Biomedical Engineer

  • Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers research and study functions and systems of humans and animals to design life-support devices and other medical equipment to assist health care personnel in observing, repairing or treating various health conditions.

Specializations

Clinical Engineering – designing and developing medical equipment.

Work Activities/Work Locations

Biomedical engineers work in laboratories, industrial plants, universities, or private corporations. They research the functions and systems of the human body to create life-support devices such as artificial organs, pacemakers, imaging devices and other medical equipment and may specialize in the design and development of medical equipment. They apply engineering principles, use mathematical equations and their knowledge of the human system to collect information for measuring and maintaining functions of the human body. Biomedical engineers, like most engineers, work 40 hours a week, although some may work longer hours.

 Education: 4-8 years

 Patient Interaction: Low

 Physical Activity: Low

 Salary: $79,098

 Job Growth: High

Related Careers

Industrial Hygienist (IH)/Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)


Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET)/ Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET)


Biomedical Engineer


Biological/Research Scientist


Getting Started

High school students should study mathematics, the physical sciences, and computer application courses. Students are required to complete a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some college graduates with a degree in physical science or mathematics may qualify for some jobs. Biomedical engineering is one of many engineering branches. While some colleges offer degrees in engineering, others offer 2 or 4-year programs in engineering technology. A standard 4-year program provides course work in mathematics, physics, and chemistry as well as introductory engineering, humanities, social sciences and courses specific to biomedical technology. Graduates of accredited programs, can earn the required registration by acquiring 4 years of work experience consistent with their field of study, and passing an examination. Some students pursue a graduate degree if they wish to work in research or teaching.

Biomedical Associations of Wisconsin
www.baw.org/

Biomedical Engineering Society
8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1125
Landover, MD, 20785-2224
301/459-1999 or 877/871-BMES (2637)
www.bmes.org

Technology Student Association
1914 Association Drive
Reston, VA, 20191-1540
703/860-9000 or 888/860-9010
www.tsaweb.org/

Career Outlook

Number Employed in 2014 (Wisconsin): 230
Number Employed in 2014 (U.S.): 22,100
Expected Employment in 2024 (U.S.): 27,200
Percent Employment Growth (2014-2024): 23%
Expected Annual Openings: 1,090
Median Salary in 2014 (Wisconsin): $79,098

Salary information is located at Career One Stop

Wisconsin AHEC Health Careers Information Center provides the most current salary information available from CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop will have a lapse between when the information is gathered and when it is released.