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Biomedical Engineer
Ever been intrigued by all the electronic equipment in a hospital room or amazed by the abilities of scientists to help athletes with artificial arms or legs compete in the Olympics? Would you like to use your own gifts in Math, Science, and of imagination to help people who are sick or who have disabilities? Are you looking to work in the science of medicine, but not as a doctor or nurse? Well, look no further. A career as a Biomedical Engineer just might be your calling.
Biomedical Engineers apply knowledge of engineering, biology, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and heath management and care delivery systems. They analyze and design solutions to problems, develop new procedures, and conduct research in biology and medicine, with the goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care.
Biomedical Engineers design electrical circuits, software to run medical equipment and complicated instruments (such as three-dimensional x-ray machines), and computer simulations to test new drug therapies. They also design and build artificial body parts to replace injured limbs, and in some cases, develop the materials needed to make the replacement body parts. Many use their knowledge of chemistry and biology to develop new drug therapies, while others draw heavily on mathematics and statistics to build models to understand the signals transmitted by the brain or heart. Designing rehabilitative exercise equipment is also encompassed within their comprehensive range of expertise.
Students entering Biomedical Engineering Bachelor's of Science programs from high school with no previous Biomedical Engineering training should expect a period 4 to 5 years to complete said program. While there is no Professional Engineer's license for Biomedical Engineers, Chemical or Mechanical Engineer's licenses are viable options, depending on the area of relevant work experience.
Specialty areas within Biomedical Engineering include bioinstrumentation; biomaterials; biomechanics; cellular, tissue, and genetic engineering; clinical engineering; medical imaging; orthopedic surgery; rehabilitation engineering; and systems physiology.
Because diseases are forever evolving, illnesses will always be around, and accidents will always occur, Biomedical Engineers will always be needed. Rest assured in the job security of this field, and enjoy the fulfillment of knowing you were able to help others in need.
Job Description
Median Salary & Range
Median Salary: $84,670
Salary Range: ~$51,380 - $134,150+
College Majors & Attainment Routes
The normal routes to becoming a Biomedical Engineer have been to major in Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering (Bioengineering concentration), Materials Science and Engineering, Biological and Agricultural Systems Engineering, or Engineering Physics, for many of the concepts coincide. Still, there are other non-engineering majors where graduates can go on to become Biomedical Engineers (by title) for companies: Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, and Biochemistry.
Of the majors listed above, only Chemical Engineering offers a license. For the non-engineering majors, licensure can only come by earning a Master's Degree or a second Bachelor's Degree in one of the engineering majors. A license would only be required if one wishes to open a Biomedical (or Chemical) Engineering consulting firm.
Colleges That Provide Above Majors
Colleges and universities that have Biomedical Engineering and related majors are: Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, Florida); Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD); North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina); Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, Texas); Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tennessee); Delaware State University (Dover, Delaware); Jackson State University (Jackson, Mississippi); Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, Alabama); Spelman College (Atlanta, Georgia); Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia); Benedict College (Columbia, South Carolina); and Lincoln University (Lincoln University, Pennsylvania).
Available Scholarships
