What are medical devices?
As the name suggests, medical devices is a broad term for any apparatus used in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of medical issues. These devices range from a simple syringe to highly sophisticated machines like pacemakers.
Medical devices can be categorised by the following:
- Non-invasive devices – do not enter the body, e.g., wheelchairs
- Invasive devices – are inserted into the body via an orifice, e.g., endoscopes
- Implantable devices – are placed inside the body, typically as a surgical procedure, e.g., hip replacements
Who are some medical device manufacturers?
Below are some of the UK’s largest medical device manufacturers:
- Johnson & Johnson
- Medtronic
- Novartis
- Philips Healthcare
- Abbott
The UK is also home to many more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) further contributing to the industry’s strength.
Medical Devices Careers
Are you interested in a career in the medical devices industry or looking for your next exciting role? Here are some of the key areas within the medical devices sector and the type of roles available to you:
1. Quality Assurance
Quality assurance technicians are responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of medical devices, checking factors such as design specifications before they are released to customers.
You’ll also work towards the development and implementation of new testing procedures while adhering to regulations.
2. Research and Development
These professionals are at the forefront of innovation creating and developing new medical devices. You’ll perform research into various manufacturing processes as well as raw materials and work with design teams to produce products that meet the goals of different projects.
3. Sales Representative
Work as part of the sales department to promote medical devices and connect medical professionals with your organisation’s products.
You’ll reach out to clients and offer after-sale support and work directly with medical facilities to market their products.
4. Ultrasound Technician
There are also plenty of opportunities to see the benefit of these medical devices first hand. There are hundreds of careers that rely on medical devices, such as those working with ultrasound technology.
Ultrasounds technicians use ultrasound machines on a daily basis to diagnose and monitor conditions including pregnancy, most notably, but also to detect abnormalities of organs, tissues and vessels.
5. Radiation Therapist
Another profession that heavily relies on medical devices is the role of a radiation therapist. In this position you would work alongside other medical professionals to treat diseases such as cancer using radiation machines that deliver concentrated doses of radiation.
