BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER

Biomedical engineers use the principles of engineering and physical science to solve health and medical problems. They design and construct medically related devices, such as artificial organs and pacemakers, as well as equipment and instruments which are used for diagnostics, analysis, and/or treatment of diseases. They often work with other health professionals, such as physicians, chemists and prosthetists, to improve medical technology.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME AN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER?

While in high school enroll in higher mathematics, mechanics, chemistry, physics, electronics, biology and physiology course work.

The minimum educational requirement for a biomedical engineer is a bachelor’s degree from a biomedical engineering program or an established program in electrical, mechanical, chemical, civil, aerospace, or industrial engineering. Master’s and doctoral level degrees are required of university-level professors and researchers.

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN SCHOOL?

You will learn the principles of engineering science and learn to apply that knowledge of these principles to medical technology and the human body. Basic curriculum includes course work in mechanical and structural drafting, engineering design, data analysis, computer-aided drawing, electronics and human anatomy. Communication skills are necessary to become a good biomedical engineer; therefore, course work in English, speech and medical terminology is advised. Additional course work in biology, anatomy, and the behavioral sciences is important for integrating the engineering sciences into a working knowledge of the human body. After graduation, you must be licensed and certified as a biomedical engineer by a national professional society.

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

The employment outlook for biomedical engineering is good through the next decade, with expected job growth of 62% by 2020. Biomedical engineers work in hospitals, research centers, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing plants and universities. The work week is usually 40 hours, but occasionally there are additional hours required to meet the needs of the job.