Rehabilitation engineering technicians 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 healthcare 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 engineering technicians in the NHS on the Agenda for Change scales usually start on Band 4, £23,709 to £25,982 a year. With further training and experience they can move to Band 5, £26,104 to £32,915 a year, and Band 6, £33,072 to £40,736 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2021.
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 healthcare centres.
You need an HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8) in engineering, usually electrical or mechanical.
For entry to an HNC or HND you usually need 1-2 Highers and some subjects at National 5. Relevant subjects for engineering include Maths, Physics and technological subjects.
You might get in after completing relevant SVQs at SCQF Level 6 or 7.
Most career opportunities are in the NHS.
You might need a driving licence if you travel to visit patients.
