What is a Medical Equipment Repair Technician: An Employer’s View
Those who enroll in MedQuest’s Medical Equipment Repair Technician program typically have a particular set of characteristics that enable them to excel in the medical equipment repair field. Most technicians will have similar interests and career paths such as information technology, automotive or electronics repair, maintenance, HVAC or electrical tradesman, engineer minded individuals, and even those who are naturally drawn to math, science and “how things work”. 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. The desire to be financially stable, help others, and be apart of a career that ignites a passion is what drives students into this Medical Equipment Repair Technician program.
At MedQuest, we strive to create real-world situations for our students, to better prepare them for their new careers after they graduate. Outside of hands-on training and the medical equipment repair externship, we realize that many frequently asked questions would have added value if answered by an employer. We sat down with Pam Rose from Avante Health Solutions to give you valuable insight into the fast-growing technology world of being a medical equipment repair technician.
Avante Health Solutions manufactures, repairs, refurbishes and installs a large variety of medical equipment to healthcare providers, nationwide. MedQuest partners with Avante Health Solutions as an externship site where students work alongside experienced biomedical equipment technicians to refine the skills learned while on campus. We continue that relationship as a part of our externship program. A part of our program that allows students to work in their chosen field to gain real-world experience. As the Biomedical Manager for Avante, Pam is responsible for the refurbish and repair of medical equipment as well as the technicians that carry out these tasks. Watch or read her interview below.
Q: How much money does a medical equipment repair technician make?
A: “You can start say in the forties but the earning potential with overtime can be in the seventies, easy.”
Rose explained that the starting pay could differ based on experience. Someone who has been working with electronics or mechanics could have an increased salary and even those with previous experience you would not expect, such as an employee of Geek Squad.
Q: What skills should a medical equipment repair technician have?
A: “I look for people who just have an interest in working with their hands. I also like for them to think outside the box, you have to be creative, so I look for creativity.”
A wide variety of skills and hobbies could be useful for someone looking to go into the medical equipment repair field. Those who like working with heavy machineries such as cars or lawnmowers, love to “tinker” around with objects. They like to take things apart and put them back together again or have the ability to think outside of the box. These individuals can all find a place within the healthcare technology industry.
Q: What can a medical equipment repair technician specialize in?
A: “As far as specialties, you can specialize in dialysis, imaging, labs, they are very specific.”
Although some of these specialties may fall outside of Avante, they still make an effort to place technicians in an area that they have a natural inclination to. If there is something a technician is interested in and loves to tinker with, Rose ensured they would get placed in that specific area.
Q: What are the benefits of becoming a medical equipment repair technician?
A: “It’s never the same, you’re always learning. Day-to-day I’ve been in this business for 30 years and I am still learning. There is always new equipment to work with. It’s challenging and never gets dull. It’s perfect for those looking for something different that won’t get dull.”
She went on to explain how stable and comfortable this field can be. With work that takes place in state-of-the-art indoor work facilities and an average 40 hour work week, you won’t have to worry about stability as the work is constant and year-round. This position is perfect for those looking for a work-life balance. If you want more out of your career there is even an option to travel!
Pam gave us insight into the world of medical equipment repair. Like many trade fields, starting pay for medical equipment technicians is fair but only increases with experience and time. Even knowledge and experience gained outside of medical equipment repair can contribute to this increase. This can give those who are nervous about a career change peace of mind knowing they are not completely starting over. This role is ideal for creative individuals who want to work with their hands and solve issues using out-of-the-box thinking. Those who chase the feeling of making something broken, work again! Technicians entering the field can become specialized in many different areas of the medical equipment field. What makes this career special from other trade careers is the stability it offers as well as the satisfaction of helping others while allowing for a work-life balance.
If you’re interested in what the Healthcare Technology program at MedQuest College and becoming a biomedical equipment technician can do for you and your future, request more information or schedule a tour with us today.