Medical Equipment Repairer

Your Fit

Income

$50K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

13.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Medical Equipment Repairer?

Medical Equipment Repairers, also known as biomedical equipment technicians, specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing a wide range of electronic, electromechanical, and hydraulic equipment used in healthcare settings. They ensure that critical medical equipment like MRI machines, patient monitors, and defibrillators are functioning correctly and safely.

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Medical Equipment Repairer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Medical Equipment Repairer earn

Income data is from Canada's latest census. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Medical Equipment Repairer.

$50K

CAD per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $14K below the national average.

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What does a Medical Equipment Repairer do?

Work environment

These technicians typically work in hospitals, clinics, equipment manufacturers' facilities, or sometimes travel to various healthcare facilities. The work environment requires attention to detail, adherence to safety and sanitation protocols, and often involves on-call hours for urgent repairs.

Quick task list

Inspects and calibrates medical equipment.
Performs routine maintenance and emergency repairs.
Installs new medical equipment and trains healthcare staff on its use.
Keeps detailed service records and manages equipment inventory.
Stays up to date on healthcare technology and compliance regulations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Imaging Equipment Repair: Specializing in diagnostic imaging equipment like X-rays and MRI machines.
Clinical Laboratory Equipment Repair: Focusing on maintenance of laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and microscopes.
Surgical Instrument Repair: Repairing and maintaining surgical instruments and equipment.
Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Systems Maintenance: Specializing in the maintenance of digital healthcare record systems.

Description

Medical Equipment Repairers play a vital role in the healthcare industry, ensuring that critical medical devices operate effectively for patient diagnosis and treatment. Their work requires a comprehensive understanding of how complex medical devices function, including knowledge of electronics, mechanics, and computer systems. This role requires not only technical skills but also the ability to communicate effectively with medical staff to understand equipment problems and explain complex technical information in understandable terms.

Precision and attention to detail are crucial, as even minor malfunctions in medical equipment can have serious consequences for patient care. Therefore, repairers must meticulously follow safety standards and regulations. The job often requires problem-solving skills, as technicians diagnose and fix a wide range of technical issues, from simple mechanical faults to complex system errors.

Continuous learning is essential in this field due to the constant evolution of medical technology. Repairers often attend specialized training sessions and workshops to stay updated with the latest equipment and repair techniques. They must also be familiar with healthcare regulations and compliance standards related to medical equipment.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to patient care and healthcare efficiency.
Working with cutting-edge medical technology.
The intellectual challenge of troubleshooting and repairing complex equipment.

You might make a good Medical Equipment Repairer if you are...

Fascinated by how complex machinery and electronic systems work.
Detail-oriented with a strong interest in problem-solving.
Interested in healthcare and contributing to patient care indirectly.
Able to communicate effectively with a variety of professionals.
Eager to engage in continuous learning and professional development.

Pros:

High demand in the growing healthcare sector.
Opportunities for specialization in various types of medical equipment.
The satisfaction of contributing to patient care and health outcomes.

Cons:

Requires continuous education to keep up with technological advancements.
Can involve on-call work and emergency situations.
Potentially stressful environment, especially when dealing with critical equipment.

How to become a Medical Equipment Repairer

Typical education

Most positions require at least an associate degree in biomedical technology or engineering. Some jobs may require a bachelor's degree, especially for more advanced equipment. Ongoing training is often necessary due to the rapid advancement in medical technology.

High school preparation

Courses:

Basic Electronics or Engineering courses for foundational knowledge.
Biology or Health Sciences to understand the medical context of the equipment.
Mathematics for developing analytical and problem-solving skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a robotics club or similar groups to gain practical experience with electronics.
Volunteering at healthcare facilities to gain exposure to the medical field.
Participating in science fairs or projects that involve building or repairing devices.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in an associate's degree program in biomedical technology or engineering.
Seek internships or part-time jobs in medical equipment repair or healthcare settings for practical experience.
Consider obtaining certifications like Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) for advanced career opportunities.

More resources

Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) - Offers resources, education, and certification for biomedical equipment technicians.
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) - Provides information on the biomedical engineering field.
International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC) - Offers certification for professionals in the field.
National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) - Offers educational resources and information on the latest advancements in biomedical technology.

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