Career Description
Biomedical engineering lies at the interface of engineering and life sciences. Engineering and design principles are used towards the advancement of biology and medicine. The main focus is on developing innovative technologies and solutions to a variety of health-related problems. Some designs include new tools and models to diagnose, monitor, treat and prevent disease.
In Biomedical Engineering, these principles are applied to medical and biological concepts for healthcare purposes (ex. diagnostic imaging). This field closely integrates engineering and medicine: It combines the design and problem solving skills of engineering with medical and biological sciences to advance health care treatment, including diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy. Biomedical engineering is a recent and modern field of study, compared to many other engineering fields. With the emergence of modern technology in the healthcare sector today, it is imperative to have minds working on technological ways in solving human health problems. For the most part, biomedical engineering consists of research and development, covering a wide array of subcategories (see below).
Prominent applications of biomedical engineering include the development of:
In Biomedical Engineering, these principles are applied to medical and biological concepts for healthcare purposes (ex. diagnostic imaging). This field closely integrates engineering and medicine: It combines the design and problem solving skills of engineering with medical and biological sciences to advance health care treatment, including diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy. Biomedical engineering is a recent and modern field of study, compared to many other engineering fields. With the emergence of modern technology in the healthcare sector today, it is imperative to have minds working on technological ways in solving human health problems. For the most part, biomedical engineering consists of research and development, covering a wide array of subcategories (see below).
Prominent applications of biomedical engineering include the development of:
- Biocompatible prostheses
- Diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices:
- Ranging from clinical equipment to micro-implants,
- Common imaging equipment such as MRIs and EEGs,
- Regenerative tissue growth and,
- Pharmaceutical drugs
EARNINGS
The salary for biomedical engineers vary depending on their level of responsibility and level of education. Engineers who complete a graduate degree (either a master’s degree or a PhD) are likely to earn more than those who enter the profession with a bachelor’s degree.
Starting salaries in the private sector and in hospitals range from about $45,000 to $70,000 a year. Once individuals have acquired some experience, biomedical engineers earn approximately between $60,000 and $85,000 a year. Those who move into senior positions may earn between $85,000 and $140,000 a year.
Biomedical engineers that work on a full-time basis in hospitals, universities, and established private sector companies usually receive health and dental benefits, paid vacation and sick days, and contributions to retirement plans.
Starting salaries in the private sector and in hospitals range from about $45,000 to $70,000 a year. Once individuals have acquired some experience, biomedical engineers earn approximately between $60,000 and $85,000 a year. Those who move into senior positions may earn between $85,000 and $140,000 a year.
Biomedical engineers that work on a full-time basis in hospitals, universities, and established private sector companies usually receive health and dental benefits, paid vacation and sick days, and contributions to retirement plans.
Universities that Offer a Biomedical Engineering Program
Waterloo Biomedical Engineering Program
Applications of Theories Learned
Career Options for Biomedical Engineers
INTERVIEWING BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERS
JOEWhat do you think the future holds for people in your occupation?
"Traditionally, biomedical engineering used electronics, mechanical devices, or common chemical processes in order to build systems to diagnose and treat patients. More recently, diagnostic and treatment systems have actually become biological—they are developing into the discipline of tissue engineering. Biomedical engineers can work on growing skin and cartilage, or binding nerves together to treat spinal injuries. Designing and building spare parts for people in need of transplants is a major focus of biomedical engineering today. It will be years before many of these techniques are put into use, but the work is underway. Another major focus in hospitals is how information technology is changing the way medical devices are used. In the past, most devices did not have the ability to transmit data to any other system. Physicians now want this capability so that they can check on the status of a patient from anywhere in the hospital. Technology allows hospital staff to be in two places at once, but it also raises concerns about confidentiality and security." |
CAROLYNAre there many opportunities in your field? What should people do to get started?
"The sad news is that there are not a lot of ready-made opportunities, and there may never be. Biomedical engineering is a specialized field requiring an undergraduate engineering degree and postgraduate training. That is, an “entry-level” person generally must hold a master’s degree or a PhD. On top of that, there are only a few biomedical engineering positions in hospitals across Canada. At the moment, it seems we’re really dependant on the universities to invest in our research if we want this profession to grow." |