In the Air Force:
Biomedical Equipment; Biomedical Equipment Craftsman; Biomedical Equipment Manager; Dental Assistant Apprentice; Dental Assistant Helper; Health Services Management; Health Services Management Craftsman, Health Information Technology; Health Services Management Journeyman, Health Information Technology; Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Apprentice; Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Journeyman; Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Superintendent
In the Army:
Biomedical Equipment Specialist; Electronic Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer; Health Services Maintenance Technician; Senior Electronics Maintenance Warrant Officer; Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Maintenance Support Specialist; Unit Supply Specialist
In the Coast Guard:
Health Services Technician; Medical Administration Specialty
Keeping medical equipment accurate and in good working order…. is essential to conduct medical tests and operate life support systems… which makes the work of medical equipment repairers very important. Medical equipment repairers, also known as biomedical equipment technicians, install and repair equipment used in hospitals and medical offices… from patient monitors and defibrillators… to X-ray machines and electric wheelchairs. Repairers perform routine maintenance on sophisticated equipment, and when a machine malfunctions, they diagnose the problem… then adjust components with hand tools or modify the software in order to fix the issue. Some specialize in just a few specific machines while others work on a variety of equipment. Repairers must be comfortable working around patients, and may be exposed to health risks in medical facilities. The work can be time sensitive and stressful, as well as physically demanding. Repairs often involve lifting and carrying heavy objects or working in tight spaces. Most repairers work full time, and may be on-call evenings and weekends for urgent repairs. Those who work as contractors often travel to perform needed repairs. Most positions require an associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering. For less-complicated equipment such as hospital beds or wheelchairs, repairers may learn entirely through on-the-job training, while repair work for equipment such as CAT scanners or defibrillators may require a bachelor’s degree.
What they do:
Test, adjust, or repair biomedical or electromedical equipment.
On the job, you would:
Inspect and test malfunctioning medical or related equipment, following manufacturers' specifications and using test and analysis instruments.
Test or calibrate components or equipment, following manufacturers' manuals and troubleshooting techniques, using hand tools, power tools, or measuring devices.
Keep records of maintenance, repair, and required updates of equipment.
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
computers and electronics
Business
customer service
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
reading work related information
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Hand and Finger Use
put together small parts with your fingers
hold or move items with your hands
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
read and understand what is written
Visual Understanding
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Analytical Thinking
Adaptability/Flexibility
Cooperation
Integrity
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Video conferencing software
FaceTime
Medical software
Medical equipment diagnostic software
high school diploma/GED or associate's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.