| [ Summary ] |
In 1988, a national medical license, for clinical engineering technologist (CET), was established in Japan for specialists in the operation and maintenance of medical equipment such as that for hemodialysis, to assist circulation, and so on. More than forty training schools and colleges have been founded and over 18,000 CETs have been certificated with national licenses. The Japan Association for Clinical Engineering Technologists was organized as a corporate judicial party in 2002. Although the social status of CET has gradually increased, there is no guarantee this will continue in the future. The number of job offers for CET personnel is depends on the number of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. If a new therapy takes the place of hemodialysis, many technologists may be dismissed. Having a basic knowledge of this field and of the associated technology required for CET will allow employees to respond new therapies. |