A requirement to becoming a biomedical engineer is an on campus or online degree in engineering. Biomedical engineering is among the several engineering specialties you can focus on in your degree program.
Consider a master’s degree in the field to boost your career options.
Consider a master’s degree in the field to boost your career options.
Related Biomedical Engineer Programs
What does a biomedical engineer do?
Biomedical engineers solve medical and health related problems. They develop devices and procedures by combining their knowledge of biology and medicine with engineering principles.
Many biomedical engineers do research that contributes to the development and improvement of devices like prostheses and artificial organs. They research into the effectiveness of medical information, health management and care delivery systems.
They may actually design devices that subsequently get used in medical procedures. Imaging systems like MRI’s or a piece of equipment that automates insulin injections are examples of these.
This work can get so complex that many biomedical engineers obtain additional education in another engineering specialty such as mechanical or electrical engineering. There are even specialties within specialties. For example, within biomedical engineering you can focus on:
• Biomaterials
• Biomechanics
• Medical Imaging
• Orthopedic Engineering
• Rehabilitation Engineering
A masters or doctorate is required for those biomedical engineers who are employed in labs as researchers.
What kind of education does a biomedical engineer need?
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in engineering to qualify for any entry level engineering position. In a typical four year bachelor degree program, you won’t begin taking engineering courses until the third year. However, the engineering programs include an area of concentration in an engineering specialty like biomedical engineering.
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits college and university engineering programs. Make sure this accreditation is offered with your program.
How much does a biomedical engineer earn?
Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that median annual salaries for biomedical engineers are at around $77,400.
Where can a biomedical engineer work?
As suggested above, biomedical engineers with advanced education can find work in research laboratories. The aging population will keep the demand for research high. It will also open up opportunities in the pharmaceutical manufacturing and related industries