Medical Equipment Repairers Salary Data and Job Information

The Vital Role of Medical Equipment Repairers in Healthcare

Medical equipment repairers are essential professionals in healthcare, responsible for timely and accurate fixing, maintaining, and calibrating medical equipment used in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other healthcare facilities. From imaging machines and MRI scanners to surgical tools and patient monitors, medical equipment repairers ensure that healthcare practitioners can deliver the best care to patients by providing reliable and safe medical technology. In this article, we will examine the occupation of medical equipment repairers, some examples of the job, and what kind of education or training is required to get there.

Job Description

Medical equipment repairers, also known as biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs), use their technical skills and knowledge to maintain, repair, and calibrate a vast range of medical devices. They perform preventive maintenance (PM) tasks to ensure that medical devices function correctly, and they troubleshoot and diagnose equipment malfunction or failure. When a breakdown occurs, medical equipment repairers use specialized tools and techniques to repair or replace defective parts or components. They also keep detailed records of equipment history, repairs, and maintenance schedules.

Examples of medical equipment repairer jobs include:

– Imaging Equipment Technicians – responsible for the maintenance, repair, and calibration of X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound equipment.
– Laboratory Equipment Technicians – responsible for the maintenance, repair, and calibration of laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges, microscopes, and analyzers.
– Surgical Equipment Technicians – responsible for the maintenance, repair, and calibration of surgical tools, operating tables, and lights.
– Patient Monitor Technicians – responsible for the maintenance, repair, and calibration of devices that measure patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels.

Education and Training

To become a medical equipment repairer, you typically need an associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology or a related field. Some employers may accept candidates with a high school diploma or GED and equivalent work experience or military training. Certificate programs and online courses are also available in medical equipment repair or medical instrumentation. These programs should include courses in electronics, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. Employers may also require certification from organizations such as the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC) or the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

Progression and How to Get into the Field

Medical equipment repairers can progress in their careers by acquiring more experience or higher education, becoming supervisors or managers, or specializing in a particular type of equipment or technology. As technology advances, medical equipment repairers must stay up to date with the latest developments in their field to provide high-quality service.

If you’re new to the field, you can get into medical equipment repair by getting formal education or training, seeking an entry-level position, and gaining work experience. You can apply for apprenticeships or internships with hospitals or medical equipment providers to gain hands-on experience and learn from experienced technicians. Networking with professionals in the field and attending conferences or workshops can also help you keep up to date with new technology and job opportunities.

Conclusion

Medical equipment repairers play a vital role in healthcare by ensuring the proper functioning of medical devices and equipment. The job requires technical skills, knowledge, and attention to detail, and the education and training needed are typically a two-year associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology or equivalent. Medical equipment repairers can progress in their careers by acquiring more experience or higher education, becoming supervisors or managers, or specializing in a particular type of equipment or technology. To get into the field, formal education or training, entry-level positions, and work experience, or internships can be helpful.