Many industries have been changed by modern automation, and healthcare is no exception. Today, the demand for medical technologies that can improve efficiency, patient safety, and care delivery is growing. Automation technicians who understand these technologies play an important role in their maintenance and repair.

Whether you're new to the workforce and starting your career as an automation technician, or you're already working and would like to upskill into a position of this kind, there are many opportunities for you in the healthcare industry. Getting the right training is essential.

Key Takeaways

The Role of Automation in Healthcare

Healthcare facilities across North America are under strain right now. In facilities of all kinds, medical staff are expected to manage larger workloads, work longer hours, and manage more complex cases as the population ages. Rising patient volumes have created staffing challenges in hospitals and clinics, making fast, accurate diagnostics more difficult than ever.

Automation is one of the newest solutions to this problem. Modern automation supports efficient patient care in many ways. Technology can perform a variety of behind-the-scenes tasks, such as laboratory testing and analysis, thereby relieving hospital staff of repetitive manual tasks. Automation can also support a variety of patient-focused tasks, such as diagnostics and treatment. Computers analyze large datasets quickly and accurately, handle patient treatment with precision, and increase efficiency throughout treatment processes.

Automated Diagnostic Equipment

Healthcare providers have little time to spend on diagnosis when administering patient care. Errors can lead to poor patient outcomes and loss of valuable time. Diagnostic devices can reduce error rates by augmenting the diagnostic process. AI tools analyze data to identify abnormalities and recommend diagnoses. These devices require regular calibration and preventative maintenance. Technicians must be capable of performing installations and troubleshooting.

Laboratory Automation

Automated testing and analysis help laboratories handle samples quickly and with fewer errors. Robotic handling systems rely on barcode scanning for specimen tracking to ensure that samples are accurately tested and results are delivered to patients efficiently. These systems need regular service to maintain accuracy.

Patient Monitoring Systems

Some patients need regular monitoring for safety. Unfortunately, hospital staff are increasingly divided among large patient loads, making it difficult to provide the kind of attention required for serious cases. Many hospitals rely on bedside patient monitors that track vitals, while remote patient monitoring technologies help with monitoring in home healthcare situations. Technicians are responsible for the installation and maintenance of these monitoring systems and may be required to visit homes where monitoring systems are set up.

Medical Devices

Some medical devices use automation to deliver care with minimal human intervention. Automated dialysis equipment is an example. Automatic dialysis equipment helps end-stage kidney disease patients receive dialysis in their homes, making it possible for people to receive dialysis without staying in a medical facility. Surgical and operating room technologies are another example. Robotic surgery arms enable doctors to perform surgeries with greater precision and accuracy. All of these devices require regular maintenance in order to function properly.

Medical Imaging Systems

Medical imaging systems like CT scanners and MRI systems use automated positioning and image controls to take fast and efficient digital images. These medical imaging systems require regular maintenance to keep their components in good condition. Without regular maintenance, CT scanners and MRI systems may produce low-quality, blurry images. Automation technicians are required to perform rigorous maintenance of these systems on a regular basis.

The Skills Healthcare Automation Technicians Need

If it's your goal to become a healthcare automation technician, you need a variety of skills to secure a career in a healthcare network or facility. Here are some of the skills you need to work with these devices in medical settings:

Career Opportunities in Healthcare Automation

The career opportunities for automation technicians in healthcare facilities are expected to grow as healthcare facilities continue to rely on automation to streamline patient care. Here are the types of places where automation technicians can expect to find work in the healthcare industry:

Field service technicians install devices on site while maintenance workers help maintain devices once they're in place. There is a growing demand throughout Canada and the United States for these automation technicians.

Why Online Automation Technician Training Makes Sense

Whether you're beginning your career or upskilling into a position as an automation technician, your work starts with online training through a reputable training program. With online training, technicians can gain their skills anywhere in Canada and the US. Many people turn to George Brown Polytechnic because we make it possible to build practical knowledge of automated systems. We offer flexible scheduling and tuition payment opportunities to help future technicians develop skills employers want. 

Automation is transforming healthcare. Today, there is a growing need for technicians who can maintain and repair automated systems. To get your start as an automation technician in a healthcare facility, contact George Brown Polytechnic about our Automation Technician Program at info@gbctechtraining.com or call our toll-free number at 1-888-553-5333