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Hospital Equipment Repair

People who are sick or injured count on doctors and nurses to get well, and those health care workers often depend on medical equipment to assist in patients' recovery. Like other mechanical devices, however, medical equipment---especially equipment with electrical or computer components---will occasionally require repair.

  1. Necessity

    • According to an article at The Free Library website, hospital equipment is in high demand. As of 2009, the medical equipment industry is worth more than $200 billion globally, with the United States leading the market. The sheer number of medical devices indicates a high need for medical device repair technicians. With an estimated 14 percent of the world's population expected to be 65 or older by 2030, the need for medical devices and qualified technicians to fix them will continue to grow.

    When to Repair

    • In general, most hospitals dictate in their policy manuals that medical equipment should be repaired as soon as problems are noticed. If the repair cannot be made right away, then the machine should be designated out-of-order and should not be used. If cost is an issue, hospitals sometimes borrow equipment from other facilities, or refer patients to hospitals or clinics that have the equipment available.

    Function

    • Hospital equipment repair usually involves adjustment, calibration or reprogramming of equipment parts and software. Because of this, the job is best for someone who likes hands-on projects but also has a thorough understanding of electronics and computers. Hours are flexible and often don't conform to a typical 9-to-5 workday.

    Types

    • Defibrillators, X-ray machines, electric wheelchairs and operating tables, video screens and monitors, and ultrasound machines are some of the equipment that may need repair. No matter what equipment is being worked on, the technician has to take care not to disturb patients who are in the hospital, especially if the repair has to be done while the machine is in close proximity to patients.

    Considerations

    • Hospitals that allow untrained individuals to work on the equipment may be found liable if injury or death occurs, so professionals are typically enlisted to do repairs. These professionals often work for equipment manufacturers or are certified or licensed to work on equipment with particular specifications.

    Workers

    • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 38,000 people were employed as medical repair technicians in the United States in 2006. It is possible to work in the field with little more than on-the-job training, but most workers have a two- or four-year degree, or were trained in the U.S. military. Certification exams may be required for more sophisticated equipment, and continued study and training is typical.

    Tools

    • Hospital equipment repair personnel use power tools, computers, multimeters, hand tools and soldering irons while on the job. These tools can be used for something as complex as programming or as simple as unscrewing screws.

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