Instrumentation Technicians

High School

Math and science courses, such as algebra, geometry, physics, and chemistry, are essential prerequisites to becoming an instrumentation technician. In addition, machine and electrical shop courses will help you become familiar with electrical, mechanical, and electronic technology. Classes in mechanical drawing and computer-aided drafting are also beneficial. Instrumentation technicians also need good writing and communication skills, so be sure to take English, composition, and speech classes.

Postsecondary Training

The basic requirement for an entry-level job is completion of a two-year technical program or equivalent experience in a related field. Such equivalent experience may come from work in an electronics or manufacturing firm or any job that provides experience working with mechanical or electrical equipment. 

Technical programs beyond high school can be found in community colleges as well as technical schools. Programs are offered in many different disciplines in addition to instrumentation technology. They may be in electronics or in electrical, mechanical, biomedical, or nuclear technology. ABET (https://amspub.abet.org/aps) accredits postsecondary programs that offer training in engineering technology, electromechanics, and related fields. 

Most programs allow technicians to develop hands-on and laboratory skills as well as learn theory. Classes are likely to include instruction on electronic circuitry, computer science, mathematics, and physics. Courses in basic electronics, electrical theory, and computer-aided design are also important. Technical writing is helpful as most technicians will prepare technical reports. Industrial economics, applied psychology, and plant management courses are helpful to those who plan to move into customer service or management.

Depending on the sophistication of the equipment, training for medical equipment repairers varies. A bachelor's degree is required to learn how to repair more technical equipment, while an associate's degree is sufficient for less complicated equipment. On-the-job training may be all that is needed for the least sophisticated medical equipment.

Other Education or Training

The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, International Society of Automation, and other organizations at the national, state, and local levels provide continuing education classes, webinars, and seminars. Contact these organizations for more information.