Medical Equipment Preparers: The Ins and Outs of the Job
Medical equipment preparers play a crucial role in ensuring that medical equipment is properly cleaned, sterilized, and ready for use. This job entails preparing and cleaning medical instruments and equipment in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. It may not sound like a glamorous job, but it is a critical one nonetheless.
Some examples of the tasks that a medical equipment preparer may complete include assembling and disassembling medical equipment, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, testing equipment quality, and assisting with inventory management. Medical equipment preparers may also be responsible for maintaining equipment and ensuring that it is in good working order.
While a bachelor’s degree is not typically required for this position, most employers will require a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, some employers may require that applicants have an associate degree or certification in medical equipment technology. Certification exams are offered by various organizations and are typically open to those with a high school diploma and some coursework completed in medical equipment technology.
Although medical equipment preparers may not start at the top, there are opportunities for advancement and growth within the field. With experience and continued education, a medical equipment preparer may advance to a supervisory position or transition into medical equipment sales or repair.
Getting Started
To get started in this field, it is important to have a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. Medical equipment preparers should be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently. There are several paths to pursuing a career in medical equipment technology, including attending technical schools, community colleges, or vocational schools to gain the necessary training and skills.
In conclusion, medical equipment preparers may not receive the same recognition as other healthcare professionals, but their work is equally important. With the right education and mindset, this career can provide a great deal of job satisfaction and opportunities for growth.
Medical Equipment Preparers
The job of medical equipment preparers involves cleaning, disinfecting, and testing medical equipment to ensure that it is safe for use. They also assemble, adjust, and maintain medical equipment and may transport it to different locations.
The salary data for the occupation is as follows:
| Job Level | Union | Full-time/Part-time | Geography | Average Salary (Lowest) | Average Salary (Highest) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 03 | Non-Union | Full-time | US National Average | $34,548.80 | $43,139.20 |
| Level 04 | Non-Union | Full-time | US National Average | $37,772.80 | $38,542.40 |
| Level 05 | Non-Union | Full-time | US National Average | $40,892.80 | $45,552.00 |
| Entry | Non-Union | Full-time | US National Average | $38,438.40 | N/A |
| Intermediate | Non-Union | Full-time | US National Average | $38,542.40 | N/A |
| Experienced | Non-Union | Full-time | US National Average | N/A | $48,900.80 |
| All levels | Union | Full-time | US National Average | $56,180.80 | N/A |
| All levels | Non-Union | Full-time | US National Average | $38,708.80 | $43,056.00 |
| All levels | N/A | Part-time | US National Average | $41,412.80 | $46,009.60 |
| Level 03 | N/A | Full-time | US National Average | $35,380.80 | $43,472.00 |
| Level 04 | N/A | Full-time | US National Average | $37,627.20 | $37,814.40 |
| Level 05 | N/A | Full-time | US National Average | $40,830.40 | $45,552.00 |
| Entry | N/A | Full-time | US National Average | $43,201.60 | N/A |
| Intermediate | N/A | Full-time | US National Average | $37,627.20 | N/A |
| All levels | N/A | Time-based pay | US National Average | $41,059.20 | $44,886.40 |
| All levels | N/A | Full-time | Virginia | $38,958.40 | $41,932.80 |
| All levels | Non-Union | Full-time | Louisiana | $30,680.00 | $35,484.80 |
The effects of unions on this job are seen in the significant increase in average salary for unionized medical equipment preparers. On a national average, unionized medical equipment preparers earn $56,180.80, which is considerably higher than non-union workers at $43,056.00.
