Service Mechanic - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThe role of a service mechanic is to repair or replace damaged or non-working equipment within the hospital or healthcare facility. Most service mechanic specialize in several types of repairs and installations including heating and air conditioning units, pumps and boilers, or other motorized equipment used for transporting patients throughout the hospital. Service mechanics may also work on physical plant repairs and replacements depending on their training and specialization.
Service mechanics can complete repairs on equipment in the hospital such as some operating room equipment, kitchen and laundry equipment and other equipment used in the facility.
A service mechanic requires a mechanical inclination and excellent problem solving abilities. They should be able to anticipate regular maintenance schedules and complete these as required. In addition a service mechanic should be able to complete reports on equipment inventory and service records for hospital records and completion of documentation required by state, local or federal government for insurance purposes.
A service mechanic should have an ability to work well within a team and should be able to complete basic data entry or record keeping as required. Often a service mechanic will need to work overtime hours or may be required to be on-call or take shifts during evening hours, weekends and holidays. A service mechanic often must stay and complete the repair, especially if it is to a critical item within the hospital or healthcare facility.
Some service mechanics may also assume supervisory or shift manager roles. These individuals may be responsible for assisting with staffing for the mechanics or working to contract services with outside repair services. A service mechanic may also be required to stay within budgets and obtain approval prior to making any decisions on repairing or replacing large items.
|
Career RequirementsA service mechanic will need to have the various certifications for the different types of repair he or she will be responsible for. Most hospitals require service mechanics with certification with HVAC, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or other specialized training including electrical motors, elevators or medical equipment repair.
A combination of vocational training and actual work experience is often required for a hospital service mechanic.
|
Advertisement
|
Job OutlookThe demand for service mechanics in hospitals and healthcare facilities will continue to remain steady. While there will be more hospitals opened across their will be a steady demand for trained and experienced service mechanic in these new facilities. This will bring new workers into the career at all levels.
|
Career TrackA service mechanic working for a hospital or healthcare facility may choose to move into management, especially physical plant management of the building. Some service mechanics may also choose to open their own business and work on a contract or on-call basis to smaller facilities that cannot afford or do not have need of a full-time service mechanic.
|
CompensationMost service mechanics make between $25,000 and $35,000 depending on their level of experience and training. Those service mechanics that are required to work on-call or evening or weekend shifts earn additional amounts for those hours.
|