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Biomedical Engineers apply their
knowledge of physical science and engineering in an effort to design and
develop life-support devices and other medical equipment that can assist
health care professionals in improving the quality of life of patients.
They plan and conduct research concerning biological, psychological,
behavioral, and other life systems that affect the health of patients.
Biomedical engineers develop mathematical models and computer simulations
in order to better understand the life processes that affect our health.
Some of the devices and instruments that they design and develop are
pacemakers, artificial limbs and organs, laser systems used in corrective
eye surgery, computers that analyze blood, ultra-sound imaging equipment,
and devices for automating insulin injections as well as controlling other
bodily functions. They may also perform duties such as evaluating the
effectiveness of drugs and other medications, developing new energy
sources to power these medical devices, and managing a large number of
technicians and assistants in a laboratory environment. Biomedical
engineers may choose to specialize in areas such as biomechanics,
biomaterials, medical imaging, clinical engineering, rehabilitation
engineering, or orthopedic engineering. Anyone interested in this highly
technical field should have a high aptitude for math and science as well
as be able to get along with many types of people.
Work Environment:
The majority of biomedical engineers
work in medical, academic, industrial, and governmental research
laboratories. Other employment opportunities exist in hospitals and
undersea and space programs. These highly trained professions usually work
40-hours a week and face a minimal amount of workplace hazards.
High School Preparation:
High school students interested in
becoming a biomedical engineer should take courses in biology, chemistry,
physics, algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, English, literature,
composition, mechanical drawing, electricity and electronics, physical
education, computer skills, sociology, and health occupations/medical
professions education.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in this
engineering specialty must first obtain a bachelors degree in
engineering. Most employers require that an individual have a biomedical
engineering degree. Anyone interested in research or teaching must obtain
a graduate degree. State engineering boards test, evaluate, and license
individuals as professional engineers in the specific disciplines.
Additional professional testing and certification in this specialty can be
obtained through the Association for the Advancement of Medical
Instrumentation and the American Board of Clinical Engineering.
Students interested in biomedical
engineering should contact schools for information on admission and course
of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment of biomedical engineers is
expected to increase faster than the average for all other occupations
through 2012. This 25% - 35% rise in employment will focus largely on
development of new high-tech devices for medical uses. An example of this
would be the increasing research and development of computer-assisted
surgery. Biomedical engineers will also be in demand in specialties such
as rehabilitation and orthopedics because of exciting advancements in
sophisticated medical equipment and procedures. Individuals in this
profession will enjoy excellent job security as well as a very comfortable
income.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$66,400
Salary Range
$56,100-$83,900
Professional Organizations:
Biomedical Engineering
Society
8401 Corporate Drive,
Suite 110
Landover, MD 20785
Phone: (301) 459-1999
Fax: (301) 459-2444
www.bmes.org
Association for
Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
1110 North Glebe Road,
Suite 220
Arlington, VA
22201-4795
Phone: (703) 525-4890
Fax: (703) 276-0793
www.aami.org
National Association for
Biomedical Research
818 Connecticut Ave. NW,
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 857-0540
Fax: (202) 659-1902
www.nabr.org |
