Rehabilitation engineers work with devices that help people with disabilities lead more independent lives. They maintain and repair mechanical or electronic equipment such as wheelchairs, electronic communication aids, artificial limbs or robotic aids.

The Work

You could be:

• following specifications to produce mechanical or electrical parts for equipment or devices
• making sure that equipment is manufactured and fitted to the correct specifications, and on time
• analysing and diagnosing faults and repairing complex medical devices, such as switches to control a powered wheelchair
• modifying existing devices, such as wheelchairs, electronic or artificial limbs, or communication aids, to help the patient sit, move or communicate better
• liaising with patients to discuss and assess any technical issues, carry out maintenance or install  and fit equipment
• demonstrating to patients and their families, therapists or other health care workers, how to use equipment correctly
• working closely with professionals such as prosthetists and orthotists, who design artificial limbs, supportive braces, splints and footwear
• keeping up to date with relevant technology.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• whether you work for the NHS or a private company.

Rehabilitation engineers in the NHS on the Agenda for Change scales usually start on Band 5, £23,113 to £29,905 a year. With further training and experience they can move to Band 6, £28,050 to £37,010 a year. The current pay scales are from September 2018.

Conditions

• You would be based at a hospital in a special centre dealing with mobility and rehabilitation.
• In the National Health Service (NHS), you might be part of a community team with other engineers and technologists, covering a geographical area.
• You will have contact with patients and may have to visit them at their homes or health care centres.

Getting In

• You need a Higher National Diploma (HND) in engineering, usually electrical or mechanical.
• For entry to an HND you usually need 1-2 Highers and some subjects at National 5. Relevant subjects for engineering include Maths, Physics and technological subjects.
• Most career opportunities are in the NHS.
• You might need a driving licence if you travel to visit patients.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2018

7806

1.3 %

RISE

2023

7909

  United Kingdom

2018

78980

2.1 %

RISE

2023

80627

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You should:

• have an analytical, methodical and logical approach
• have practical skills
• have good IT skills
• be able to work under pressure
• able to prioritise your work
• have good concentration
• be committed to keeping up to date with developments throughout your career
• be empathetic and professional when dealing with patients.

Training

• Training is on the job.
• You might attend external training sessions to learn about new equipment or devices.

Getting On

With further training, you might move into a specialist rehabilitation engineer post or become workshop manager.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.