Biomedical Engineers


Biomedical Engineers Earnings

Median annual earnings of biomedical engineers were $60,410 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $58,320 and $88,830. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $107,520.

According to a 2003 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in biomedical engineering received starting offers averaging $39,126 a year, and master's degree candidates, on average, were offered $61,000.


Biomedical Engineers Nature of Work

By combining biology and medicine with engineering, biomedical engineers develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems. Many do research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, to develop and evaluate systems and products for use in the fields of biology and health, such as artificial organs, prostheses (artificial devices that replace missing body parts), instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems. (See biological scientists, medical scientists, and chemists and materials scientists elsewhere in the Handbook.) Biomedical engineers design devices used in various medical procedures, such as the computers used to analyze blood or the laser systems used in corrective eye surgery. They develop artificial organs, imaging systems such as magnetic resonance, ultrasound, and x-ray, and devices for automating insulin injections or controlling body functions. Most engineers in this specialty require a sound background in one of the basic engineering specialties, such as mechanical or electronics engineering, in addition to specialized biomedical training. Some specialties within biomedical engineering include biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, and orthopedic engineering.

Unlike many other engineering specialties, a graduate degree is recommended or required for many entry-level jobs.

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Biomedical Engineers Job Outlook

Employment of biomedical engineers is expected to faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. The aging of the population and the focus on health issues will increase the demand for better medical devices and equipment designed by biomedical engineers. For example, computer-assisted surgery and molecular, cellular, and tissue engineering are being more heavily researched and are developing rapidly. In addition, the rehabilitation and orthopedic engineering specialties are growing quickly, increasing the need for biomedical engineers. Along with the demand for more sophisticated medical equipment and procedures is an increased concern for cost efficiency and effectiveness that also will boost demand for biomedical engineers. However, because of the growing interest in this field, the number of degrees granted in biomedical engineering has increased greatly, leading to the potential for competition for jobs.

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Biomedical Engineers Significant Points


Biomedical Engineers Training


Biomedical Engineers Employment


Biomedical Engineers Related Occupations


Biomedical Engineers Additional Sources

For further information about biomedical engineering careers, contact:

See the introduction to the section on engineers for information on working conditions, training requirements, and other sources of additional information.


Biomedical Engineers Summaries of Related Webpages

It is a branch of engineering in which knowledge and skills are developed and applied to define and solve problems in biology and medicine. The biomedical engineer is a health care professional, a group which includes physicians, nurses, and technicians. --designing clinical laboratories and other units within the hospital and health care delivery system that utilize advanced technology. --constructing and implementing mathematical/computer models of physiological systems. Clinical engineers are responsible for developing and maintaining computer databases of medical instrumentation and equipment records and for the purchase and use of sophisticated medical instruments.
Summary of: http://www.whitaker.org/glance/acareer.html

Most engineers in this specialty require a sound background in one of the basic engineering specialties, such as mechanical or electronics engineering, in addition to specialized biomedical training. Unlike many other engineering specialties, a graduate degree is recommended or required for many entry-level jobs. Manufacturing industries employed 38 percent of all biomedical engineers, primarily in the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing and medical instruments and supplies industries. The aging of the population and the focus on health issues will increase the demand for better medical devices and equipment designed by biomedical engineers. The middle 50 percent earned between $58,320 and $88,830.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos262.htm

Many do research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals. Biomedical engineers also design devices used in various medical procedures, such as the computers used to analyze blood or the laser systems used in corrective eye surgery. Manufacturing industries employed 30 percent of all biomedical engineers, primarily in the medical instruments and supplies industries. For example, computer-assisted surgery and cellular and tissue engineering are being more heavily researched and are developing rapidly. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,760 and $74,120.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20022003/ocos262.htm

Biomedical engineering is presenting unique challenges to education professionals.
Summary of: http://www.whitaker.org/

Biomedical engineers have developed medical imaging systems such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. They have created new materials for use as artificial organs, and developed prostheses and other devices for assistance and rehabilitation after injury. They have also developed computer models of the body to help doctors predict and understand disease and to help athletes move more efficiently. Using traditional engineering expertise to analyze and solve medical problems, they are responsible for improved healthcare around the world. Find programs at 4 year colleges and universities in Virginia.
Summary of: http://www3.ccps.virginia.edu/career_prospects/briefs/E-J/EngineersBiomed.shtml

Students in biomedical engineering participate in cross-disciplinary activities that integrate the engineering sciences with the biomedical sciences and clinical practice. Biomedical engineers develop strategies to effectively solve challenging problems in medicine and biology. Most graduates secure employment working in the medical device / biotechnology industry. Some graduates use our "renaissance" training as a stepping stone for careers in fields such as medicine, law, healthcare management, and academics. It is a growing profession with a bright future.
Summary of: http://www.eng.mu.edu/pages/Home/Departments/Biomedical

What are some of the specialty areas. Where do biomedical engineers work. How can I reach a biomedical engineer to discuss career issues. How should I prepare for a career in biomedical engineering. They may also work with physicians to adapt instrumentation to the specific needs of the physician and the hospital.
Summary of: http://www.bmes.org/careers.asp

A nomination form and further information can be obtained from the College Secretary. The Society is also holding a number of activities during Medical Research Week from the 4-11 June 05. Mark's bi-planar radiographic studies of intervertebral movements have led to definitive measurements which are referred to in all texts on the lumbar spine. Mark has been recognised internationally for his research with numerous awards and keynote speaker invitations at international conferences. Mark has 130 refereed papers in international biomedical engineering journals and has been a member of the Biomedical College Board.
Summary of: http://www.ieaust.org.au/about_us/colleges/biomedical/

Select correct color bar mmLoadMenus(); Access the search page. They may check electrical-electronic-mechanical equipment used to diagnose and treat patients to be sure it is working properly. You may major in biomedical engineering or chemical, electrical, or mechanical engineering with a specialty in biomedical engineering. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. Professional engineers must be licensed to work in Minnesota.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=120124

University of Minnesota MBBNet - Industry Database Database of biomedical engineering-related industries in Minnesota. Make a suggestion for this list.
Summary of: http://www.bmenet.org/BMEnet/db?action=list_by_keyword&keyword=job&ncolumns=1