How to Become Qualified on Medical Instruments and Equipment

Clinicians and medical technicians have to learn about and adapt to numerous and frequent advancements in medical technology. New equipment, upgraded models, new approaches and new treatments come out in every discipline of medicine. In many cases, physicians, nurses and allied clinicians use technology themselves. In other cases, technicians dedicated to a particular type of equipment or field, such as radiology technicians, have careers based on their education and training on medical equipment. Training ranges from simple to very involved depending on the type of equipment. People both new to their fields, as well as those trying to stay up-to-date need equipment training.

Instructions

• 1

  Earn a degree from an accredited program on medical equipment and technology operation if you are entering the equipment operation field. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that people in the radiology field need two- or four-year degrees from colleges, universities and vocational programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. JRCERT catalogs those programs on its website.

• 2

  Take certification or continuing education classes from medical device training institutes and trade organizations such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation if you are entering or furthering your education in medical equipment use or repair. There are numerous certifications covering a broad range of medical equipment. Some people acquire backup options and diversify their careers by obtaining multiple certifications.

• 3

  Learn from manufacturer-sponsored training courses. Medical equipment manufacturers sometimes provide paid and/or free continuing education courses for clinicians who want to learn to use their equipment. In some cases, manufacturers give free training to health care employees as part of the sales package to a hospital or medical organization.

• 4

  If you are a clinician already employed in hospital or medical setting, you can train under another clinician who is an expert in the use of the particular equipment. Hospital resident physicians in training often learn how to use equipment from their mentoring physicians. Similarly, nurses and nurse educators work with new nurses on how to work numerous medical devices.

• 5

  Enroll in college or university continuing education courses. Many community colleges and vocational schools, as well as nursing and medical schools, offer continuing education courses for clinicians to stay abreast of the latest technologies, procedures and techniques. Some courses involve hands-on training with equipment.