How to become A Medical Equipment Repairer

Whether it is a relatively simple instrument, such as a stethoscope, or complex life-saving apparatus, such as ventilators, maintenance is an integral part of the life cycle management of medical equipment. A Medical Equipment Repairer plays a crucial role in healthcare by ensuring that life-saving medical equipment functions efficiently at all times, whether at home, in an ambulance, or a medical facility. After all, physicians depend on various medical machines and instruments to accurately diagnose and effectively treat their patients.

• Biomedical Equipment Technician
• Biomedical Technician
• Biomedical Engineering Technician
• BioMed Engineer
• Biomedical Equipment Manager

What do Medical Equipment Repairers do?

A Medical Equipment Repairer would typically need to:

• Install, inspect, calibrate, maintain, replace and repair medical equipment, such as hospital beds, manual and powered wheelchairs and suction equipment, for use in various healthcare settings
• Ensure that all medical equipment functions according to prescribed safety regulations
• Test operate and examine malfunctioning equipment to diagnose the problems not allowing it to function to its full potential; adjust the mechanical, electronic, or hydraulic parts or modify the relevant software to recalibrate the equipment and resolve the problem
• Use hand tools, soldering irons and test instruments to disassemble machines; identify and replace defective parts or solder, tighten, align, and adjust loose or other components, including motors, valves and electrical controls
• Test operate the unit after installing or fixing it and ensure its optimal functioning to meet the manufacturer's specifications and the user’s requirements
• Perform routine scheduled and preventive maintenance, particularly on sophisticated equipment, such as imaging machines, to ensure accurate readings which help physicians make diagnoses
• Carry out servicing tasks such as cleaning, lubricating, and polishing parts with the help of solvents, polish, grease gun, and rags
• Replace any worn-out, damaged or defective parts; use hand tools, soldering irons, and other electronic devices to repair or adjust faulty equipment, such as a broken wheelchair
• Keep records of maintenance and repairs; refer to technical manuals and regularly attend training schedules to enhance working skills
• Assist in developing medical maintenance standard operating procedures; instruct and demonstrate to users how to operate medical equipment correctly and safely
• Determine serviceability and condition of in-use medical equipment
• Inspect medical equipment and the facility’s environment to protect patients and staff from electrical or mechanical hazards; be alert of the dangers when equipment is exposed while repairing and follow all protocol while disposing of it
• Expand the utility of equipment by installing modified parts, such as footrests or respirator equipment on wheelchairs
• Ensure that their activities do not disturb patients or medical staff, especially when they work on equipment while it is in use

Medical Equipment Repairers often work in hospitals, care homes, ambulances, and patient wards. They spend considerable time in patients' rooms or in the intensive care unit (ICU) or any other hospital area that patients are admitted into. They may need to make house visits to repair equipment installed in the homes of patients. Medical Equipment Repairers who work as contractors often have to travel long distances to perform needed repairs.

Usually, Medical Equipment Repairers work 40 hours a week. Typically, they work during the day but can be expected to be on call, including on evenings and weekends. Most days are typical eight-hour shifts unless an emergency arises for technicians who work in hospitals.

Most Medical Equipment Repairers work full time, but some may have irregular schedules. Freelance work is a possibility once you have acquired sufficient experience and built a network.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Medical Equipment Repairer can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies and medical facilities directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Medical Equipment Repairers are generally employed by:

• Hospitals
• Medical Equipment Manufacturers
• Medical Equipment Servicing Agencies
• Medical Centers
• Private Practice Groups
• Clinics

Professional associations and organisations are crucial for a Medical Equipment Repairer interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Absence of or little budgetary support for maintenance of equipment
• Difficulty in obtaining spare parts to replace old, worn-out or defective ones, given the rapid technological changes and new models of equipment that arrive in the market at short intervals
• Exposure to infections and diseases due to their close contact with patients while repairing machines
• Physical strain, accompanied by aches and pains due to the handling of heavy equipment
• Risk of accidents due to malfunctioning of machines
• The need to be on call or put in overtime hours, especially in case of an emergency

Any academic program that a potential Medical Equipment Repairer takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship under an experienced technician. Many Medical Equipment Repairers have work experience as lab technicians or pharmacy technicians.

For entry-level jobs with medical suppliers, hospitals, clinics, or related organisations, it may not be necessary for a Medical Equipment Repairer to have experience in a particular field since you typically receive on-the-job training. Also, if you have experience in residential maintenance and installation, jewellery or watch repair, or even automotive, plumbing, or electrical repair, you may transfer your skills to repairing equipment such as surgical devices. Keep in mind, however, that senior positions may ask you to have two or more years of related experience.

The minimum qualification required for a Medical Equipment Repairer is an associate degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering. 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. Other courses may include physics, medical terminology, anatomy, and troubleshooting techniques.

In addition to associate degree programs in the field, many equipment manufacturers also provide programs to teach you machine-specific calibrations and functions.

Keep in mind that educational requirements for a Medical Equipment Repairer may differ depending upon their area of specialisation. An associate degree in biomedical technology or biomedical engineering would suffice for those involved in repairing less complicated equipment, such as wheelchairs and hospital beds. Medical Equipment Repairers who work on advanced equipment such as CAT scanners and defibrillators need a relevant bachelor's degree.

Aspiring Medical Equipment Repairers may take up courses in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, computer-aided design, human anatomy, and physiology, which can help them advance in their career.

While not mandatory, certification demonstrates a Medical Equipment Repairer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. It usually requires a repairer to have an associate degree in a related field and at least two years of work experience. Typically, certification unfolds various opportunities for a repairer’s advancement. Most manufacturers and employers, particularly those in hospitals, often pay for their in-house Medical Equipment Repairers to become certified.

Employers usually prefer certification awarded by the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC), which formally recognises the theoretical and practical expertise of individuals in biomedical equipment technology. You may choose from its different certifications, such as biomedical equipment, radiology equipment, or laboratory equipment.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.

Usually, Medical Equipment Repairers may take up specialised courses and practice as Dental Technicians, Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians, and Medical Appliance Technicians. They may even diversify into non-medical roles such as Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Machinery Maintenance Workers.

A Medical Equipment Repairer with an associate degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering and a diploma in biomedical instrumentation, accompanied by certificates in required courses should have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential in the healthcare sector for public wellbeing and career progression. It embraces several new learning objectives, educational methodologies, and novel technological developments, especially in education, management, and IT.

Typically, freshers observe and shadow more experienced repairers for three to six months before being qualified for independent work. As each part of an instrument is different, a Medical Equipment Repairer must learn each one separately. Studying the technical documentation that accompanies any equipment is handy. On-the-job training for a year may be sufficient for those involved in repairing less complicated equipment, such as wheelchairs and hospital beds.

Medical equipment technology is growing rapidly, and new equipment is frequently introduced. Medical Equipment Repairers must update their skills and knowledge of new technologies and equipment through seminars and self-study. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may also offer training.

Moreover, Medical Equipment Repairer can take up specialised courses in computers and can practise as a data operator in the back-office at hospitals, maintaining the documents and reports of patients.

Reflective learning, interaction with peer groups, comprehensive inclusion, workshops, and professional publications serve to educate, influence, support, and foster lifelong enlightenment in all career-grade Medical Equipment Repairer.

What Do Medical Equipment Repairers Fix?

Some Medical Equipment Repairers have the requisite training, skills, and experience to fix diverse equipment, while others specialise in one or a few machines. The life-supporting equipment they may work on includes anaesthesia machines, monitors, defibrillators, and ventilators. The maintenance of diagnostic imaging machines, such as CAT scanners, ultrasound equipment, and x-rays, is also a critical responsibility. They may also work on equipment such as electric wheelchairs and voice-controlled operating tables. Furthermore, they repair the medical equipment that dentists and ophthalmologists use.

The Tool Kit

Medical Equipment Repairers use various hand tools and electronic tools to repair the equipment Most of them use hand tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and soldering irons. Others use electronic devices, such as multimeters and computers. Medical Equipment Repairers often use test-equipment software to repair the equipment.

Threats due to Machinery Incompetence

Medical Equipment Repairers shoulder the crucial responsibility of maintaining the safety of medical equipment, much of which is found in intensive care units. Defects or malfunction in advanced medical equipment due to poor maintenance can cause injuries or even death of the patient by electric shock. Patients connected to such medical equipment are not in a condition to respond to dangerous conditions or pains. Life support equipment must work impeccably at all times.

Gear Up

Dress code policies typically include personal protection equipment or gear that you must wear while repairing equipment. The safety dress code and protective gear will help you protect yourself from hazards. Medical Equipment Repairers should avoid wearing shorts while working. Footwear must cover the entire feet of the repairer.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Medical Equipment Repairers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Medical Equipment Repairer, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety. When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The ‘Da Vinci Robot’ is the latest medical equipment used to conduct minimally invasive surgeries. Surgeons manipulate the system through a console, receiving a magnified view of the surgical area.

With increasingly longer life spans, health experts prescribe more medical tests and treatments that use new and complex equipment, which must be kept in top shape and running order at all times during its working life. Even though Medical Equipment Repairers work in the background, only sometimes coming into direct contact with patients, they play an indispensable role in the healthcare sector by maintaining all types of medical equipment, simple and complex.

Better care and regular maintenance of equipment generate a positive effect on healthcare delivery worldwide. Pre-use testing, preventive maintenance, malfunction reports, and repair procedures are ways to avoid equipment malfunction and its dangerous outcomes. Your job as a Medical Equipment Repairer is highly technical and constantly changes to keep pace with rapidly expanding equipment technology. The bottom line is that there is always a new technique or skill to learn, a new qualification to acquire, no matter how much you already know.