Biomedical Engineer Careers Information
Biomedical engineers use their abilities in medicine, biology and engineering to devise innovative procedures and devices that solve medical and health-related problems. They also conduct research to create and assess systems and products related to medical fields, such as artificial organs and prostheses, medical information systems, instrumentation, and health management and care delivery systems.
Biomedical engineers may design devices used in various medical procedures, like specialized lasers or computers. Many biomedical engineer careers fall under specialties such as medical imaging, orthopedic or rehabilitation engineering, biomechanics, or biomaterials.
Biomedical Engineer Careers Salary Expectations
The average salary for biomedical engineers is $77,400. Job candidates with a Master’s degree averaged a 50% higher salary than those with only a Bachelor’s degree.
Biomedical Engineer Careers Path
Most biomedical engineers start with a background in another engineering area, such as mechanical or electronics, and a graduate degree is recommended for even an entry level job.
Biomedical Engineer Careers & Degrees
- Stevens-Henager College: Provo
California College of San Diego: San Diego
College America: Fort Collins
Biomedical Engineer Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Creative, inquisitive, detail oriented, analytical, patient, persistent, good communicator, work well in teams
Biomedical Engineer Careers Job Outlook
Opportunities in the field are expected to increase by at least 72% by 2018, which is the highest growth of any career. As the population ages and concerns about health increase, the need for more biomedical engineers rises, especially in pharmaceutical manufacturing and orthopedic engineering.
Advances in the medical field, such as computer-assisted surgery, and more complex equipment will also drive the need higher. However, there are more graduates recently specializing in this area, so competition is also rising.
Slightly off the Footpath
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm (visited November 1, 2011).
