how to become a medical equipment repair technician
Medical equipment repairers will be needed to fix and maintain the medical equipment used in healthcare facilities. Copyright 2003-2023 Test or calibrate components or equipment, following manufacturers' manuals and troubleshooting techniques, using hand tools, power tools, or measuring devices. In some cases, this requires studying a machines technical specifications and operating manual. Continuing education opportunities are available through the AAMI, community colleges, and medical equipment manufacturer training programs. Biomedical Technician: Duties, Salary and How To Become One Through advanced topics and lab work fully prepare students for taking on clinical rotations and then a job in industry. Here is a list of the industries with the highest levels of employment for medical equipment repairers (BLS May 2021): Some medical equipment repairers are also employed as contractors, meaning that they may have to travel, sometimes significant distances, to make repairs. For less complicated equipment, such as electric hospital beds, workers make repairs as needed. Employment of medical equipment repairers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. How to Become a Medical Equipment Repair Technician The original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may also offer training. Consideration of risk management and safety programs from the perspective of electrical safety. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. Medical equipment repair technicians are responsible for helping keep the complex and expensive machines used in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices running, and doing so requires specialized knowledge. Those who work in a patient-caring environment are potentially exposed to germs, diseases, and other health risks. The As they learn, workers gradually become more independent while still under supervision. Those who repair less-complicated equipment, such as hospital beds and electric wheelchairs, may learn entirely through on-the-job training, sometimes lasting up to 1 year. Keeping medical equipment functioning is literally a matter of life and death. Is personality testing just stereotyping? All rights reserved. Those who repair less-complicated equipment, such as hospital beds and electric wheelchairs, may learn entirely through on-the-job training, sometimes lasting up to 1 year. Biomedical Equipment Technician Certification - TheBestSchools.org You can explore: Perform maintenance and repairs on life saving equipment. In New York (the second most expensive state according to MERIC 2022), it is much higher, at $61,190, which is much more than the national average. For more information about medical equipment repairers, including a listing of schools offering related programs of study and information about certification, visit, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. For less complicated equipment, such as electric hospital beds, workers make repairs as needed. Additionally, East Tennessee State Universitys engineering technology program offers several more concentration options, which include biomedical engineering technology, construction engineering technology, electronics engineering technology, industrial technology, manufacturing engineering technology, and product development. Examine medical equipment or facility's structural environment and check for proper use of equipment to protect patients and staff from electrical or mechanical hazards and to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Obtain three different certifications from the International Certification Commission for Engineering and Biomedical Technology. To become a medical equipment technician, you need an associate degree in biomedical engineering technology or a related field, although some more specialized jobs may require a bachelor's degree. According to SimplyHired.com (2022), the average medical salary for medical equipment repairers is $32,677somewhat lower than what the BLS reportsbut, as with any other job, the pay can vary based upon experience, credentials, and location of employment. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. Career Diploma: Locksmith & Home Security Technician, Medical Equipment Repair Associate Degree, Online Medical Equipment Repair Schools and Training Programs, How to Become a TV and Video Equipment Repair Technician in 5 Steps, Online Schools for Medical Equipment Technicians, Heavy Equipment Repair Technician: Job Duties, Outlook and Education Info, 5 Steps to Becoming a Heavy Equipment Repair Technician. Therefore, medical equipment repairers sometimes perform routine scheduled maintenance to ensure that sophisticated equipment, such as x-ray machines and CAT scanners, are in good working order. Career Insights Published Nov 3, 2022 Table Of Contents Medical Equipment Technician Job Duties Medical Equipment Technician Salary & Outlook Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. How To Become a Medical Instrument Technician | Indeed.com Medical equipment repairers use a variety of tools. Step 2: Earn an associates degree (two years). More Information, Including Links to O*NET, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians, Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/medical-equipment-repairers.htm, Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers, Perform preventive maintenance and service, Review technical manuals and regularly attend training sessions, Explain and demonstrate how to operate medical equipment. A wide range of patient-facing facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, need equipment to work efficiently to care for patients. Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education. Median Salary. What is a Medical Equipment Repair Technician? - Medquest What Is a Medical Equipment Technician and How to Become One - ZipRecruiter She has a B.A. Heart monitors. Create a professional resume quickly with our easy to use builder. Central Service Technician - Explore Health Care Careers - Mayo Clinic The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) offers five types of certification, including the certified biomedical equipment technician (CBET), the certified radiology equipment specialist (CRES), the certified healthcare technology manager (CHTM), the certified industrial sterilization specialist (CISS), and the certified associate in biomedical technology(CABT). Employers generally prefer candidates who have an associates degree in biomedical technology or engineering. Medical equipment repairer careers are expected to grow in the coming years to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding healthcare sector. Broken medical equipment costs hospitals and providers time, money, and may pose safety risks for patients. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. The Thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the understanding of natural laws. Each piece of equipment is different, so medical equipment repairers must learn each one separately. As you consider how to approach your education and get the most of your investment, consider the following: Learning how to solder this morning. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation. Training programs are offered around the country to help educate those interested in the field, most frequently as associate's degree programs. Repairers must continually update their skills and knowledge of new technologies and equipment through seminars and self-study. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says medical equipment repairers, also known as biomedical repair technicians, do precisely what the name says: They fix glitches and damage in medical equipment. They also may work on medical imaging equipment (x rays, CAT scanners, and ultrasound equipment), voice-controlled operating tables, and electric wheelchairs. Thus, more medical equipment repairers will be needed to ensure that these machines work properly. Instead, they specialize in becoming an MRI technician or working with defibrillators or heart monitors. At ECPI University, an affordable education is within reach. Learn more about medical equipment repairers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations. Maintaining security and storage for imaging films and procedures is critical to helping providers care for their patients. Repairers often must work in a patient-caring environment, which has the potential to expose them to germs, diseases and other health risks. Earn a degree. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Disassemble malfunctioning equipment and remove, repair, or replace defective parts, such as motors, clutches, or transformers. Using this tool, people can better compare salary data against the average cost of housing, utilities, and groceries for a particular state. The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation offers certification as a biomedical equipment tech, radiology equipment specialist and lab equipment specialist, for example. 10,000. Medical Equipment Repair Technician: What Is It? and How to Become One A medical equipment repairer, or medical equipment technician, has an essential role in the fields of healthcare and engineering. Also this coursework is often intended to ready students to take certification tests available from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Guide to Medical Equipment Repair Careers - Medical Technology Schools The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensatedannual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Many tasks, such as connecting or attaching parts and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination. The original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may also offer training. BMETs can gain work experience during or after completing a degree program or on-the-job training. Step 3: Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Also, Sales, Technical Support, Consulting, and Management. They then adjust the mechanical, electronic, or hydraulic parts or modify the software in order to recalibrate the equipment and fix the issue. The BLS (2021) reports that the primary duties of a medical equipment repairer are to install, maintain, and repair patient care equipment. Medical equipment repairers, also known as biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs), use microcomputer equipment and handheld tools to install and maintain equipment and diagnose and troubleshoot problems. Some employers pay for you to take certification classes. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Active 10 days ago Battery Technician I (DC Power) CPG Beyond Boydton, VA +1 location Estimated $44.3K - $56.1K a year Full-time There is no published author for this page. Many of these fields, including medical equipment repair technology, involve diving in, getting your hands dirty and solving a problem, but technicians are able to really put their skills to the test by repairing medical equipment that could potentially save a life. If a machine has problems or is not functioning to its potential, repairers first diagnose the problem. Install solar panels and equipment. More Info Start Learning. Medical equipment repairers often test and calibrate equipment. Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance They must be familiar with both the equipments internal parts and the appropriate tools needed to fix them. Medical Imaging Equipment Repair Schools: What to Expect - ECPI University Your medical imagingequipment repair program curriculum may include a variety of core work that uses a comprehensive approach to help you gain experience. How will you get the most of the coursework to jumpstart your new life? Technical skills. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,850. Although most states do not currently require certification earning certification in various specialties can open more job opportunities for medical equipment repairers. In some cases, this requires studying a machines technical specifications and operating manual. Technicians use sophisticated diagnostic tools when working on complex medical equipment. Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make! Make computations relating to load requirements of wiring or equipment, using algebraic expressions and standard formulas. O*NET: 49-9062.00 / CIP Number: 15.0401. When a CT scanner, MRI scanner or other piece of important medical equipment breaks . East Tennessee State Universitys bachelor of science in engineering technology program with an electronics concentration features extensive lab work to master the skills necessary to repair equipment in industrial and manufacturing settings. Biomedical technicians, also known as "biomedical equipment technicians (BMET)," install and maintain patient monitors, ventilators, ultrasound equipment, X-ray machines and other patient care equipment. Lastly, medical equipment repairers need to be sensitive to the needs of patients while they do their repairs in a hospital or a clinical setting. Problem solving of equipment related safety issues. Evaluate technical specifications to identify equipment or systems best suited for intended use and possible purchase, based on specifications, user needs, or technical requirements. The median annual wage for medical equipment repairers was $49,910 in May 2021. Compute power and space requirements for installing medical, dental, or related equipment and install units to manufacturers' specifications. This concentration combines engineering and scientific methods and knowledge into technical classes providing students with the knowledge base needed for supporting engineering activities. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for a biomedical technician is $51,610, meaning half of the medical equipment repairers make more, half less. Although individuals will only require an associates degree for entry-level employment, those with a bachelors degree in biomedical equipment technology qualify for positions that require more technical skills and, as a result, command higher salaries for increased skill levels. In May 2021, the median annual wage for all workers was $45,760. DC fundamental and concepts, digital systems, and computer configuration. The BLS shows that 59,100 individuals were employed as medical equipment repairers in the U.S. in 2021. The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2021 to 2031. A medical equipment repairer, or medical equipment technician, has an essential role in the fields of healthcare and engineering. What Education Is Needed to Be a Medical Equipment Repair Technician? What Education Is Needed to Be a Medical Equipment Repair Technician. Read More. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. You may also learn how to work on specific imaging equipment that provides angiography (studies of venous and arterial blood flow), Computer Tomography Scan (CT), cardiac imaging such as echocardiography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Prefixes suffixes plurals and abbreviations used to create terms are studied. Most manufacturers and employers, particularly those in hospitals, often pay for their in-house medical repairers to become certified. From X-ray machines to electric wheelchairs, the medical equipment repairer can fix a wide array of machinery used in hospitals and clinics. Bridge a students classroom knowledge and skills with real-world problem solving. See typical salaries and ranges for this career below Shift click to sort by more than one column for example first shift-click on state and then shift-click on salary to find best and worst salaries in each state. Explain or demonstrate correct operation or preventive maintenance of medical equipment to personnel. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Equipment Repairers, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed). There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. An example program is the bachelor of science in engineering technology with an electronics concentration from East Tennessee State University. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,850. Run tests and perform calibrations on equipment to make sure each piece of equipment is functioning at its best. When this is the case, the repairer must take great care to ensure that their work activities do not disturb patients. All rights reserved. Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Core knowledge needed for understanding of advanced equipment technology coursework. The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) offers the certified biomedical equipment technician (CBET) certification. Mechanical skills. A good biomedical repair tech also performs preventive maintenance so that breakdowns don't occur and keeps records of maintenance and repair work. Acquire an internship to become familiar with the different kinds of equipment used in a medical office. An understanding of principles behind electrodes transducers amplifiers and monitoring systems is given. Through your coursework, you'll become knowledgeable in the use of specialized tools, such as multimeters, soldering irons, and computer software, in order to properly calibrate and adjust equipment to operate at its highest level of accuracy. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH. $49,910. He's part of a larger group of maintenance workers called medical equipment repairers or. Additional credentials offered by the AAMI include certified radiology equipment specialist and certified laboratory equipment specialist. The states with the highest employment of medical equipment repairers were as follows (BLS May 2021): Unsurprisingly, the top employers of medical equipment repairers are the companies that manufacture and support medical equipment. Who is the author? California's BMETs arrive at their professions through a number of educational paths including: A two year associates or four year bachelor's degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology, Biomedical Engineering Founded in 1966, ECPI University promotes a student-centered learning environment as well as personal and professional development through education. Before sharing sensitive information, General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. Even a strength can become a liability, Emotional Intelligence can be developed over time and a great starting point to developing stronger EQ is underst. A facility with a broken x-ray machine or non-functioning robotic surgical equipment costs patients, hospitals, and insurance providers time and money. The most common programs aspiring equipment technicians enroll in include mechanical or electrical engineering. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face. To become a medical equipment repair technician, earn an associate or bachelor's degree in medical repair technology, biomedical engineering, or a related field. Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment. DISCLAIMER ECPI University makes no claim, warranty or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. While enrolled in one of these programs, your coursework covers topics in electric circuits, biomedical instrumentation, medical equipment networks, healthcare safety standards, and computer applications. In a hospital setting, medical equipment repairers must be comfortable working around patients because repairs occasionally must take place while equipment is being used. Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings. Aspiring high school students are encouraged to keep their grades high in math, science, and computer science classes if offered. Employment of medical equipment repairers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. instead. MERA Medical and Scientific Equipment Maintenance and Repair Services: Medical Devices Expected to Change the World by 2025, Online Master's Degree Programs in Biomedical Diagnostics, Biomedical Tech Certification - AAMI, ETA, Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers: 21,150 employed, Electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance: 9,890, General medical and surgical hospitals: 7,090. Foundation knowledge for understanding equipment technology and communicating with colleagues. In addition, installing and repairing medical equipment often involves lifting and carrying heavy objects as well as working in tight spaces. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our. Medical equipment repairers must be familiar with medical components and systems and how they interact. What Can I Do with a Child Development Associate Degree? For simpler equipment such as electric wheelchairs, you learn on the job. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties. The Organizing interest area indicates a focus on working with information and processes to keep things arranged in orderly systems. What is this exactly? Medical equipment technology is rapidly evolving, and new devices are frequently introduced. BMETs may work with mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical components, and sometimes all three. According to O*NET Online, medical equipment repairer jobs require skills ranging from calibrating components to soldering connections. Computer-based machines and technical equipment are being developed and continuously updated, keeping the job of medical equipment repairer in demand. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Most work full time, but some repairers have variable schedules. The AAMI certifies specialists in general biomedical equipment technology as well as specializations in radiology equipment and laboratory equipment. Solder loose connections, using soldering iron. She has more than 20 years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. Dexterity. Thank you for being interested. To get the most out of your education, is it is important to understand what can help you be successful in the job. Because repairing vital medical equipment is urgent, the work can be stressful. For some technicians military service provides an education in biomedical equipment technology. If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Thinking or Organizing interest which might fit with a career as a medical equipment repairer, you can take a career test to measure your interests. A medical equipment repairer must know how to read and understand these types of manuals and be able to disassemble broken equipment, identify root causes for the issues, troubleshoot them, and then locate the parts needed for repair and install them. Number of Jobs. Individuals that enjoy detailed, behind-the-scenes work in a fast-paced environment may enjoy a career . Some associations offer certifications for medical equipment repairers. Certification is optional, but it can improve employment prospects and compensation. Once a piece of medical equipment is completely cleaned and disinfected, it will be sterilized and packaged for reuse. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. Repair shop equipment, metal furniture, or hospital equipment, including welding broken parts or replacing missing parts, or bring item into local shop for major repairs. Kellie is the content strategist for My Perfect Resume. Community colleges offer two-year degrees in biomedical equipment technology. Education requirements for medical equipment repairers vary, depending on a workers experience and area of specialization. Employment of medical equipment repairers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. How Do I Become a Medical Equipment Repair Technician? - Learn.org Reasons for this job growth include increased demand for healthcare services and advancing technologies and tools that require more complex skills to fix. How to Become a Biomedical Equipment Technician in 5 Steps - Learn.org What are Some Popular Jobs in the Field of Medical Supplies? You'll also become familiar with the latest medical technology and equipment, including: You can become a certified biomedical equipment technician (CBET) through the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) by passing an exam. Truity periodically updates our site with information from the BLS database. Repairers use this software to calibrate the machines. Because of this, you are required to participate in continuing education activities in order to keep your skills and equipment knowledge up to date. Exposure to medical equipments configuration, application, and networking within a healthcare organizations network. They may work on microscopes, fetal monitors, incubators, fluoroscopes, anesthetic machines, oximeters, ultrasound machines and endoscopic cameras. What Are the Different Occupations in the Medical Field? Ready students to apply safe practices in their daily work. Medical device manufacturers also may provide technical training. of Labor. On this site, you can take the Career Personality Profiler assessment, the Holland Code assessment, or the Photo Career Quiz. With a free account you will have access to our full library of over 160 STEM careers. Unemployment Rate. Once you have completed an associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology and gained two years of work experience in the field, you are eligible for certification. The largest employers of medical equipment repairers were as follows: Medical equipment repairers who work as contractors often have to travelsometimes long distancesto perform needed repairs. Medical Equipment Repairers - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. In May 2021, the median annual wages for medical equipment repairers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows: Although medical equipment repairers usually work during the day, they are sometimes expected to be on call, including evenings and weekends.