Third-Party vs. In-House Biomed Programs: Which is Right for You?
Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMETs) play a critical role in ensuring the functionality of life-saving medical devices. However, one of the biggest career decisions BMETs face is choosing between working for a third-party hospital program or an in-house hospital program. Each has its unique advantages, and the right choice depends on career goals, work preferences, and desired benefits. Let’s explore the key differences to help you decide which path suits you best.
Benefits of Working for a Third-Party Biomed Hospital Program
(Companies like Crothall Healthcare, Agiliti, Trimedx, GE Healthcare, etc.)
1. Exposure to a Variety of Equipment and Facilities
- Third-party BMETs work across multiple hospitals and clinics, encountering a diverse range of medical devices from different manufacturers.
- Great for those who enjoy learning new technologies and expanding their skill set beyond one facility.
2. Career Growth and Mobility
- Large third-party companies often provide structured career paths, allowing BMETs to advance into specialized fields (such as imaging or dialysis equipment) or into leadership roles.
- Easier to relocate or transfer within the organization to different hospitals or regions.
3. Higher Earning Potential
- Third-party companies often offer competitive salaries, bonuses, and travel stipends for those working at multiple locations.
- Many companies also provide better benefits packages and tuition reimbursement for further education or certifications.
4. Access to Training and Certifications
- Third-party employers frequently invest in employee training, covering the cost of certifications like CBET, CRES, and CLES.
- Opportunities for vendor-specific training on equipment from companies like GE, Siemens, and Philips.
5. Increased Job Security and Stability
- Working with a third-party means you are not tied to a single hospital; if one contract ends, you may be reassigned to another facility.
- Less risk of layoffs due to hospital budget cuts, as the third-party company manages staffing needs across multiple sites.
6. Less Involvement in Hospital Politics
- As an external contractor, you may have fewer administrative responsibilities and less involvement in internal hospital conflicts or staffing issues.
- Focus more on technical work rather than hospital bureaucracy.
Benefits of Working for an In-House Hospital Biomed Program
1. Stronger Connection to the Hospital and Staff
- In-house BMETs build long-term relationships with nurses, doctors, and hospital staff.
- A greater sense of belonging and teamwork within a single facility.
2. More Control Over Work Environment
- BMETs working directly for a hospital often have more influence over equipment purchasing decisions and maintenance schedules.
- Less travel between sites, allowing for a more stable daily routine.
3. Potential for Better Work-Life Balance
- Since in-house BMETs typically work at one location, there’s less travel, which may lead to a more predictable schedule.
- Often have more defined shifts without last-minute travel assignments.
4. Familiarity with Equipment and Facility
- In-house BMETs work with the same equipment and brands, allowing them to become experts on their hospital’s specific machines.
- Easier to predict workload and plan preventative maintenance schedules.
5. Hospital-Specific Benefits
- Many hospitals provide excellent benefits, including pension plans, generous PTO, and discounts on healthcare services.
- Unionized positions in some hospitals may provide job security and negotiation power.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between a third-party biomed program and an in-house hospital biomed program comes down to your career goals and personal preferences. If you enjoy variety, career growth, and higher pay, third-party work may be the better fit. If you prefer stability, work-life balance, and deeper hospital integration, an in-house role could be ideal.
Regardless of the path you choose, both careers play a vital role in ensuring that medical equipment functions properly and safely—directly impacting patient care.
Which path interests you the most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!