The 5 core responsibilities of a field service technician

Field service technicians apply their technical expertise to fix problems. The healthcare industry is especially grateful for this role, recognizing that healthcare advancement wouldn’t be where it is today without their contribution. In a way, the industry returns the favor by providing these technicians with interesting, niche opportunities to apply their skills. For example, in the medical sector, field service technicians can collaborate with leading healthcare professionals to troubleshoot, repair, and update innovative medical devices in hospitals or other healthcare settings.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of medical equipment technicians is projected to grow by 17% from 2021 to 2031. This outlook promises job security and career expansion, which is good news for those with the right qualifications and interest in this line of work.

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If you can commit to following the five core responsibilities of field service technicians in the medical sector, you may find that this interesting role is designed for you.

1. Assist in the installation and implementation of new devices

Field technicians have the exciting responsibility of installing and implementing new medical devices, often seeing them put to use for the very first time during an event call a “go-live”. To do this, they must be familiar with the tools and mechanics of the devices they have been assigned to, as well of having a good understanding of the flow of patient care and the flexibility that is needed when implementing new equipment devices in a functioning healthcare environment, thereby ensuring a smooth set-up and operation. This is where they get to work with healthcare professionals who will use the devices to do ground-breaking medical work, improving patient outcomes on an astronomical scale.

2. Perform regular preventative maintenance on devices

Another responsibility is the ongoing maintenance of equipment. Medical field technicians, for example, are tasked to do bi-annual or yearly preventative maintenance on medical devices, as determined by manufacturer and governmental regulations. These scheduled events ensure that the device is safe for use on a patient through a battery of tests specific to the device ranging from ground leakage tests, visual inspections, lead leakage, and many more. On top of ensuring patient safety, this helps to limit unforeseen breakdowns and prevents unnecessary expenditure, as proven in UMEA University’s 2022 analyses of preventative maintenance in medical equipment.

It also provides technicians with opportunities to proactively order and maintain the stock parts and tools needed for repairs.

3. Be on standby to troubleshoot and repair existing devices

Often field technicians are requested to be on standby to provide phone and on-site support in an effort to speedily troubleshoot and repair devices, ensuring streamlined use and an unwavering healthcare system. Depending on the urgency of the issue, and the mission criticality of the malfunctioning device, a field technician may even be requested to travel out of town in emergency situations. Knowledge of device and system functions and outputs are essential to providing solutions to healthcare providers.

At this point, the field technician is required to fill out an after action report that will be collected by the manufacturer so they can use the feedback to improve products as well as track common issues that have been found while that model of device is in service.

4. Maintain relationships with clients to streamline troubleshooting and repairs

Communication is key in this job role , and field technicians are generally expected to liaise with clients to ensure the smooth functioning of equipment and devices. This includes requesting feedback on performance, asking clients to replicate actions leading to fault-finding, and sharing knowledge on the medical devices to help clients use them to the best of their abilities. Some technicians may even be asked to communicate with medical sales reps , helping to navigate continuous customer flow.

5. Help accelerate results by ensuring smooth operations and alternative solutions in times of crises

This last core responsibility incorporates all the points we share above. Field technicians must be able to manage situations smoothly and confidently, often with out-of-the-box thinking that will help speed up repairs and maintenance without reducing the quality or output of the medical devices. From having the right tools readily available and in good order to knowing how to organize the efficient delivery of parts, field technicians must be able to streamline their role to ensure clients and patients receive the best, most efficient services.

Expand your career with field service technician jobs at IQVIA

IQVIA offers the life sciences industry advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services. We are leaders in our sector and pride ourselves in facilitating healthcare globally. To offer a thorough service, we employ field service technicians who can maintain our high standards, thus providing opportunities for technicians to advance their technical skills and become part of the fast-growing, in-demand medical field.

If you have the skills and this sounds like the career for you, we invite you to explore field service technician vacancies at IQVIA. Our dedicated team is ready to answer any questions and will happily help you find a role you will enjoy.