Biomedical Engineering

By Deborah Knight
Do you have the spirit of an inventor? Are you intrigued by living systems? Are you both analytical and imaginative? Would you like your work to help people with health problems? If so, you might have the makings of a biomedical engineer!

What does a biomedical engineer do?
The answer is: amazing things. Biomedical engineers explore advances in engineering, biology, and medicine to create much of what makes the miracles of modern medicine possible. And don’t blink. This is an exciting field that is virtually exploding with new possibilities.
Want some examples? Biomedical engineers contribute to the design and construction of pacemakers; artificial kidneys, blood vessels, joints, and even hearts, arms, and legs. They design the computer systems that monitor patients during surgery; laser instrumentation for eye surgery; and medical imaging systems such as ultrasound and MRI.
Sound exciting?
Consider the following, which are just some of the many possible biomedical engineering specialties:

• Bioinstrumentation: the development of devices to diagnose and treat disease
• Biomaterials: the development of both living and artificial tissue for implantation
• Biomechanics: the use of classical mechanics to create artificial heart valves and joint replacements
• Cellular, tissue, and genetic engineering: the development of miniature devices to deliver compounds that affect cellular processes at precise locations in the body
• Orthopedics and rehabilitation: design of artificial joints, prosthetics, and assistive technology
• Systems physiology: the use of engineering strategies, techniques, and tools to better understand the physiology of living systems such as metabolism and control of limb movements.

And you can be sure that by the time you graduate, the list will have grown.
Where might you work?
Biomedical engineers work in hospitals, industry, universities, research facilities at educational and medical institutions, in teaching, and government. The demand for biomedical engineers is growing, and the percentage of women in this field is growing rapidly.

How do you prepare for a career as a biomedical engineer?
If possible, take advanced placement courses in science during high school. The minimum college degree you’ll need is a bachelor’s degree, usually in engineering (some schools have biomedical engineering departments). Better yet, go for a one-year master’s degree in biomedical engineering or a Ph.D. (which typically requires two years beyond the master’s). Advanced degrees will qualify you for more jobs and a better salary. Many biomedical engineers expand their options still further by earning an M.D. (an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering is great preparation for medical school).
How much will you earn?
It depends on your level of training. Starting salaries are about $49,800 for biomedical engineers with a bachelor’s degree and $61,600 for those with a master’s degree.
If the idea of combining engineering and medicine appeals to you, and the challenge of defining and solving problems piques your interest, then biotechnology is a field that can put you on the front lines of both technology and medicine.

For more information, click on “Careers” on the website of the Biomedical Engineering Society, www.bmes.org.
Article courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com