Medical Equipment Repairers

Medical equipment repairers install, maintain, and repair patient care equipment.

Duties    

Medical equipment repairers typically do the following:

• Install medical equipment
• Test and calibrate parts and equipment
• Repair and replace parts
• Perform preventive maintenance and service
• Keep records of maintenance and repairs
• Explain and demonstrate how to operate medical equipment
• Make recommendations for new equipment

Medical equipment repairers, also known as biomedical equipment technicians or technologists, repair a wide range of electronic, electromechanical, and hydraulic equipment used in hospitals and health practitioners’ offices. They may work on patient monitors, defibrillators, ventilators, anesthesia machines, and other life-supporting equipment. They also may work on medical imaging equipment, such as x-ray machines, CAT scanners, and ultrasound equipment; voice-controlled operating tables; and electric wheelchairs. In addition, they repair medical equipment that dentists and optometrists use.

If a machine has problems or is not functioning to its potential, repairers first diagnose the problem. They then adjust the mechanical, electronic, or hydraulic parts or modify the software to recalibrate the equipment and fix the issue. They may consult technical manuals as needed.

Medical equipment repairers also perform routine scheduled maintenance to ensure that sophisticated equipment, such as x-ray machines and CAT scanners, is in good working order and meets regulatory compliance requirements.

Medical equipment repairers use a variety of test, measurement, and diagnostic tools. They may use electronic tools, such as multimeters (an electronic measuring device that combines several measures), network analyzers, and computers. Much of the equipment that they maintain and repair uses specialized test-equipment software. Repairers use this software to calibrate the machines. They also use hand tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and soldering irons.

Medical equipment repairers may work closely with the information technology (IT) department to integrate new technologies and software. They also work closely with the IT department to maintain network and data security. They load software updates and patches on machines. They may be tasked with configuring and maintaining the network connectivity of medical equipment, ensuring that devices communicate effectively with electronic health records (EHR) systems and other digital infrastructure. They may also install cybersecurity software and implement security protocols to protect patient data and equipment.

Although some medical equipment repairers are trained to fix a variety of equipment, others specialize in repairing one or a small number of machines.

Medical equipment repairers held about 68,000 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of medical equipment repairers were as follows:

Medical equipment repairers may have to travel to perform repairs. Repairers often must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when they work around patients, which can prevent exposure to germs, diseases, and other health risks.

Because repairing vital medical equipment is urgent, the work can be stressful. In addition, installing and repairing medical equipment may involve lifting and carrying heavy objects as well as working in tight spaces.

Work Schedules

Most medical equipment repairers work full time. Medical equipment repairers are sometimes expected to be on call, including evenings and weekends.

Medical equipment repairers typically need an associate’s degree or certificate in biomedical technology or a related field. Some may enter the occupation with a high school diploma and relevant training or work experience, such as having completed an apprenticeship.

The median annual wage for medical equipment repairers was $62,630 in May 2024.

Employment of medical equipment repairers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 7,300 openings for medical equipment repairers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.