If using engineering skills to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives appeals to you, you may want to pursue a career in biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineers are responsible for creating some of the most vital medical equipment available today, including pacemakers that control heart rhythm and user-friendly blood sugar monitors.
Interest in this profession is often sparked by a desire to help save lives or the complex issues it confronts. A career in biomedical engineering offers a platform to impact the world significantly. In this article, we will learn more about the nature of biomedical engineering, the responsibilities of a biomedical engineer, potential earnings, and job prospects. This will allow you to decide whether getting a biomedical engineering degree from a renowned institution like the American International University is the right choice.
Biomedical Engineering Overview
Biomedical engineering involves the use of engineering concepts to address issues related to health and healthcare. By utilizing their understanding of engineering, biology, and healthcare, biomedical engineers develop medical devices and procedures to enhance human health. Frequently used examples of biomedical equipment encompass devices like pacemakers, blood glucose monitors, and prosthetic limbs.
Biomedical Engineering Versus Bioengineering
While the terms bioengineering and biomedical engineering might seem interchangeable and share many things in common, they have distinct differences. Bioengineering encompasses the application of engineering principles to a variety of biological systems, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.
On the other hand, biomedical engineering is a specific branch of bioengineering that is exclusively concerned with leveraging engineering techniques for healthcare objectives, which includes the design of medical devices and the development of procedures to enhance health outcomes.
Biomedical Engineer Job Role
Utilizing their expertise in engineering, biomedical engineers develop medical instruments, procedures, and systems intended for healing, managing, or enhancing health conditions. Though the specific tasks a biomedical engineer carries out daily can differ based on the project. Some typical duties include:
- Engineering medical tools, like pacemakers or prosthetic limbs
- Fixing and setting up medical apparatus and equipment
- Undertaking novel research on current biomedical devices and biological mechanisms
- Educating healthcare professionals on how to operate newly introduced medical equipment
Biomedical Engineer Salary
Biomedical engineers typically earn a salary that is above average. As reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median yearly wage for bioengineers and biomedical engineers was approximately $97,410 in May 2021. The projected job growth rate is 10% between 2021 and 2031 which is around 1,200 new job openings yearly.
How to Pursue a Career In Biomedical Engineering
1. Get a Degree
About 65% of biomedical engineers hold a bachelor’s degree, 16% possess a master’s degree, and 12% have an associate degree. Typically, biomedical engineers pursue studies in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering.
2. Acquire the Necessary Skills
To tackle some of the most pressing health issues people face today, you must employ various technical and interpersonal skills daily. When planning your career path, consider the skills you want to enhance to excel in your role. The following are some skills that biomedical engineers frequently utilize in their daily tasks:
- Analytical abilities
- Knowledge of statistics
- Proficiency in math and engineering
- Understanding of computer science
- Written and oral communication skills
- Problem-solving and innovative thinking
If you are hoping to develop your biomedical engineering skills, consider enrolling in an online course in a specialized field from a reputable university.
3. Obtain Experience
One of the most effective methods to establish a strong foundation in a new profession is to acquire applicable work experience. If you are beginning your career, securing a related internship or an entry-level job could provide a valuable opportunity to apply your skills in a practical setting. According to the data from the BLS, the 5 most prevalent employers of biomedical engineers include:
- Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences at 28%
- Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing at 14%
- Healthcare and social assistance at 8%
- Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing at 7%
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private at 5%
Advantages of Getting a Biomedical Engineering Degree
- Multidisciplinary approach: Biomedical engineering combines elements of biology, medicine, and engineering, providing a comprehensive and multi-faceted understanding of healthcare and technology.
- High salary potential: Biomedical engineers typically earn a higher-than-average salary, substantially benefiting individuals in this field.
- Positive job outlook: The field is expected to grow in the coming years, offering robust job opportunities.
- Direct Impact On Lives: Biomedical engineers significantly improve healthcare, directly contributing to better health outcomes and potentially saving lives.
- Innovation and research: The field offers numerous opportunities for innovation and research, making it an exciting choice for intellectually curious people who enjoy problem-solving.
- Wide range of opportunities: Biomedical engineering offers a broad spectrum of career paths, including work in hospitals, manufacturing, research facilities, and government regulatory agencies.
- Continuous learning: Given the rapid evolution of technology and medicine, biomedical engineering provides constant opportunities for learning and skill enhancement.
- Opportunity for specialization: Biomedical engineering covers an array of specialties like bioinstrumentation, biomaterials, biomechanics, or medical imaging.
Endnote
A career in biomedical engineering offers numerous opportunities to impact healthcare and human lives significantly. This field not only provides the potential for above-average income, but also promises steady job growth in the coming years. With a diverse range of applicable fields of study and many opportunities for gaining practical experience, aspiring biomedical engineers can equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel.