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Healthcare Support

Medical Equipment Preparers

Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Medical Equipment Preparers
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Median pay

$46,490
Median annual pay for Medical Equipment Preparers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

10%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

10,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

76,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Medical Equipment Preparers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+7,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Biology
  4. 4Production and Processing
  5. 5Public Safety and Security
  6. 6Administrative

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Finger Dexterity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Cooperation
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  2. 2Documenting/Recording Information
  3. 3Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  4. 4Processing Information
  5. 5Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  6. 6Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Work context

  1. 1Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  2. 2Telephone Conversations
  3. 3Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  4. 4Exposed to Contaminants
  5. 5Exposed to Disease or Infections
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
  • Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.
  • Record sterilizer test results.
  • Organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.
  • Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.
  • Report defective equipment to appropriate supervisors or staff.
  • Maintain records of inventory or equipment usage and order medical instruments or supplies when inventory is low.
  • Stock crash carts or other medical supplies.

Software and tools

eClinicalWorks EHR software · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyKronos Workforce Timekeeper · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMEDITECH software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyCalendar softwareMicrosoft SharePoint ServerMEDITECH Supply Chain Management

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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