What Biomedical Engineers Do
Biomedical engineering is a broad field that requires knowledge in engineering, biology, chemistry, math, and computing. Since it encompasses a large variety of subjects, biomedical engineering is split into specialty areas including: bioinstrumentation, biomaterials, biomechanics, and more. Depending on their specialty area, biomedical engineers will work on different projects; however, a few of the main things they design and develop are medical machines or other devices such as artificial organs and prosthetic implants. Another common duty of biomedical engineers is quality assurance which means that they make sure that biomedical equipment is safe and effective.
Although it might seem like all biomedical engineers would work in a hospital since their career involves medicine, this actually isn't true. They can work in hospitals; however, biomedical engineers are also employed at supplies manufacturing companies, research facilities, and colleges.
How to Become a Biomedical Engineer
To become a biomedical engineer, a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or another engineering field should be obtained. According to U.S. News, the best undergraduate biomedical engineering programs are offered at Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Duke University. Many biomedical engineers go on to graduate school, and some even attend medical school.
Becoming a biomedical engineer requires a certain set of skills including: analytical skills, communication skills, creativity, math skills, and problem-solving skills. Of course not everyone who becomes a biomedical engineer will be incredibly strong in these areas, but they are important skills to have and work on.
Pay and Job Outlook of Biomedical Engineering
As stated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for biomedical engineers is $91,410 (as of May 2019). This tends to vary depending on the industry that the biomedical engineer is working in.
In terms of job outlook, biomedical engineering is expected to grow 4% between 2018-2028. This increase will occur because new technology is enabling advancement in medicine. Along with this, more medical devices will be needed as the baby boomer generation becomes older.
Sources
Information from:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Biomedical Engineers,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm (visited July 12, 2020).
The Best Colleges for Biomedical Engineering. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2020, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-biological-biomedical
Picture from:
So You Want to Be a Biomedical Engineer. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2020, from https://www.edx.org/course/so-you-want-to-be-a-biomedical-engineer
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