Medical Equipment Technologist
Medical Equipment Technologists inspect, maintain and repair the complex medical electronic equipment that physicians, nurses and other medical personnel use to monitor, diagnose and treat medical conditions.
An Exciting Field of Work
In general, Medical Equipment Technologists:
- Inspect, maintain, repair and sometimes install a wide variety of medical electronic equipment such as: heart-lung machines; kidney dialysis machines; physiological monitors; laboratory equipment; ventilators; sterilizers; defibrillators; infusion devices; physiotherapy equipment; diagnostic imaging equipment; laser equipment; laparoscopic equipment; infant incubators and anaesthesia apparatus
- Conduct testing, verification and calibration of medical equipment used for diagnostic, therapeutic, analytical, and patient monitoring purposes
- Develop preventive maintenance, repair and support programs for related medical electronic equipment
- Provide operational support to users of medical electronic equipment
- Assist with the administration of the medical equipment technology program including planning of equipment acquisition and system integration
- May perform specialized and advanced techniques, and monitor medical equipment repairs
- May provide guidance, training and orientation to other Medical Equipment Technologist staff, students and other health care professionals
Personal Characteristics / Skills
- Patience
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to be very precise and accurate
- Good analytical and problem solving skills
- Willingness to upgrade or improve their skills to keep up to date with new development in technology
Education and Training
A Diploma from an accredited Electronic Engineering Technology program or biomedical engineering technology program is required.
Education program offered in New Brunswick
Engineering Technology programs are offered in New Brunswick by the following educational institutions:
- New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) – English program
- Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) – French program
Length of Study / Training
2.0 - 3.0 years
Licence and certification
In New Brunswick, Medical Equipment Technologists must be certified engineering technologist and members of the New Brunswick Society of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (NBSCETT) within the discipline of Biomedical Technology.
Helpful High School Courses
- Science
- Math
- Electronics
Employment and Common Working Conditions
Medical Equipment Technologists work in a variety of settings such as:
- Regional health authorities
- Health care research facilities
- Biomedical equipment manufacturers
- Third party maintenance companies (contractors).
Medical Equipment Technologists who work in health care facilities may be required to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, and/or to be on call for emergencies. They may be exposed to diseases and must wear rubber gloves in some environments.
Employment Prospects - GOOD
With rapidly changing technologies and the aging population, the demand in this field is expected to grow.