A technician who repairs electronic or pneumatic equipment is known as an instrument technician. He or she is also in charge of performing routine maintenance on the equipment as needed. To work as an instrument technician, you must have completed high school or a similar program. You’ll need an associate’s degree in instrumentation technology or a related field after graduating from high school.
One of the first steps toward becoming an instrument technician is to obtain a high school diploma. It’s critical that you have a passion for electronics and technology. Because this position also requires math skills, you should try to enroll in math classes such as algebra or statistics to give yourself an advantage. Communication, language, science, and computer drafting courses would also be beneficial.
After graduating from high school, you should apply for admission to an associate’s degree program in instrument technology. Because you can specialize in different areas of this degree program, such as general, industrial, or biomedical, it’s crucial to do your homework and figure out which one is right for you. This type of program allows students to take courses in equipment repair and maintenance. Students are also taught about computer networking systems, electrical systems, and instrument calibration techniques in addition to these courses.
After completing your degree program, you may be required to complete extensive on-the-job training before becoming a certified instrument technician. As an entry-level technician, your responsibilities may start out simple, such as general equipment repair. You may be expected to use your skills to repair and troubleshoot more complex equipment issues as you gain more experience.
Many instrument technicians are employed full-time in medical settings such as hospitals and clinics, as well as in various types of factories and other facilities that employ complex instruments. Because equipment can break down or need to be calibrated at any time, you may be required to work overtime as needed. If you work for an equipment repair company that services a variety of locations, you may be required to travel.
Some employers may require you to have a bachelor’s degree in order to advance in management. It’s also a good idea to enroll in continuing education classes. You might be able to take an exam to become a certified technician after you’ve worked for at least two years.