Essential Information
Graduates of both certificate or associate's degree programs in medical equipment repair are prepared to pursue entry-level technician positions. Graduates of associate's programs may also choose to transfer into a 4-year degree program in medical equipment technology or engineering. Licensing isn't required to work in this field, but professional credentials may help in finding a job.
Both of these programs will require students to be high school graduates or have earned a GED. The associate's degree lasts an average of two years and can be found fully or partially online. Some programs include labs and internship as part of hands-on education opportunities.
Certificate in Biomedical Equipment Repair
A certificate program in biomedical equipment repair prepares individuals for entry-level repair technician positions. Students learn about the types of biomedical equipment, repair techniques, and troubleshooting methods. Graduates may work as repair technicians or assistants to engineers repairing equipment. Course curriculum includes general education courses in reading, math, and English to ensure students have the appropriate skill levels for the technical courses. Common courses may include:
- Electronics
- Computer systems
- Biomedical technology
- Digital technology
Associate of Applied Science in Biomedical Equipment Repair
Associate's degree programs in biomedical equipment repair also prepare students for entry-level positions in this field and, according to the BLS, are the most common avenue for jobs. Students learn how to install, test, and use various equipment, how to troubleshoot or diagnostic problems, and how to identify parts. Topics covered may include:
- Soldering
- Medical equipment
- Circuitry
- Troubleshooting methods
- Diagnostic ultrasound equipment
- Physiological instruments
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 53,900 jobs were held by medical equipment repairers in 2019 (www.bls.gov). These jobs were distributed among several industries, such as wholesale businesses, hospitals, maintenance companies, stores and rental companies. The BLS projected a job growth of 5% from 2019-2029 for medical equipment repairers. In May 2020, the BLS reported the median annual wage for medical equipment repairers was $51,610.
Popular Career Options
Graduates of an associate's degree program in medical equipment repair may work in medical, research, or manufacturing settings that involve biomedical equipment. Common job locations include:
- Hospitals
- Equipment manufacturers
- Engineering companies
- Research facilities
Continuing Education Information
Individuals who want to advance or work on more complex medical equipment, such as defibrillators and body scanning machines, may be required to earn a bachelor's degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering, according to the BLS. Certification in medical equipment repair is not mandatory. However, these professional credentials are available through industry associations, such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.
Certificate and associate's degrees exist to train students in repairing medical equipment. In addition, professional certification is also offered by many associations, and bachelor's degrees can be earned by those wishing to work with other types of machinery or advance their positions in the field.
