Careers
Biomedical Engineering Careers
Read on to learn about typical courses, resources, and careers in this field.
Staff Writer
2022-11-13 • 15 min read
Biomedical engineering is a field that deploys engineering principles to find biomedical solutions. This field has gained popularity because of the innovative solutions it has brought to human lives.
Biomedical engineering as a discipline trains its students in a diverse array of courses, including biology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and computer sciences. This diversity enables academics to work closely with scientists across different fields.
The need for bioengineers is rising because more people are turning to biological treatments to address their health problems.
A career in biomedical engineering may suit you if you wish to combine your passion for engineering with the capacity to create life-saving medical products.
Why Choose Biomedical Engineering?
The biomedical industry is currently regarded as one of the cutting-edge sectors of the economy, the benefits of which are prominent.
A degree in bioengineering leads to a rewarding field where you'll work on biomedical solutions to enhance healthcare.
Students who pursue this professional path have a wide range of employment options, including positions in factories, academic institutions, laboratories, and research institutes.
How to Start your Biomedical Engineering Journey
Academic success substantially impacts your career journey as a biomedical engineer. Below is a headstart guide to achieving a successful biomedical engineering career.
Education Requirements
Associate Degree
One of the quickest ways to become a biomedical engineer is with a reputable associate degree. Therefore, enrolling in a reputable school is a great head start in your career journey.
An associate degree affords students entry-career options like Biomedical Equipment Repairer with a median salary of $49,910.
Bachelor's Degree
Biomedical engineers typically require a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering or a related engineering field. A Bachelor's degree affords Students a broader study of medical systems and human biomechanics in the classroom and the lab.
A Bachelor's graduate degree opens you up to more specialized roles in the field. For example, a graduate with a Bachelor's degree has a median annual salary of $97,410, and earnings are slightly higher in specific areas of bioengineering.
Master's Degree
Obtaining a Master's Degree in Biomedical engineering offers graduates more exciting job positions in the biomedical field and an opportunity for career advancement in your existing organization.
Knowledge acquired from a Master's graduate degree translates into more satisfying work roles and better salary pay. A Master's Degree graduate earns at least $11,600 more than a Bachelor's degree graduate.
Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering
Students in a Ph.D. program in biomedical engineering improve their understanding of biological and chemical compounds, which they use to develop novel biomedical products and services.
Biomedical engineers with doctorate degrees can access leading job roles in manufacturing companies like pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, health, and other health science spaces. Obtaining a Ph.D. degree is very beneficial if you desire to work in academia.
Employment Prospects
In 2020, about 19,300 biomedical engineers were working in the U.S., which is expected to keep rising.
Expanding opportunities presented by new technologies and the growing number of applications to medical equipment and systems, biomedical engineers are anticipated to experience an increase in employment.
The demand for biomedical engineering products and services is growing due to their capacity to collaborate with professionals from other disciplines on various projects.
Biomedical Engineering Career Forecast
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the biomedical engineering industry is expected to grow by 10% between 2021 and 2031. This statistic was roughly on par with the average rate of increase across all occupations.
According to the BLS, even though employment in many engineering professions may decline, biomedical engineers will have faster job growth due to the ongoing need to advance medical procedures and technologies.
Lucrative Biomedical Engineering Career Paths
Let's see a Biomedical engineer's challenging responsibilities and rewarding career path below.
Rehabilitation Engineering
Rehabilitation Engineering is the application of engineering concepts to develop technological aids and assistive equipment for people with disabilities.
Rehabilitation engineers develop devices and systems that help people with physical or cognitive impairments.
Average Salary
In the United States, a Rehabilitation Engineer's annual median salary is $75,440.
Roles and Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of a rehabilitation engineer are listed below:
- Producing mechanical or electrical components for machinery or gadgets by standard specifications.
- Design rehabilitative exercise equipment for patients.
- Demonstrating proper medical device use to therapists, healthcare professionals, and patients.
- Analyzing, detecting, and fixing problems with complicated medical equipment.
- Adapting current tools enables the patient to sit, move, or communicate more effectively.
- Evaluate technical difficulties, perform maintenance, or set up and fit biomedical devices.
Industries Employing
Industries employing rehabilitation engineers are listed below:
- Health
- Research and academia
- Enterprises
Clinical Engineering
Clinical engineering uses technology with traditional engineering methods to enhance healthcare delivery.
Average Salary
The average salary for a clinical engineer in the USA is $57,503. Most experienced workers earn up to $145,000 annually, while entry-level occupations.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Supervise the day-to-day functioning of medical devices and equipment to assist healthcare providers.
- Analyze the effects of medical technology on a patient to improve the efficacy of a product.
- Provide medical solutions for patients through professional consultations.
- Evaluate the best materials for research projects.
- Design equipment for the healthcare industry.
- Perform diagnostic tests on engineering tools, apparatus, and equipment for equipment designs and research projects.
Industries Employing
Some of the industries where clinical engineers are easily employed are:
- Healthcare
- Medical equipment manufacturing
- Research
Biochemical Engineering
Biochemical engineers focus on cell structures and microscopic systems to develop products for bioremediation, biological waste treatment, medications, and other applications.
Average Salary
In May 2021, the median yearly wage for biochemical engineers was $105,550. With the lowest 10% earning less than $60,680 while the highest 10% earned more than $154,750.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Devise methods for getting cells to accomplish what they are required to perform and then receive the product in a useful form.
- Analyses biomanufacturing processes to guarantee adherence to environmental laws.
- Identify areas where advancements can be made in biological processes to seek biomedical solutions.
- Engages in a series of experiments and tests to meet process goals.
- Documents findings of experiments in the database and maintains the database for future access.
- Organizes techniques for transferring procedures from laboratories to manufacturing production.
- Endeavors to develop product specifications, operating methods, or user guides with a manufacturing team.
Industries Employing
A Biochemical engineer can find attractive opportunities in these workplace areas:
- Plastics and polymer Industries
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Textile
- Natural resources
- Chemical
- Government Agencies
Biomaterials Engineering
Biomaterials Engineers employ their expertise in engineering and biology to design, develop and test health systems and products. In addition, they are responsible for building multi-functional biocompatible products.
Average Salary
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that engineers in related professions, such as bioengineers, can make an average salary of $97,410 per year, even though there is no wage information explicitly available for biomaterial engineers.
Roles and Responsibilities
The biomaterial engineer is saddled with sensitive roles such as:
- Ensuring biomedical equipment is fit and well installed for biological processes and projects.
- Collaborating with development and manufacturing teams to ensure safe and efficient procedures supporting bioengineering processes.
- Educating technical and medical teams on using tools and equipment for medical procedures.
- Building statistical simulations and models for both the manufacturing and development teams.
- Creating instruments and equipment designs for biochemical processes such as artificial organs and prosthetics.
Industries Employing
The Biomaterial engineer has employment options in the following workplaces:
- Healthcare
- Medical research
- Government and Private Agencies
Bioinstrumentation Engineering
Bioinstrumentation engineering employs technological innovation to build the equipment necessary for scientific discoveries and sickness detection to improve human health.
Average Salary
The average annual salary of a bio instrumentation engineer in the United States is $73,094, estimated to be about $35.14 per hour. The salary ranges from $131,000 to $26,500.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Designs and builds instruments to correct detected medical equipment inefficiency.
- Creates and evaluates equipment prototypes, and the designer sees the installation of new measurement equipment and control systems for effectiveness.
- Responsible for conceiving technical instrumentation manuals.
- Collaborates with other engineers to develop medical devices and equipment by standard safety specifications.
Industries Employing
Below is a list of industries fitting a bio-instrumentation engineer:
- Research
- Medical equipment manufacturing
- Academia
Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering is the use of technology to alter and modify the genetic makeup of an organism. Genetic engineering is to the end that a better species or an entirely new species is created.
Average Salary
As of Sept 26, 2022, the average genetic engineer pay in the United States was $88,286; however, the normal salary range is between $73,512 and $99,522.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Modifying the genetic makeup of an organism in a lab.
- Keeping up with recent developments and news in genetic engineering.
- Examining the DNA structure of an organism and essential to e genetic patterns.
- Applying quarantine methods for disease prevention and spread.
Industries Employing
Genetic engineers are employed in these workspaces:
- Research Facilities
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Government Agencies
- Universities
- HealthCare Organizations
System Physiologist
Systems physiology employs engineering skills to study how systems within living organisms, from bacteria to people, work and adapt to environmental changes.
Average Salary
The annual median salary of physiologists in 2020 is $55,871, with the highest salary range- of $125,000 and the lowest salary-$20,500
Roles and Responsibilities
- Investigating the cellular structure and physiological processes of human, animal, and plant organ systems.
- Studying the link between the functions of the body's glands.
- Investigating the impact of dangerous natural occurrences such as animal bites, plant venom, and poisonous substances.
- Observing the human body's response to varied activities and systems.
- Performing studies to ascertain the impact of internal and external environmental elements on organisms.
Industries Employing
The following establishments are workplaces for systems physiologists:
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Hospitals
- BioChemical Agencies
- Universities
- Research Institutes
- Government Agencies
- Military Facilities
BioMechanics Engineering
BioMechanics Engineering harnesses engineering principles to tackle medical problems.
Average Salary
The average annual pay for a Biomechanical Engineer as of Oct 2022 in the United States is $97,004 a year.
Annual salaries can be as high as $134,000 and as low as $51,500.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Oversee and improve manufacturing processes in a firm.
- Tailoring manufacturing processes to suit an individual product and generating procedures for valuable output.
- Manufacturing designs of new equipment in compliance with safety measures and user adaptability.
- Maintains and monitors the use of medical equipment to ensure they are at optimum performance.
Industries Employing
Workplaces best suited for biomechanics engineers are:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician Offices
- Research Companies
- Universities
- Medical Device Manufacturing Companies
- Sporting Organizations
Medical Imaging Technicians
Medical imaging uses specialized medical equipment to collect images of organs, tissues, and cells within the body for proper and effective diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Average Salary
The average annual salary for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in the United States, as of May 2021, is $77,360.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,870.
The median annual salary for Radiologic Technologists was $61,370 in May 2021, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $46,850 and the highest 10 percent earning above $94,880.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Follow instructions from physicians on body parts to image and protect exposed parts, not requiring imaging.
- Prepare patients for imaging procedures through professional consultations and obtaining a medical history.
- Responsible for properly handling and positioning medical equipment on patients to ensure correct image and diagnosis.
- Evaluate the images with Physicians to interpret image results and possible diagnosis.
- Maintains detailed records about patients' cases and diagnoses.
Industries Employing
Image Technologists are highly needed in these workplaces:
- Hospitals
- Medical Laboratories
- Diagnostic Centers
- Government Agencies
Dialysis Engineer
Dialysis Engineers in biomedical engineering focus on conducting dialysis procedures to remove excess water and fluids from failing Kidneys.
Average Salary
The average annual pay for a Renal Dialysis Technician in the United States is $59,784. However, annual salaries are as high as $104,157 and as low as $27,041.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Set up a medical device for a dialysis appointment.
- Prepare and make patients comfortable before procedures begin.
- Obtain the weight of patients before and after treatments.
- Commence and complete treatment by all safety protocols.
- Monitor patients during treatment and be ready for any emergency in the course of treatment.
- Clean and properly store medical devices after treatment procedures.
Industries Employing
- Medical Facilities
- Dialysis Centers
- Hospitals and clinics
Biomedical Researcher
Biomedical Researchers use their study of biology and medicine to explore new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases.
Average Salary
The average annual pay for a biomedical research scientist in the United States is $95,310 as of Oct 28, 2022. With annual salaries as high as $140,500 and as low as $30,500.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Discover new ways to treat medical conditions.
- Monitor and analyze the effect of treatments and procedures.
- Analyze specimens of tissues and biological materials using sophisticated equipment.
- Analyze the growth of cultures in biological samples.
Industries Employing
- Hospitals
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies
- Medical Research Institutions
- Clinical Pathology Laboratories
- Universities
- Healthcare Organizations
How to Boost your Biomedical Engineering Career
Biomedical engineers stay on top of their game by staying updated with technological changes in biological or medical problems. And with emerging diseases, your biomedical career has opportunities to break new ground through constant research work.
Golden opportunities to meet and network with great minds in the biomedical field abound in joining Professional organizations such as:
Pros and Cons of Biomedical Engineering Careers
A career in Biomedical engineering is both a rewarding and challenging feat. Therefore, it is critical to comprehend the pros and cons of threading this career path to prepare you better to take the bad with the good.
Pros
- A biomedical engineering career path rewards you with a competitive salary and benefits.
- Ability to greatly diversify into various aspects of technology and healthcare.
- An associate degree is a step at the door in this career field.
- Personal gratification for producing life-transforming technologies in healthcare.
- Responsibilities in this career field build strong interpersonal skills and work ethics.
- A vast array of workplace options to absorb graduates.
- The employment outlook is very promising for future graduates.
- Working with other professionals in other fields opens you up to a knowledge bank.
Cons
- Earning a master's or doctorate is required to land a higher-paying job.
- Being a biomedical engineer could mean burying one's head in hours of research work.
- Biomedical engineers can be exposed to harmful substances while working on projects.
- Demanding work hours and schedules to meet time-based projects.
- Working with sophisticated equipment could pose a risk to work safety, hence the need for great caution and handling.
Skills You'll Develop While Studying Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering degrees provide you with the skills for a successful career path, such as:
Critical Thinking and Analysis
A biomedical engineer's complex roles and activities demand that he develops strong analytical skills. The biomedical engineer thinks up ways to solve medical problems and maintain sophisticated medical devices and tools he works with. The ability of the mind to probe and analyze is an asset.
Software Skills
Biomedical engineers build and work with very sophisticated instruments, and mathematical and computer skills are essential for operating these instruments. Therefore, writing in C++ or python programming languages can be a significant advantage and can be a requirement for some positions in the field.
Management Skills
Effectively managing one's time is crucial to being a biomedical engineer. In addition, a biomedical engineer often works with other professionals within and outside his field, hence the need to manage people, resources, and equipment. And many times, they may take up leading roles in a project.
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are necessary to succeed in the industry, whether you work in a lab with other biomedical engineers or medical experts.
Biomedical engineers must have good communication skills to help them collaborate on projects effectively.
Attention to Detail
Biomedical engineers must have an eye for detail to design and create innovative products to meet their client's needs.
They are detail-oriented in building according to specification with keen caution to following safety rules and guidelines. For the biomedical engineer, missing the little things leads to errors and a lack of productivity.
How to Prepare for a Biomedical Engineering Career
1. Start Early in High School
Building the right foundation from high school prepares you for the demands of the biomedical engineering field. It starts with taking a keen interest in mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, and computer Sciences.
Develop a knack for reading material resources about biomedical engineering from the internet or library.
2. Volunteer in Medical and Engineering Related Institutions
Maximize your spare time and holidays by volunteering in medical or engineering-related fields. Staying around older professionals in these related fields will expose your mind to the framework and system of the biomedical engineering field.
Volunteer work helps you develop the necessary skills for bioengineering or biomedical engineering roles.
3. Take Courses that are related to this field
Biomedical Engineers never stop learning.
Taking courses in computer programming, engineering, and biological sciences sharpens your skills and sets you on the right pedal for great achievement in the biomedical field.
Learning courses detailed in calculus, statistics, mechanical drawing, human biology, and physiology are all added advantages.
4. Apply to Accredited Institutions
Accreditation for a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical engineering is by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
ABET ensures that an institution satisfies the requirements to best prepare students in that profession.
Work employability increases with acquired degrees from accredited institutions. And this is because employers trust that such graduates are better trained than their counterparts. Before applying to any institution, visit ABET for more information on accredited engineering programs.
5. Get a BioMedical Engineering Internship
Nothing prepares you for the demanding role of being a biomedical engineer like a Biomedical Engineering Internship.
An internship gives you hands-on-the job opportunities to work in the biomedical engineering system. In addition, you gain a wealth of experience working with other professionals, instruments, and tools.
A good internship resume sets the tone for better opportunities and accomplishments.
Biomedical Engineering Resources to Help Your Career
Biomedical Engineering programs available online that help you get ahead in your career are:
Biomedical engineering is a field that deploys engineering principles to find biomedical solutions. This field has gained popularity because of the innovative solutions it has brought to human lives.
Biomedical engineering as a discipline trains its students in a diverse array of courses, including biology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and computer sciences. This diversity enables academics to work closely with scientists across different fields.
The need for bioengineers is rising because more people are turning to biological treatments to address their health problems.
A career in biomedical engineering may suit you if you wish to combine your passion for engineering with the capacity to create life-saving medical products.
Why Choose Biomedical Engineering?
The biomedical industry is currently regarded as one of the cutting-edge sectors of the economy, the benefits of which are prominent.
A degree in bioengineering leads to a rewarding field where you'll work on biomedical solutions to enhance healthcare.
Students who pursue this professional path have a wide range of employment options, including positions in factories, academic institutions, laboratories, and research institutes.
How to Start your Biomedical Engineering Journey
Academic success substantially impacts your career journey as a biomedical engineer. Below is a headstart guide to achieving a successful biomedical engineering career.
Education Requirements
Associate Degree
One of the quickest ways to become a biomedical engineer is with a reputable associate degree. Therefore, enrolling in a reputable school is a great head start in your career journey.
An associate degree affords students entry-career options like Biomedical Equipment Repairer with a median salary of $49,910.
Bachelor's Degree
Biomedical engineers typically require a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering or a related engineering field. A Bachelor's degree affords Students a broader study of medical systems and human biomechanics in the classroom and the lab.
A Bachelor's graduate degree opens you up to more specialized roles in the field. For example, a graduate with a Bachelor's degree has a median annual salary of $97,410, and earnings are slightly higher in specific areas of bioengineering.
Master's Degree
Obtaining a Master's Degree in Biomedical engineering offers graduates more exciting job positions in the biomedical field and an opportunity for career advancement in your existing organization.
Knowledge acquired from a Master's graduate degree translates into more satisfying work roles and better salary pay. A Master's Degree graduate earns at least $11,600 more than a Bachelor's degree graduate.
Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering
Students in a Ph.D. program in biomedical engineering improve their understanding of biological and chemical compounds, which they use to develop novel biomedical products and services.
Biomedical engineers with doctorate degrees can access leading job roles in manufacturing companies like pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, health, and other health science spaces. Obtaining a Ph.D. degree is very beneficial if you desire to work in academia.
Employment Prospects
In 2020, about 19,300 biomedical engineers were working in the U.S., which is expected to keep rising.
Expanding opportunities presented by new technologies and the growing number of applications to medical equipment and systems, biomedical engineers are anticipated to experience an increase in employment.
The demand for biomedical engineering products and services is growing due to their capacity to collaborate with professionals from other disciplines on various projects.
Biomedical Engineering Career Forecast
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the biomedical engineering industry is expected to grow by 10% between 2021 and 2031. This statistic was roughly on par with the average rate of increase across all occupations.
According to the BLS, even though employment in many engineering professions may decline, biomedical engineers will have faster job growth due to the ongoing need to advance medical procedures and technologies.
Lucrative Biomedical Engineering Career Paths
Let's see a Biomedical engineer's challenging responsibilities and rewarding career path below.
Rehabilitation Engineering
Rehabilitation Engineering is the application of engineering concepts to develop technological aids and assistive equipment for people with disabilities. Rehabilitation engineers develop devices and systems that help people with physical or cognitive impairments.
Average Salary
In the United States, a rehabilitation engineer's annual median salary is $75,440.
Roles and Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of a rehabilitation engineer are listed below:
- Producing mechanical or electrical components for machinery or gadgets by standard specifications.
- Design rehabilitative exercise equipment for patients.
- Demonstrating proper medical device use to therapists, healthcare professionals, and patients.
- Analyzing, detecting, and fixing problems with complicated medical equipment.
- Adapting current tools enables the patient to sit, move, or communicate more effectively.
- Evaluate technical difficulties, perform maintenance, or set up and fit biomedical devices.
Industries Employing
Industries employing rehabilitation engineers are listed below:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Research Laboratories
- Private Practices
- Universities
Clinical Engineering
Clinical engineering uses technology with traditional engineering methods to enhance healthcare delivery.
Average Salary
The average salary for a clinical engineer in the USA is $57,503. Most experienced workers earn up to $145,000 annually, while entry-level occupations.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Supervise the day-to-day functioning of medical devices and equipment to assist healthcare providers.
- Analyze the effects of medical technology on a patient to improve the efficacy of a product.
- Provide medical solutions for patients through professional consultations.
- Evaluate the best materials for research projects.
- Design equipment for the healthcare industry.
- Perform diagnostic tests on engineering tools, apparatus, and equipment for equipment designs and research projects.
Industries Employing
Some of the industries where clinical engineers are easily employed are:
- Hospital
- Laboratories
- Medical Manufacturing Companies
- Surgery Centers
- Medical Organizations
Biochemical Engineering
Biochemical engineers focus on cell structures and microscopic systems to develop products for bioremediation, biological waste treatment, medications, and other applications.
Average Salary
In May 2021, the median yearly wage for biochemical engineers was $105,550. With the lowest 10% earning less than $60,680 while the highest 10% earned more than $154,750.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Devise methods for getting cells to accomplish what they are required to perform and then receive the product in a useful form.
- Analyses biomanufacturing processes to guarantee adherence to environmental laws.
- Identify areas where advancements can be made in biological processes to seek biomedical solutions.
- Engages in a series of experiments and tests to meet process goals.
- Documents findings of experiments in the database and maintains the database for future access.
- Organizes techniques for transferring procedures from laboratories to manufacturing production.
- Endeavors to develop product specifications, operating methods, or user guides with a manufacturing team.
Industries Employing
A Biochemical engineer can find attractive opportunities in these workplace areas:
- Plastics and polymer Industries
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Textile
- Natural resources
- Chemical
- Government Agencies
Biomaterials Engineering
Biomaterials Engineers employ their expertise in engineering and biology to design, develop and test health systems and products. In addition, they are responsible for building multi-functional biocompatible products.
Average Salary
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that engineers in related professions, such as bioengineers, can make an average salary of $92,620 per year, even though there is no wage information explicitly available for biomaterial engineers.
Roles and Responsibilities
The biomaterial engineer is saddled with sensitive roles such as:
- Ensuring biomedical equipment is fit and well installed for biological processes and projects.
- Collaborating with development and manufacturing teams to ensure safe and efficient procedures supporting bioengineering processes.
- Educating technical and medical teams on using tools and equipment for medical procedures.
- Building statistical simulations and models for both the manufacturing and development teams.
- Creating instruments and equipment designs for biochemical processes such as artificial organs and prosthetics.
Industries Employing
The Biomaterial engineer has employment options in the following workplaces:
- Healthcare
- Medical research
- Government and Private Agencies
Bioinstrumentation Engineering
Bioinstrumentation engineering employs technological innovation to build the equipment necessary for scientific discoveries and sickness detection to improve human health.
Average Salary
The average annual salary of a bio instrumentation engineer in the United States is $73,094, estimated to be about $35.14 per hour. The salary ranges from $131,000 to $26,500.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Designs and builds instruments to correct detected medical equipment inefficiency.
- Creates and evaluates equipment prototypes, and the designer sees the installation of new measurement equipment and control systems for effectiveness.
- Responsible for conceiving technical instrumentation manuals.
- Collaborates with other engineers to develop medical devices and equipment by standard safety specifications.
Industries Employing
Below is a list of industries fitting a bio-instrumentation engineer:
- Research
- Medical equipment manufacturing
- Academia
Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering is the use of technology to alter and modify the genetic makeup of an organism. Genetic engineering is to the end that a better species or an entirely new species is created.
Average Salary
As of Sept 26, 2022, the average genetic engineer pay in the United States was $88,286; however, the normal salary range is between $73,512 and $99,522.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Modifying the genetic makeup of an organism in a lab.
- Keeping up with recent developments and news in genetic engineering.
- Examining the DNA structure of an organism and essential to e genetic patterns.
- Applying quarantine methods for disease prevention and spread.
Industries Employing
Genetic engineers are employed in these workspaces:
- Research Facilities
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Government Agencies
- Universities
- HealthCare Organizations
System Physiologist
Systems physiology employs engineering skills to study how systems within living organisms, from bacteria to people, work and adapt to environmental changes.
Average Salary
The Annual Median Salary of Physiologists in 2020 is $55,871, with the highest salary range- of $125,000 and the lowest salary-$20,500
Roles and Responsibilities
- Investigating the cellular structure and physiological processes of human, animal, and plant organ systems.
- Studying the link between the functions of the body's glands.
- Investigating the impact of dangerous natural occurrences such as animal bites, plant venom, and poisonous substances.
- Observing the human body's response to varied activities and systems.
- Performing studies to ascertain the impact of internal and external environmental elements on organisms.
Industries Employing
The following establishments are workplaces for systems physiologists:
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Hospitals
- BioChemical Agencies
- Universities
- Research Institutes
- Government Agencies
- Military Facilities
Biomechanics Engineering
BioMechanics Engineering harnesses engineering principles to tackle medical problems.
Average Salary
The average annual pay for a Biomechanical Engineer as of Oct 2022 in the United States is $97,004 a year.
Annual salaries can be as high as $134,000 and as low as $51,500.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Oversee and improve manufacturing processes in a firm.
- Tailoring manufacturing processes to suit an individual product and generating procedures for valuable output.
- Manufacturing designs of new equipment in compliance with safety measures and user adaptability.
- Maintains and monitors the use of medical equipment to ensure they are at optimum performance.
Industries Employing
Workplaces best suited for biomechanics engineers are:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician Offices
- Research Companies
- Universities
- Medical Device Manufacturing Companies
- Sporting Organizations
Medical Imaging Technicians
Medical imaging uses specialized medical equipment to collect images of organs, tissues, and cells within the body for proper and effective diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Average Salary
The average annual salary for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in the United States, as of May 2021, is $77,360.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,870.
The median annual salary for Radiologic Technologists was $61,370 in May 2021, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $46,850 and the highest 10 percent earning above $94,880.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Follow instructions from physicians on body parts to image and protect exposed parts, not requiring imaging.
- Prepare patients for imaging procedures through professional consultations and obtaining a medical history.
- Responsible for properly handling and positioning medical equipment on patients to ensure correct image and diagnosis.
- Evaluate the images with Physicians to interpret image results and possible diagnosis.
- Maintains detailed records about patients' cases and diagnoses.
Industries Employing
Image Technologists are highly needed in these workplaces:
- Hospitals
- Medical Laboratories
- Diagnostic Centers
- Government Agencies
Dialysis Engineer
Dialysis Engineers in biomedical engineering focus on conducting dialysis procedures to remove excess water and fluids from failing Kidneys.
Average Salary
As of Oct 18, 2022, the average annual pay for a Renal Dialysis Technician in the United States is $59,784. However, annual salaries are as high as $104,157 and as low as $27,041.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Set up a medical device for a dialysis appointment.
- Prepare and make patients comfortable before procedures begin.
- Obtain the weight of patients before and after treatments.
- Commence and complete treatment by all safety protocols.
- Monitor patients during treatment and be ready for any emergency in the course of treatment.
- Clean and properly store medical devices after treatment procedures.
Industries Employing
- Medical Facilities
- Dialysis Centers
- Hospitals and clinics
Biomedical Researcher
Biomedical Researchers use their study of biology and medicine to explore new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases.
Average Salary
The average annual pay for a Biomedical Research Scientist in the United States is $95,310 as of Oct 28, 2022. With annual salaries as high as $140,500 and as low as $30,500.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Discover new ways to treat medical conditions.
- Monitor and analyze the effect of treatments and procedures.
- Analyze specimens of tissues and biological materials using sophisticated equipment.
- Analyze the growth of cultures in biological samples.
Industries Employing
- Hospitals
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies
- Medical Research Institutions
- Clinical Pathology Laboratories
- Universities
- Healthcare Organizations
How to Boost your Biomedical Engineering Career
Biomedical engineers stay on top of their game by staying updated with technological changes in biological or medical problems. And with emerging diseases, your biomedical career has opportunities to break new ground through constant research work.
Golden opportunities to meet and network with great minds in the biomedical field abound in joining Professional organizations such as:
- The Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS)
- The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
- The Materials Research Society (MRS)
Pros and Cons of Biomedical Engineering Careers
A career in Biomedical engineering is both a rewarding and challenging feat. Therefore, it is critical to comprehend the pros and cons of threading this career path to prepare you better to take the bad with the good.
Pros
- A biomedical engineering career path rewards you with a competitive salary and benefits.
- Ability to greatly diversify into various aspects of technology and healthcare.
- An associate degree is a step at the door in this career field.
- Personal gratification for producing life-transforming technologies in healthcare.
- Responsibilities in this career field build strong interpersonal skills and work ethics.
- A vast array of workplace options to absorb graduates.
- The employment outlook is very promising for future graduates.
- Working with other professionals in other fields opens you up to a knowledge bank.
Cons
- Earning a master's or doctorate is required to land a higher-paying job.
- Being a biomedical engineer could mean burying one's head in hours of research work.
- Biomedical engineers can be exposed to harmful substances while working on projects.
- Demanding work hours and schedules to meet time-based projects.
- Working with sophisticated equipment could pose a risk to work safety, hence the need for great caution and handling.
Skills You'll Develop While Studying Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering degrees provide you with the skills for a successful career path, such as:
Critical Thinking and Analysis
A biomedical engineer's complex roles and activities demand that he develops strong analytical skills. The biomedical engineer thinks up ways to solve medical problems and maintain sophisticated medical devices and tools he works with. The ability of the mind to probe and analyze is an asset.
Software Skills
Biomedical engineers build and work with very sophisticated instruments, and mathematical and computer skills are essential for operating these instruments. Therefore, writing in C++ or python programming languages can be a significant advantage and can be a requirement for some positions in the field.
Management Skills
Effectively managing one's time is crucial to being a biomedical engineer. In addition, a biomedical engineer often works with other professionals within and outside his field, hence the need to manage people, resources, and equipment. And many times, they may take up leading roles in a project.
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are necessary to succeed in the industry, whether you work in a lab with other biomedical engineers or medical experts.
Biomedical engineers must have good communication skills to help them collaborate on projects effectively.
Attention to Detail
Biomedical engineers must have an eye for detail to design and create innovative products to meet their client's needs.
They are detail-oriented in building according to specification with keen caution to following safety rules and guidelines. For the biomedical engineer, missing the little things leads to errors and a lack of productivity.
How to Prepare for a Biomedical Engineering Career
1. Start Early in High School
Building the right foundation from high school prepares you for the demands of the biomedical engineering field. It starts with taking a keen interest in mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, and computer Sciences.
Develop a knack for reading material resources about biomedical engineering from the internet or library.
2. Volunteer in Medical and Engineering Related Institutions
Maximize your spare time and holidays by volunteering in medical or engineering-related fields. Staying around older professionals in these related fields will expose your mind to the framework and system of the biomedical engineering field.
Volunteer work helps you develop the necessary skills for bioengineering or biomedical engineering roles.
3. Take Courses that are related to this field
Biomedical Engineers never stop learning.
Taking courses in computer programming, engineering, and biological sciences sharpens your skills and sets you on the right pedal for great achievement in the biomedical field.
Learning courses detailed in calculus, statistics, mechanical drawing, human biology, and physiology are all added advantages.
4. Apply to Accredited Institutions
Accreditation for a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical engineering is by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
ABET ensures that an institution satisfies the requirements to best prepare students in that profession.
Work employability increases with acquired degrees from accredited institutions. And this is because employers trust that such graduates are better trained than their counterparts. Before applying to any institution, visit ABET for more information on accredited engineering programs.
5. Get a BioMedical Engineering Internship
Nothing prepares you for the demanding role of being a biomedical engineer like a Biomedical Engineering Internship.
An internship gives you hands-on-the job opportunities to work in the biomedical engineering system. In addition, you gain a wealth of experience working with other professionals, instruments, and tools.
A good internship resume sets the tone for better opportunities and accomplishments.
Biomedical Engineering Resources to Help Your Career
Biomedical Engineering programs available online that help you get ahead in your career are:
- BioInformatics Specialization by U.C. San Diego.
- Introduction to Engineering and Design by Brown University.
- Computational Methods for Biomedical Image Analysis and Interpretation by Stanford University.
- Fundamentals in Biotechnology and Genetics.
How to Switch to a Biomedical Engineering Career
The right information about the biomedical engineering field is necessary for a career switch. Begin by identifying the career option that best suits you and the required qualifications and certification to attain it.
Educational courses, degrees, and certifications affect your decision for a successful career switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Biomedical Engineering?
Biomedical Engineering is the application of technical principles to solve medical and biological-related problems. Bioengineering improves lives by creating cutting-edge technology such as artificial organs, body transplants, prostheses, and many others.
What certification do I need for a Biomedical Engineering career?
Biomedical Engineers are required to be licensed to practice. Licensing generally requires completing an accredited bachelor's program, working for a set number of years, and passing a series of tests and examinations set by different employers and companies.
Improve your educational resumé with certifications like the Biomedical Device Manufacturing Certificate at Moorpark College, USA.
Can I get a Biomedical Engineering degree online?
Yes, Biomedical degrees are available online. Online programs offer full-time and part-time learning modes for students. Check for School accreditation by ABET.
What fields can Biomedical Engineering professionals work in?
Biomedical Engineers work in various fields, such as Manufacturing Companies, Pharmaceutical Firms, Laboratories, Clinics, and Hospitals. They also work in the Military and Government Agencies to build instruments and consultation and offer control measures for other related firms.
Biomedical engineers work in Private Practices and Universities.
Is there a high demand for Biomedical Engineering majors?
Yes, biomedical engineers are in high demand as the need for technological solutions to healthcare keeps increasing. An advantage is to major in specific fields in high demand to stand out from other job seekers.
Final Thoughts
Biomedical engineering is an exciting field to blend one's love for engineering with a passion for improving human health. With the diversity of career roles and responsibilities available, finding your niche for a satisfactory work experience is easy. Resourceful materials such as this are a good guide to set you on the right path.
