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In today's health care environment technology is everywhere. From the corner clinic, to the doctor's office, to the hospital, health care providers are increasingly dependent on a wide variety of medical devices, imaging scanners and other biomedical equipment. In order to maintain the highest standards in patient care, this equipment must be checked to make sure it is working properly, adjusted as needed and quickly repaired when broken. That's the job of a medical equipment repair technician. This specialist, also sometimes referred to as a Biomedical Equipment Technician, has been specially trained to maintain, adjust, calibrate and repair all manner of mechanical and electrical medical equipment.
Medical Equipment Technician Overview
A medical equipment repair technician may be responsible for everything from an imaging scanner to a motorized wheelchair. This requires extensive knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic and electronic systems as well as the ability to use specialized diagnostic software and other repair tools.
Medical equipment repair technicians might work for durable medical equipment companies, medical equipment maintenance companies, clinics and hospitals, or other employers in the health care industry. They might be a "jack of all trades", able to work on nearly any piece of equipment or might specialize in a small number of more complex machines.
The hours and working conditions for medical equipment repair technicians vary by employer and the type of equipment. For instance, a technician employed by a hospital may primarily work a set schedule at just one site, while a technician for an imaging company might need to fly across the country to fix a CAT scanner or similar machine at a moment's notice.
Medical Equipment Repair Training: Degrees and Coursework
There are several options for medical equipment repair training. This field requires a working knowledge of the basics of small equipment repair combined with specific knowledge of the functions of common biomedical equipment. In general, the more complex the equipment, the more education and training are required for that specific job.
The general minimum for entry in this field is a two-year associate's degree program in biomedical equipment technology or a similar engineering program. Students can chose from schools offering on-campus programs, online degree programs or a combination of the two. A bachelor's degree may be required for entry-level positions for those who want to work with more sophisticated equipment, such as defibrillators or complex imaging scanners.
Once on the job, the learning doesn't stop. A variety of professional certification programs exist that allow participants to demonstrate their on-going knowledge in the field. These certification programs help medical repair technicians stay up-to-date with ever-changing medical technology. Applicants with certifications are often more likely to be hired or promoted than applicants without certifications.
Medical Equipment Repair Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for medical equipment repair should be excellent for qualified job seekers. Employment in this field is expected to grow 27 percent from 2008 to 2018. This is much higher than the average for all occupations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics credits the projected growth in the field to several factors:
In 2009, medical equipment repairers earned a median annual salary of $42,300. The medical equipment repair field is an excellent choice for anyone who likes new challenges--new medical equipment is constantly being introduced as health care technology continues to evolve. The projected growth in the medical equipment repair field makes it a career to consider.
Resources for Medical Equipment Repair Technicians
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