Getting Hired as a Medical Imaging Equipment Technologist: Do You Have What It Takes?
The medical equipment industry is an excellent place to utilize your technology skills and become an intricate and vital part of any healthcare practice. It is rare to find such rewarding work in technology where you are also responsible for saving lives. Of course, this reward also comes with some emergency calls at odd hours or on weekends, especially for 24 hour or emergency clinics that need to operate around the clock. If a hospital is open (and they always are), then its diagnostic equipment needs to be open for business as well.
If you are willing to put in the work, you will see the results every day in patients that are able to have the necessary tests to get an accurate diagnosis. A good medical imaging equipment technologist will be a self-motivated problem solver, with technology and engineering skills that can be learned, both in school and over time on the job. Fixing technology isn't always a simple process and a medical imaging equipment technologist has to remain dedicated to finding and fixing the problem. Here are some things you should know to help you get started.
Becoming a Medical Imaging Equipment Technologist
The basic requirement you will need to become a medical imaging equipment technologist is an associate degree in electronics engineering technology with a concentration in Medical Imaging Equipment Technology. From there, most of the training is completed as you go and while you work to gain experience on many different types of diagnostic equipment. In this job, experience is your best friend, along with learning quickly and having a mind for technology.
Medical Equipment Repairers: On the Job Skills
You will be required to install, maintain, and fix patient healthcare equipment that might include but not be limited to:
- Fluoroscopy
- Radiography
- Ultrasound equipment
You will also have to keep thorough and updated records on the equipment, test and calibrate any parts that need maintenance, and demonstrate device usage to medical staff.
Be Observant and Quick to Learn
As you have read, a lot of the training you get in the medical imaging equipment technology field is on the job. In the beginning, there will likely be someone you will follow around to help teach you about the different pieces of equipment you will have to maintain. You should be watching them closely to pick up the intricacies of each machine and its operational requirements, as well as how should best maintain its records. You can be even more of an asset if you pick up this information quickly because new technology and machines are always being added so you will continue learning throughout your work.
Be Self-Motivated and Dedicated
Once you are able to work on your own, you will be expected to work independently. You will likely experience pressure from medical staff to get equipment back up and running quickly, so deadlines will be common. What’s more, troubleshooting and calibrating technology can be time consuming and tedious. You have to be able to stick with it to get the job done because a lot of people are depending on you.
Be Willing to Work Flexible Hours
While most of your work occur during the day, if a hospital needs you make an emergency repair, shouldn't expect them to wait. On-call and weekend hours are always a possibility for this job because of its close relationship with healthcare and the limited inventory of such equipment in most hospitals.
Be Able to Work with Others
You are working in a hospital, so you will have to feel comfortable working around patients and staff. You should also be able to work while remaining respectful of the patients you are working near.
If you would like to learn more about an exciting future as a medical imaging equipment technologist, visit the ECPI University website for details on our accelerated program in Electronics Engineering Technology with a concentration in Medical Imaging Equipment Technology. Through our year-round schedule, you could earn your associate’s degree in just 20 months. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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