What a Biomedical Engineer Does

Combining biology and medicine with engineering, biomedical engineering experts research the engineering aspects of the biological processes of humans and animals, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists. Biomedical engineers often design instruments that are used in different medical procedures, such as blood analysis computers or laser systems used in corrective eye surgery.

Employment Opportunities

In making the U.S. a better environment, biomedical engineers stand at the forefront. Their professional skills and training prepare them for clinical research and development work; for companies manufacturing pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies, and other health-related products; and for hospitals in the field of medicine and surgery.

The high demand for engineers who understand how to build sophisticated medical devices and equipment has been affected by several factors:

Biomedical engineering creates leading-edge medical instruments that can reliably and easily help diagnose or rule out severe medical conditions, with an aging population and an increasing emphasis on health problems.

Cost-effectiveness-Biomedical engineers have the medical and engineering experience that businesses need to manufacture this equipment cost-effectively when it comes to producing complex medical devices and supplies.

Future Opportunities for Biomedical Engineers

To achieve full benefits for human health and well-being, biomedical engineering encourages a constructive partnership between medical science and technology. Consider only a few examples of the ways biomedical engineering continues to influence daily life in the United States:

ScienceDaily notes that recent research at the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (SBES) has helped advance the identification and development of cancer in the human body based on the actions of fluids at the microscale stage, a groundbreaking new technology called microfluidics.

According to News-Medical.net, North Carolina State University biomedical engineering researchers recently created a “smart coating” that helps surgical implants, such as hips, knees, and dental replacements, strengthen bone-bonding, avoid infection, and even promote bone growth.

BusinessWeek discusses how researchers in biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan have discovered through laboratory experiments that the rocking of embryos can improve the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization before implanting them into the womb.

Schools Offering Degrees in Biomedical Engineering

It takes highly advanced biomedical training to carry out the intricate work of biomedical engineering. Just a few of the specialties students can choose from are biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, and orthopedic engineering.

Across the U.S., colleges and universities offer biomedical engineering bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. A majority of biomedical engineering positions require a master’s degree or higher, especially those in research and development.

Pay for Biomedical Engineers

In the U.S., according to Occupational Outlook Handbook 2018-19 of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median national annual salary for biomedical engineers is $85,620. Actual wages can vary greatly depending on field specialization, venue, years of experience, and some other variables. National long-term employment growth forecasts do not reflect economic or employment conditions at the local and/or short-term level and do not guarantee actual job growth.