Education, Job Opportunities, and Tips for Success in Biomedical Engineering

 

What is Biomedical Engineering?

Biomedical engineering is a multidisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to solve problems in medicine. It combines the knowledge of biology with other engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical and computer science.
Biomedical engineers use their skills to develop medical devices, diagnostics and therapeutic devices that improve human health. They also work on instrumentation and health information technology (HIT). Biomedical engineers may specialize in biomechanics (the study of how forces affect living organisms), bioinformatics (the use of computers to analyze biological data) or biomaterials (materials used for tissue regeneration).

Some common areas of specialization include:

• Biomechanics - The study of how forces affect living organisms; this includes sports medicine, orthopedics (joint replacement surgery) and rehabilitation engineering

• Bioinformatics - The use of computers to analyze biological data

• Biomaterials - Materials used for tissue regeneration

Education and Training

A bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering or a related field is the minimum education required for this career. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's or Ph.D. in biomedical engineering or another relevant field.
Certifications are available from organizations such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) and the American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB).

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering or a related field

• Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software, such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

• Familiarity with medical devices and their use in the body is helpful but not required.

Job Opportunities

The opportunities for biomedical engineers are vast and varied. You can find jobs in the following industries:

• Healthcare

• Biomedical research

• Pharmaceuticals

• Medical devices
  If you want to work at a startup, there are plenty of those too! For example, Johnson & Johnson has an incubator program where they invest in early-stage companies that are developing new technologies. They also have an accelerator program called JLABS (Johnson Laboratory) which helps startups get off the ground by providing them with lab space and other resources like mentorship from industry experts

Job Duties

Biomedical engineers work in a wide range of industries, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals. They typically design and develop medical devices such as prosthetics, surgical instruments or diagnostic equipment that can be used in hospitals. They may also conduct research into new techniques and technologies related to biomedical engineering.

Salary and Benefits

As a biomedical engineer, you can expect to earn an average salary of $92,000 per year. This is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) May 2018 data for biomedical engineers in the country.
In addition to earning a good salary, many companies offer health insurance and retirement plans as part of their benefits packages. In fact, some even offer tuition reimbursement programs so that you can further your education without having to worry about paying for school yourself!
The job outlook for biomedical engineers is expected to grow by an average of 7% over the next decade as more people seek out medical care from professionals who understand how technology works inside our bodies (and outside them).

Career Advancement

Biomedical engineers are in high demand, and their careers are only going to grow. If you want to be part of that growth, there are several ways you can do so.

• Continuing education: In addition to earning your degree, it's important that biomedical engineers continue learning throughout their careers. They can take classes on topics like fluid mechanics or human anatomy at local community colleges or online through Coursera.

• Career development: Biomedical engineers should also look into other ways they can advance their careers such as volunteering with organizations like Engineers Without Borders or getting involved in projects related to their field (like starting a podcast).

Networking

• Professional organizations and conferences

• American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)

• American Institute of Medical & Biological Engineers (AIMBE)

Tips for Success

• Get involved in the community. The best way to learn about what's going on in your field is by talking with others who are already working in it. Join student organizations like the Biomedical Engineering Society and get involved with them, especially if you're interested in research or other activities that may require an extra level of commitment.

• Keep up-to-date on new technology. The world of biomedical engineering changes rapidly, so it's important to stay current on advancements in technology--especially those that could impact your career path! It's also helpful if you know what kind of equipment will be used during internships or jobs; this way, when someone asks "Do you know how many pounds per square inch (PSI) are required for this machine?" and all eyes turn toward you expectantly...you'll be ready for anything!

Conclusion

Biomedical engineering is a growing field, and there are many opportunities for students to get involved in research. If you're interested in biomedical engineering, it's important to research different companies and organizations that offer internships or courses. You can also volunteer at hospitals or research labs if your school doesn't have any programs available.