The article below provides a detailed, comprehensive overview of biomedical engineering. We explore the profession’s scope, roles, responsibilities, and key steps needed to launch a career in this field.
Furthermore, we highlight the annual average salary for biomedical engineers to expect, along with career projections.
What is Biomedical Engineering?
Biomedical engineering refers to any engineering field concerned with developing solutions in medicine and biology. Biomedical engineers combine their in-depth knowledge of engineering principles and biological sciences to design and develop systems and devices geared toward solving medical problems.
The duties and responsibilities of a biomedical engineer include the following:
- Designing equipment and devices to diagnose or treat medical problems. Examples include artificial organs and body parts.
- Installing and providing technical support for biomedical equipment.
- Training medical professionals on how to properly make use of biomedical equipment.
- Formulating new solutions and writing technical reports or research papers.
- Collaborating with manufacturing experts on how to make biomedical equipment safely and effectively.
Some popular industries and employment establishments where biomedical engineers are typically found include engineering services, professional and commercial equipment and wholesale supplies, research and development, medical equipment and supplies manufacturing, and healthcare/social assistance.
Areas of specialty in the field include:
- Biochemical Engineering — focusing on cell structures and microscopic systems for bioremediation and biological waste treatment.
- Bioinstrumentation Engineering — geared towards developing tools to diagnose and treat various medical problems.
- Biomaterials Engineering — focusing on the materials for designing medical devices and implants.
- Biomechanics Engineering — focusing on thermodynamics and scientific systems to formulate medical solutions.
Other notable mentions include clinical engineering, genetic engineering, rehabilitation engineering, and systems physiology.
How to Become a Biomedical Engineer
The following are the steps involved in becoming a biomedical engineer.
Step 1: High School Preparation
Aspiring biomedical engineers are advised to start their preparations from high school. Physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and calculus classes will serve them well during this time.
Mechanical drawing and computer programming programs should also be taken if available.
Step 2: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
Candidates must look to start a biomedical engineering career and obtain a bachelor’s degree at an accredited program. Thankfully, there are several such programs across the country, with some offering advanced programs with strong hands-on training and a thriving research environment.
During their bachelor’s degree program, aspiring biometrical engineers may be expected to study other engineering disciplines, such as mechanical and electrical engineering.
However, towards the end of the program, they will start to specialize more and more, focusing only on bioengineering, biomedical, and bioscience courses.
Step 3: Practical Experience
As mentioned earlier, the best biomedical engineering training programs across the country usually provide students with both classroom-based and laboratory training. This is because practical experience is important for candidates to ensure they have enough experience before they secure employment.
Students can also acquire hands-on training by participating in co-ops and internships at hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, and medical device companies.
Step 4: Important Qualities
A biomedical engineer must develop important qualities such as analytical skills to assess the needs of patients; communication skills to relate better with customers, patients, and fellow engineers/team members; creativity to be able to come up with innovations; and problem-solving skills to deal with intricate and complex challenges.
Step 5: Career Advancement
Starting a biomedical engineering career is just the beginning. Candidates must ensure they stay on top of advancements in the field by participating in continuing education studies.
They may acquire a master’s degree or a doctorate (required to lead a research team) and join professional organizations to access extra credentials and resources for career growth.
Biomedical Engineering Salaries & Employment Outlook
The annual median salary of biomedical engineers is $99,550. The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed this figure.
It depicts the points at which the same number of biomedical engineers in the country earned more, and the same number of biomedical engineers in the country earned less.
According to the same dataset, biomedical engineers in the country who are among the highest 10% earn an annual salary of around $159,130, while those who are among the lowest 10% earn an annual salary of around $63,420.
Grouping only by the industries and establishment of employment that they work in, biomedical engineers in engineering services are the highest-paid in the country, with an annual average salary of around $146,540. They are followed by those working in equipment and supplies wholesales, with an annual average salary of $100,440, and those in research and development, with an annual average salary of $99,240.
Biomedical engineers in medical equipment and supplies manufacturing earn an annual salary of $99,010, while those in healthcare and social assistance earn an annual average salary of $84,970.
Career Outlook
According to projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of biomedical engineering will grow by 5% between 2022 and 2032.
This will result in 1,200 job openings annually across the country, a promising sign for future biomedical engineers.
The BLS explains that these openings will arise for several reasons, including replacing existing workers. These existing workers will need replacement for a handful of reasons, such as transferring to different occupations or moving to different areas of specialization.
Additionally, increased demand for biomedical devices and procedures will influence the projection figures. Hip and knee replacement procedures, particularly, are expected to continue increasing, as is public awareness of these procedures.
Consequently, the more people seek medical solutions for these conditions, the greater the number of biomedical engineers needed to address the demand.
Lastly, as more biomedical engineers collaborate with scientists and other medical researchers, more state-of-the-art solutions will be found to address injuries and physical disabilities that have not yet been cured.
