How to Be Medical Supply Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 28, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Medical Supply Technician is significant in the healthcare industry, as they are responsible for providing medical supplies to healthcare professionals for use in treating patients. This requires the Medical Supply Technician to have an in-depth understanding of medical supply inventory and its proper usage. Without their expertise, medical staff would not be able to access the necessary materials they need to provide quality care.

As a result, Medical Supply Technicians play an essential role in the efficient running of healthcare facilities, as they facilitate the timely delivery of medical supplies and the accurate tracking of inventory. This, in turn, leads to improved patient care, increased safety and fewer medical errors.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. A high school education is typically required to become a medical supply technician.
Consider enrolling in a postsecondary certificate program. Completing a postsecondary certificate program in medical supply technology can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a medical supply technician. Programs typically include courses in medical terminology, medical office procedures, coding, and medical supplies.
Gain relevant work experience. Working as an intern or volunteer in a medical or healthcare setting can be beneficial in obtaining a position as a medical supply technician.
Obtain certification. Certification is not required to become a medical supply technician, but it can be beneficial to demonstrate mastery of certain skills and knowledge. Certification can be obtained through the International Association for Medical Equipment Services and Supplies (IAMESS).
Complete on-the-job training. All employers will provide on-the-job training to new employees to ensure they are familiar with the organizations policies and procedures.

In order to remain qualified and up to date in the medical supply technician field, there are a few key steps to take. Firstly, it is important to stay informed of any changes in the healthcare industry and any new technologies that are being implemented in the medical field. This can be accomplished by regularly reading industry-related news and articles and attending conferences and seminars.

Secondly, it is important to stay up to date on any new regulations or guidelines that have been issued for the medical supply technician field. This can be done by regularly checking websites and publications that provide information about the latest developments in the healthcare industry. it is important to maintain any necessary licensing or certifications that are required for the medical supply technician role.

Lastly, staying current with continuing education courses and other training opportunities is essential in order to remain qualified and knowledgeable in the medical supply technician field.

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Job Description

Receive and stock medical supplies, equipment and materials.
Verify receipt of supplies against requisition forms and invoices.
Maintain inventory records and prepare reports.
Monitor expiration dates and ensure proper documentation of expiration dates.
Prepare orders for replenishment and restocking of medical supplies.
Prepare and deliver orders to departments or other storage locations.
Maintain records related to ordering, receiving, and distribution of medical supplies, equipment and materials.
Ensure proper storage of medical supplies, equipment and materials to minimize damage and/or loss.
Assist in maintaining patient records and update patient information as needed.
Assist in performing quality assurance activities related to medical supplies and materials.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology and abbreviations
Knowledge of medical equipment, supplies, and instruments
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
Ability to accurately count, measure, and record inventory
Ability to properly handle and store medical supplies
Ability to identify and resolve discrepancies in inventory
Knowledge of Medical Supply Inventory Management Systems
Knowledge of infection control and safety regulations
Ability to work with a diverse range of customers
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Ability to lift, move, and transport medical supplies
Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks
Ability to use various computer programs and software

Being a Medical Supply Technician requires a variety of different skills and abilities. An important skill to have is the ability to pay close attention to detail, in order to ensure that the right equipment and supplies are used in the right place and at the right time. Attention to detail also helps to ensure that all medical supplies are properly stored and maintained, preventing any potential contamination or damage.

Another important skill is problem-solving and analytical thinking. In order to provide the best care possible, Medical Supply Technicians must be able to quickly assess a situation and come up with solutions for any issues that arise. They must also be able to understand and interpret data, as well as having strong organizational skills to manage inventory and other tasks.

Having excellent communication skills is also essential for Medical Supply Technicians, as they must be able to effectively communicate with both medical personnel and patients. Lastly, having a thorough knowledge of medical terminology is important in order to accurately process orders and answer questions from patients. All of these skills are essential for Medical Supply Technicians, and are necessary for providing the best care and service to all patients.

Medical Secretary, Medical Receptionist, and Medical Sales Representative are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with medical supplies and inventory control?
How would you handle a situation in which a hospital requests a supply is not available at the time?
What steps would you take to ensure accurate and timely delivery of medical supplies?
Describe a challenge you faced when managing medical supply inventory.
How do you stay up to date with changes in regulations and standards for medical supplies?
What strategies would you use to maintain accurate records of medical supplies?
How do you ensure safety and accuracy when handling medical supplies?
In what ways do you create efficiency in the medical supply process?
What methods have you used to effectively manage multiple medical supply orders?
How do you remain organized while dealing with multiple incoming and outgoing orders?

Common Tools in Industry

Sterilizing Equipment. Equipment used to sterilize medical supplies and instruments, such as autoclaves (example: Medical Autoclave).
Suture Kit. A set of tools used to close wounds and perform surgeries (example: Mayo Suture Kit).
Labeling Machine. A device used to label medical supplies and equipment (example: Brady Label Maker).
Glove Dispenser. A device used to dispense single-use gloves (example: Kimberly-Clark Professional Glove Dispenser).
Pill Counter. A device used to count pills and tablets accurately (example: OMRON Pill Counter).
Medical Scales. A device used to measure the weight of a patient or medical supplies (example: Detecto Medical Scale).
Dispensing Pumps. A device used to dispense liquids or creams (example: Becton Dickinson Syringe Pump).
Medical Carts. A wheeled cart used to store and transport medical supplies (example: Medline Medical Cart).
Temperature Monitors. A device used to monitor temperature of medical supplies and equipment (example: Welch Allyn Temperature Monitor).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management (AHRMM)
American Society for Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
International Association of Medical Equipment Remarketers and Servicers (IAMERS)
National Alliance for Medical Equipment Management (NAMEM)
National Assocation of Medical Equipment Suppliers (NAMES)
National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP)
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA)
National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)
National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC)

We also have Medical Illustrator, Medical Coder, and Medical Lab Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Medical Records. Detailed documents of medical care and treatments that a patient has received.
Ambulance. A vehicle designed to quickly transport people who are ill or injured to a hospital or other medical facility.
Surgical Instruments. Tools used in medical procedures to help with diagnosis and treatment.
Prescription Drugs. Medications that require a doctor's authorization before they can be obtained from a pharmacy.
Medical Supplies. Materials such as bandages, syringes, and other related items used for medical treatments.
First Aid Kits. A collection of supplies used to provide immediate medical attention for minor injuries or illnesses.
Sterilization. The process of removing harmful bacteria and other microorganisms from surfaces and equipment using chemicals, heat, or radiation.
Infection Control. Procedures taken to prevent the spread of infection to patients and healthcare workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Medical Supply Technician?

A Medical Supply Technician is a healthcare professional who is responsible for ordering, storing, and distributing medical supplies and equipment.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Medical Supply Technician?

To become a Medical Supply Technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as experience in a related field. Additionally, most employers require certification from the American Society for Healthcare Materials Management (ASHMM).

What duties does a Medical Supply Technician perform?

The primary duties of a Medical Supply Technician include ordering, receiving, stocking, delivering, and restocking medical supplies and equipment. Additional duties may include maintaining inventory records, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

What is the job outlook for Medical Supply Technicians?

The job outlook for Medical Supply Technicians is expected to grow by 5% from 2019-2029 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is due in part to the increasing demand for healthcare services and supplies.

What is the average salary of a Medical Supply Technician?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Medical Supply Technicians as of May 2020 was $38,580.

Web Resources

Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Career Center ... careers.usc.edu
Medical Equipment Repair Technician | Training & Certification medquestcollege.edu
Medical Equipment Technician Program in Erie, PA erieit.edu