When a CT scanner, MRI scanner or other piece of crucial medical equipment breaks down, medical equipment repairers are the people who troubleshoot the problem and make the fix. Some biomedical equipment technicians use screwdrivers and soldering irons to physically adjust the devices, while others need to update specialized computer software used to calibrate the machines.

Medical equipment repairers may have patient contact as they update an X-ray or ultrasound machine. Some technicians specialize in repairing a specific type of medical equipment, while others are trained to maintain a variety of complex medical devices. In addition to making essential repairs on a deadline, medical equipment repairers perform maintenance and replace outdated machinery.

The need for individuals who can repair medical equipment is primarily driven by an aging population requiring additional health care services and doctors increasingly using medical tests to make diagnoses and treatment plans.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13.2% employment growth for medical equipment repairers between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 8,800 jobs should open up.

Technicians need an associate degree in biomedical technology or engineering. A bachelor’s degree may be required for some specializations and is essential for advancement. Repairers must learn how to use and troubleshoot each piece of medical equipment, often through technical training provided by medical device manufacturers. Additional education is required as new technologies are introduced. "Continuing education is very much a part of these positions," says Karen Waninger, who works in health care technology management at Franciscan Health in Indiana. "Specialized training is almost always available when there is a need for it."