Brief information about VZI
(Dutch Society of Clinical Engineers)
The beginning
The VZI was founded in May 1978.
In The Netherlands there are approximately 110 hospitals. Every hospital started with one or two members. Besides members from hospitals also guest-members joined the VZI. These guest-members work as clinical engineers in the medical industries.
The mission
The VZI's aim is to improve the contacts between its members and also to achieve a better knowledge and experience. VZI serves the field of community health as far as it involves aspects of medical technology.
The VZI realises this aim by:
- organising regular seminars;
- organising symposia;
- promoting the organisation of courses or lectures;
- contributing to the monthly journal “Technology in Healthcare”;
- supporting members in their functional position in the hospitals;
- certification of general clinical engineers;
- participating in several (national) committees.
The organisation
- 10 board members (with special accounts);
- 6 regional working groups;
- 4 sections for specific skill specialities:
- electronics;
- mechanics;
- management;
- imaging technology.
- 700 members
The Clinical Engineer
Clinical engineers are employed in Hospitals in the
- Department for Clinical Engineering (in larger hospitals) or in the
- Department for Technical Facilities
Main tasks:
- Maintenance and registration;
- Installation and user-instruction;
- Application support;
- Safety testing and Functional quality check;
- Medical Technology professional
Education :
The standard of knowledge demanded by the profession requires at least a secondary level of technical training (in The Netherlands: Middelbare Technische School, MTS). In more situations a Technical College level is required ( Hoge School, Bachelor Degree). An extensive knowledge of medical technology is also required (acquired in practice).
Adress :
Vereniging van Ziekenhuis Instrumentatietechnici VZI
Secretary VZI, Ing. J. Boter
Postbus 68, 3500 AB Utrecht
Phone: +32.30.230 09 35 , Fax: +32.030.230 09 35
KvK. nmr: 404 767 25
Girorek.nr. 20.34.797 t.n.v. VZI Deventer
Bankrek.nr. 36.65.12.005 t.n.v. VZI Deventer
