/overhead. This course has both lecture and lab content. |
| Biomedical Terms & Devices III | MTEC-BDE | 2 | MTEC-BDE-002 | 3 | Biomedical Devices III will build on the concepts learned in Biomedical Terms and Devices I and II. In Biomedical Terms and Devices III, the biomedical technologist will learn about physiological measurements with laser systems and equipment, Endoscopy, Electrosurgery, the Laboratory, Physiotherapy, basic networking and medical rf interference in biomedical environments. |
| Electrical Controls For Biomedical Technology | MTEC-EIO | 2 | MTEC-EIO-002 | 3 | This course is designed to educate students in the theory of operation and practical implementation of industrial control systems used in medical applications and healthcare facilities. Industrial electrical symbols, ladder diagrams, relays, smart relays, motors starters, human interface devices, industrial sensors and motor control circuits will be covered in detail. The laboratory component of this course provides practical experience with numerous control devices used in the healthcare industry. As homework, students will complete labs, assignments, projects and discussions requiring various research methods and team activities, and will be required to read the textbook and articles on course topics. |
| Electronic Circuits III | MTEC-CIR | 2 | MTEC-CIR-002 | 3 | Electronic Circuits III is a continuation of Electronic Circuits II. The Field Effect Transistor (FET) and the MOSFET’s (Metal Oxide Field Effect Transistor) will be introduced; new parameters will be determined and different FET and MOSFET biasing circuits such as self-bias, gate bias and voltage divider bias will be studied. Hence, different amplifier configurations such as Common Source (CS), Common Drain (CD), and Common Gate (CG), will be presented. Opto-electronic devices including photo cell, photo resistor, photo diode, photo transistor and opto-couplers will be studied. Thyristors (switching devices) such as SCR, SUS, DIAC, TRIAC, and UJT will also be covered and various sensors will be discussed, used and if necessary, signal conditioning will be applied to them in order to carry the electrical signal generated into a microcontroller board such as the Raspberry Pi and/or Arduino. Theoretical knowledge is integrated with lab exercises. Circuits are assembled and tested to observe whether they comply with theoretical expectations. This course is configured as 2-hours of lecture and a 2-hour lab per week. Electronic Circuit III uses the circuit simulation software Proteus, the graphical programming development application LabVIEW and the Arduino and/or Raspberry Pi boards for some lab applications. |
| Computers & Networking II | MTEC-CNE | 2 | MTEC-CNE-002 | 3 | Building on the material of Computers and Networking 1, this second course in Computers and Networking examines networking in greater depth. LAN switching, IPv4 addressing, subnetting and routing allows an understanding of both LAN and WAN technologies. Applications of these principles include Industrial Ethernet, Comercial networks and Medical networking. Also wireless networks and protocols including WiFi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee are explored. The Raspberry Pi single board computer will be networked to demonstrate the principles of the Internet of Things (IoT) concept. The topics of Cisco’s CCENT certification are covered within Computer and Networking Courses 1 & 2. |
| Dialysis I | MTEC-DIA | 2 | MTEC-DIA-002 | 3 | This course is one of two courses that is designed to acquaint the biomedical technologist with some concepts of dialysis as well as familiarize them with the clinical principles associated with patients. Dialysis and support equipment that can be used to determine physiological measured properties in patient environments are also discussed. The dialysis course will include, but not be limited to, lectures, formal and informal laboratories, site visits, and independent and group projects. Participation in group discussion, and with medical vendors will be part of the program. The student will become familiar with both the technical and clinical aspects of dialysis treatment, current trends and history and development of technology. |
| Biomedical Instrumentation I | MTEC-BIN | 2 | MTEC-BIN-002 | 3 | This course focuses on analog and digital signal measurement and processing, and their application to medical instruments and devices. Students learn about the sensors and circuits used to measure and control electrical signals. Topics include the serviceable components of the various devices. Concepts, theories and methods of the discipline will be introduced and discussed. Students will cover the vocabulary of the field, learn to analyze systems, learn to design basic systems and learn to search for new information using the web and other relevant journal articles. This course also covers the identification of components and devices for the purposes of troubleshooting upon completion. Students will design and develop an instrumentation amplifier, be able to identify and explain the function of each circuit, component and articulate the relevance of each to the clinician. The course is supplemented by a weekly laboratory session. Lab work consists of hands-on device identification, design, troubleshooting, measurements and projects. As homework, students will solve written problems requiring application of theory and calculations, assignments, read the textbook and articles on course topics. |
| Medical Imaging Systems I | MTEC-MIS | 2 | MTEC-MIS-002 | 3 | Students gain an overview of imaging systems, as well as various imaging modalities including X-ray, ultrasound, nuclear and MRI. Concepts, theories and methods will be introduced and discussed to cover radiological physics, imaging modalities, image processing, and general image characteristics. This course also covers the identification of components and devices that make up the image path for the purposes of troubleshooting. Students should be able to identify and explain the function of each component and device. The course is supplemented by a weekly laboratory session. Lab work consists of hands-on device identification, troubleshooting, measurements and projects. As homework, students will solve written problems requiring application of theory and calculations, work in teams on assignments, lab exercises and read the textbook and articles on course topics (printed or Web). |
| Dialysis II | MTEC-DLY | 2 | MTEC-DLY-002 | 3 | This course is designed to build on the concepts learned in Dialysis I. More emphasis will be put on the actual troubleshooting of dialysis machines and the water treatment testing required for dialysis. The dialysis course will include, but not be limited to, lectures, formal and informal laboratories, site visits, and independent and group projects. Participation in group discussion and with medical vendors will be part of the program. The student will become familiar with both the technical and clinical aspects of dialysis treatment, current trends and history and development of technology. |
| Biomedical Instrumentation II | MTEC-INS | 2 | MTEC-INS-002 | 3 | This course is a continuation of Bio Instrumentation I and focuses on advancing the students understanding of analog and digital signal measurement and processing and their application to medical instrumentation. Students learn about the sensors, transducers and the common circuits used to measure and control biopotential signals. In addition, topics include instrumentation amplifers (I.A), I.A. troubleshooting techniques, circuit design and the serviceable components of biomedical instrumentation. Concepts, theories and methods of the discipline will be introduced and discussed. Students will cover the vocabulary of the field, learn to analyze systems and continue the design concepts of bioinstrumentation. This course also covers the identification of components and devices for the purposes of troubleshooting. Students will design and develop an instrumentation amplifier, be able to identify and explain the function of each circuit, component and articulate the relevance of each to the clinician. The course is supplemented by a weekly laboratory session. Lab work consists of hands-on device identification, circuit analysis and design, troubleshooting, tests and measurements and project development. As homework, students will solve written problems requiring application of theory and calculations, assignments, read the textbook and articles on course topics. |
| Medical Imaging Systems II | MTEC-MSY | 2 | MTEC-MSY-002 | 3 | This course is a continuation of Medical Imaging Systems I and focuses on various imaging modalities including X-ray fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and digital radiology, PACS, RIS and MRI. Topics include the serviceable components of the various devices. Concepts, theories and methods will be introduced and discussed to cover radiological physics, imaging modalities, image processing, and general image characteristics. This course also covers the identification of components and devices that make up the image path for the purposes of troubleshooting. Students should be able to identify and explain the function of each component and device. Students will develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the professionals working in diagnostic imaging and their perspective of imaging technologies. This course also teaches techniques to effectively communicate with imaging clinicans to aid in troubleshooting and repair. The course is supplemented by a weekly laboratory session. Lab work consists of hands-on device identification, troubleshooting, measurements and projects. As homework, students will solve written problems requiring application of theory and calculations, work in teams on assignments, lab exercises and read the textbook and articles on course topics (printed or Web). |
| Safety Standards & Risk Mgmt | MTEC-SSR | 2 | MTEC_SSR-002 | 3 | Safety Standards and Risk Management is a course designed to introduce electro-medical standards, standards for medical technology management, standards for equipment performance and medical/legal issues around the improper use and alteration of equipment, etc. Topics include the use of safety standards, understanding risk management in clinical and non-clinical settings, developing and managing incident and investigation reports, CSA electro-medical standards, AAMI, IEC, IHE, etc. As homework, students will collaborate on the development of a “Strategic Technology Planning Manual” by integrating standards and best practices, assignments requiring various research methods and team activities, read the textbook and articles on course topics. |
| Safety Standards/Risk Mgmt II | MTEC-SST | 2 | MTEC-SST-002 | 3 | This course is a continuation of MTEC-SSR-002 and is designed to continue our investigation into electro-medical standards, medical technology management standards of practice, standards for equipment performance and medical/legal issues around the improper use and alteration of equipment, etc. Topics include the use of safety standards, documentation standards, understanding risk management in clinical and non-clinical settings, CSA electro-medical standards, AAMI, IEC, IHE, etc. As homework, students will comlete assignments, projects and discussions requiring various research methods and team activities, read the textbook and articles on course topics. |