The top careers in bioengineering are on the rise and in demand. This field is a combination of engineering and healthcare. Because specialized knowledge of complex subjects is needed to enter this profession, salaries tend to be relatively high.
Do you want to combine your ability to design life-saving medical products with your love for engineering? Then, a career in biomedical engineering may be for you! Due to continued technological advances, biomedical engineers are one of the country’s most in-demand positions.
- Researcher
- Materials Engineer
- Physician
- Quality Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
What is Bioengineering?
The profession combines engineering and biological sciences. This industry uses engineering principles to create solutions for the medical field and to develop the types of devices that change the lives of people affected by severe medical conditions or limitations. Continue reading to discover some of the more popular jobs for biomedical engineers.
What Do Bioengineers Do?
Biomedical engineers typically deal with designing, installing, evaluating, and creating machines and medical devices. Doctors use these devices to diagnose and treat patients. Biomedical engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or related accredited engineering programs for entry level positions.
1. Researcher
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers frequently work in research. They are behind the scenes in all fields to optimize the user experience and ensure public safety. When it comes to biomedical engineering, these researchers use their specialized knowledge to discover the solutions to complex problems affecting people’s health and wellbeing.
A frequent part of this biomedical engineering career is to research ways to aid in creating safe and effective medical products. Medical researchers create medical technology to improve human health. In addition, researchers frequently teach university classes in biomedical engineering programs and oversee research laboratories.
2. Materials Engineer
Materials engineers are responsible for developing, producing, and safely using materials used in products for use in the healthcare industry. Such products may include computer chips, pacemakers, hearing aids, and prostheses.
These scientists even work to develop materials at the micro-level that go into manufacturing more oversized products. Substances like plastics, composites, ceramics, and metals must be adequately formulated and structured to safely use within the human body. They must meet stringent and detailed requirements.
3. Doctor or Physician
Many people might not consider a physician one of the top careers in biomedical engineering. However, the academic preparation for this major is so rigorous across the disciplines of math and science.
It is the perfect foundation for those wishing to move on to medical school, according to the US News and World Report. A background in this field is the ideal preparation for becoming a doctor.
4. Quality Engineer
People’s very lives are at stake when they use modern technological medical products and devices. That’s why it’s so crucial that these items be properly manufactured and inspected before going to market.
Quality engineers inspect medical devices to be sure they meet structural specifications and requirements. These experts are charged with making necessary modifications so that products are safe for patient use.
5. Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing engineers play a very vital role when it comes to careers in biomedical engineering. They develop and design the medical products used in the healthcare industry today. Medical tech relies on these engineers to create materials used in medical devices, design healthcare products, proper research protocol, teach future scientists and provide medical care.
Exact and complex knowledge is essential to this type of manufacturing, as the results are a matter of life and death. Devices created by these biomedical engineers include prosthetics, imaging devices, medical instruments, and others.
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Where Do Bioengineers Work?
The work of bioengineers and biomedical engineers spans many fields. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers work as independent biomedical consultants or on teams. They collaborate with other scientists, engineers, and also healthcare workers. Depending on the project, they may work in laboratory research facilities, engineering companies, medical institutions like hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, or other manufacturing facilities.
Below are the largest employers of bioengineers and biomedical engineers by industry.
| Industry or Sector | Percent |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing – Medical Equipment and Supplies | 16% |
| Research and Development | 16% |
| Healthcare and Social Assistance | 9% |
| Manufacturing – Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical Instruments | 8% |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 7% |
Biomedical Engineering Specialties
We listed only a few of the many careers in the biomedical engineering field. But, there are many specialties for biomedical engineering students in this industry. And the need for professionals with this highly developed knowledge is excellent. They may design computer software to run complicated instruments. Biomedical engineers install and maintain these instruments for medical organizations and healthcare facilities as well.
Careers in biomedical engineering are some of the most essential and carry tremendous responsibility. The following list has more examples of types of bioengineers and biomedical engineers.
Biochemical Engineering
Biochemical engineers look for solutions to pollution and environmental issues using biomedical technology. They study cell structures and microscopic systems to create products for biological waste treatment and also bioremediation.
Biomedical Engineering Analyst
These engineers work with other scientists and researchers. They use data science to investigate how engineering principles apply to biological systems.
Bioinstrumentation engineers
Bioinstrumentation uses electronics, computer science, and measurement principles to develop instruments and tools to diagnose and treat medical problems. Those specializing in bioinstrumentation use bioelectronic devices to record or transmit physiological information. Equipment includes pacemakers, electrocardiographs (EKGs), and blood pressure monitors. They often have electrical engineering or biomedical engineering backgrounds. They may also work developing computer programs, build virtual reality systems, and research improvements in technology.
Biomaterials engineers or Developers
They study and develop biomaterial substances, like bone plates and heart valves, for use in medical devices or implants. Materials the human body uses are natural living tissue and artificial materials. Areas of biomaterial development include tissue development and engineering, drug delivery, biomedical implant development, and nano implants.
Biomechanics engineers
Biomechanics involves creating medical products related to motion. They simulate medical problems in body systems and develop biomedical devices to solve biological or medical problems. Also, biomechanics engineers study thermodynamics and mechanical engineering.
Clinical engineers
Clinical engineering biomedical scientists and researchers conduct clinical trials and laboratory tests to solve medical problems and improve human health. They perform scientific laboratory tests.
Genetic engineers
Genetic engineers use recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) technology to alter the genetic makeup of organisms. Genetic engineers alter the genetic makeup of organisms to prevent disease and fortify food crops. They also work in tissue engineering.
Rehabilitation engineers
Rehabilitation engineers develop devices for individuals recovering from physical or cognitive impairments such as hip and knee replacements. They also design rehabilitative exercise equipment, develop medical devices, and create other rehabilitation technology.
Systems physiologists
This biomedical engineering focus studies how biological systems function and respond to environmental changes.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Biomedical Engineering Degree?
Most roles in health care require several years of schooling. Medical scientists are a classic example; they typically need a medical degree in addition to their undergraduate degree. The role of the bioengineer is a rare exception.
A bachelor’s degree is the typical level of education needed for entry-level professionals. However, several biomedical engineering jobs require a biomedical engineering degree at the master’s or doctoral level.
What Important Skills and Qualities Do You Need?
Analytical skills and Problem-solving skills
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers assess the needs of patients before they design a product. So they must be able to apply complex problem-solving processes to intricate biological systems. They must be able to work independently and with others.
Communication skills
Bioengineers frequently work with clients, patients, and on teams, so they must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
Creativity plus Math skills
These professionals create innovative solutions to healthcare needs. They need abundant creativity, vision, and the skills to execute the solution or design. Advanced math like calculus and statistics are used regularly.
Bioengineering Career and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 6% growth in biomedical engineers and bioengineer employment between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than all other occupations. It also estimates 1,400 openings yearly for biomedical engineers and bioengineers. Job openings stem from replacing workers who transfer to different fields or exit due to retirement.
Employment growth stems from the increased use of medical technology, including medical equipment, devices, and associated applications. Examples include 3d printing and biomedical smartphone technology.
What is a Typical Bioengineering or Biomedical Engineering Salary?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual wage for bioengineers and biomedical engineers is $97,410. Furthermore, the salary range is from $60,680 to $154,750. The top industries in which they work are listed below with their salaries.
| Industry | Salary |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing – Navigational and Electromedical Instruments | $108,690 |
| Research and Development | $ 98,610 |
| Manufacturing – Medical Equipment and Supplies | $ 97,090 |
| Healthcare and Social Assistance | $ 79,400 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $ 62,650 |
Biomedical Engineering and bioengineers in manufacturing earn the highest salary. This is followed by those in Research and Development, Pharmaceutical bioengineering, and medical equipment manufacturing.
Generally speaking, the more education you have, the higher your earning potential. Across all professions, individuals with a doctoral degree earn the most. Those with a master’s degree earned roughly $15,600 more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. And individuals with a doctoral or professional degree earn approximately $36,400 more per year than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Biomedical Engineering Career Advancement
As bioengineers and biomedical engineers gain experience, they can increase their responsibilities. Some earn a master’s or doctoral degree to advance their career. A bioengineer or biomedical engineer typically needs a graduate degree to lead a research team. Those who are interested in basic research may become medical scientists.
Many individuals earn a biomedical engineering degree and then attend medical or dental school. In these settings, they can develop specialized tools or techniques. For example, using electric impulses in new ways to get muscles moving again.
With a law degree, a bioengineer can be a patent attorney. Still, others pursue a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) and move into managerial positions.
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