Who
Do You Call for MRI Repair?
Technology plays a
huge role in virtually every facet of modern life, including the health care
system. Sophisticated pieces of equipment like magnetic resonance imaging
scanners, also known as MRI systems, are used to peer inside the body, offering
much-needed insight into what goes on beneath the surface. The information
provided by these scanners can pinpoint a health problem, provide guidance for
an upcoming procedure or offer peace of mind by showing that all is well, but
that information is only useful if it is accurate.
What happens when that technology fails? Who gets the call when an MRI machine breaks down? In that situation, medical facilities turn to medical equipment repair technicians.
What is a medical equipment repair technician?
A medical equipment repair technician is a skilled professional who installs, calibrates, maintains, upgrades and repairs the complex medical equipment that patients, doctors and hospitals rely on. In 2014, there were some 48,000 people working in this field and earning a median annual salary of $46,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nearly half of all medical equipment repair technicians are employed by companies that supply or service medical technology. Others work for hospitals, health care centers and health stores. One in seven is self-employed.
How do you become a medical equipment repair technician?
Individuals interested in careers as medical equipment repair technicians should start by taking advanced science and mathematics courses in high school so that they'll have a strong foundation to build on. In college, they'll need to complete an associate degree program in biomedical engineering technology. Earning this degree will involve course work covering topics that include information technology, electronics, science, and human anatomy and physiology. Hand-on lab experience in repairing and maintaining medical equipment will also be part of the program.
Earning a degree is only the first step for people interested in following this career path. Newly minted medical equipment repair technicians must spend months working on each type of medical equipment under the careful eyes of experienced technicians.
Are there certifications for medical equipment repair technicians?
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation offers several certifications for medical equipment repair technicians who would like to demonstrate their commitment and competency by proving their mastery of the theoretical and practical aspects of their profession. These include the CBET credential for biomedical equipment technicians, the CRES credential for radiology equipment specialists and the CLES credential for laboratory equipment specialists.
To become certified, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements by completing an appropriate educational program and an accepted period of work experience. In addition, they must pass a comprehensive exam.
What goes into keeping an MRI system working properly?
Ensuring that an MRI system provides accurate results takes a little work and a lot of training.
Medical equipment repair technicians might be called on for a variety of service needs, including:
What happens when that technology fails? Who gets the call when an MRI machine breaks down? In that situation, medical facilities turn to medical equipment repair technicians.
What is a medical equipment repair technician?
A medical equipment repair technician is a skilled professional who installs, calibrates, maintains, upgrades and repairs the complex medical equipment that patients, doctors and hospitals rely on. In 2014, there were some 48,000 people working in this field and earning a median annual salary of $46,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nearly half of all medical equipment repair technicians are employed by companies that supply or service medical technology. Others work for hospitals, health care centers and health stores. One in seven is self-employed.
How do you become a medical equipment repair technician?
Individuals interested in careers as medical equipment repair technicians should start by taking advanced science and mathematics courses in high school so that they'll have a strong foundation to build on. In college, they'll need to complete an associate degree program in biomedical engineering technology. Earning this degree will involve course work covering topics that include information technology, electronics, science, and human anatomy and physiology. Hand-on lab experience in repairing and maintaining medical equipment will also be part of the program.
Earning a degree is only the first step for people interested in following this career path. Newly minted medical equipment repair technicians must spend months working on each type of medical equipment under the careful eyes of experienced technicians.
Are there certifications for medical equipment repair technicians?
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation offers several certifications for medical equipment repair technicians who would like to demonstrate their commitment and competency by proving their mastery of the theoretical and practical aspects of their profession. These include the CBET credential for biomedical equipment technicians, the CRES credential for radiology equipment specialists and the CLES credential for laboratory equipment specialists.
To become certified, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements by completing an appropriate educational program and an accepted period of work experience. In addition, they must pass a comprehensive exam.
What goes into keeping an MRI system working properly?
Ensuring that an MRI system provides accurate results takes a little work and a lot of training.
Medical equipment repair technicians might be called on for a variety of service needs, including:
- Installation
- Calibration and magnet shimming
- Tune-ups and maintenance
- Coil repairs and parts replacement
- Troubleshooting and repairs
The public rarely sees medical equipment repair technicians at work. Their role is less visible than that of doctors, nurses and other front-line medical personal, but they are an important part in the health care system.
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