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Biomedical engineering is perfect for those that are avid fans of engineering and also wish to participate in creating life-saving products that can be used in the medical industry. If this sounds interesting, then getting a biomedical engineering degree from a renowned institute like the American International University is your best bet.
A good news is that biomedical engineers are in great demand owing to an increased aging population and technological advancements. This also means better wages and greater career opportunities.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS reported that biomedical engineering jobs are expected to grow by a whopping 10% by the year 2031. If you are someone with a biomedical engineering degree or someone hoping to get into the field, then you are in the right spot. Today, we shall look at the top career paths biomedical engineering degree holders can pursue.
What Is Biomedical Engineering?
Biomedical engineers make use of engineering principles to create medical products. They may be hired in medical facilities, research centers, universities, or in manufacturing companies. Biomedical engineers are responsible for designing life-saving products, 3D printed organs, implants, and even surgical robotics tools.
These engineers can have a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree (Master of Engineering with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering/Master of Science). Degree holders can not only opt for a ton of rewarding careers, but they are also able to earn $97,410 per year on average. Such individuals also have the following qualities:
- Apt for leadership posts
- May be able to advance in their career as they gain expertise to achieve higher pay
- Apt for handling greater responsibilities and workload
- Better knowledge base which means greater scope
Top Careers for Biomedical Engineers
Manufacturing Engineer
A manufacturing engineer is responsible for product design and manufacture. They need to ensure the products are high quality but not too expensive. The products they create are widely used in the healthcare sector and often include imaging tools, laboratory equipment, prosthetic limbs, and hospital equipment. Biomedical engineers can act as leaders supervising the creation of these products by managing teams or can be sole lead designers.
Doctor
Biomedical engineers often opt for a medical degree to become surgeons or physicians. The BLS has reported that doctor job posts are expected to grow by 3% between 2021 and 2031. A doctor or surgeon can work in a private office, a large hospital, or in medical centers. They are responsible for patient care, disease diagnosis, and major surgeries.
Biomaterial Developer
Biomaterial development of natural living tissue or artificial materials to help the human body is the job of a biomedical development engineer. Other tasks may include drug delivery, nano implants, biomedical implant design, and tissue engineering. Biomaterials aid the replacement/repair of bodily functions that have been lost or may be used to detect an underlying condition or disease.
Independent Consultant
A consultant works in a research center or medical facility to give advice, recommendations, or guidance. Their insight influences how processes are run, what equipment is best for use, how the medical workforce needs to be organized, and other important decision-making.
An independent consultant with a degree in biomedical engineering can work with various businesses and offer advice to organizations in their developmental stages. These individuals not only obtain a ton of experience due to this but are also social bees with a lot of strong relationships with stakeholders, doctors, and other people in the medical industry.
Biomedical Researcher or Scientist
A biomedical scientist or researcher is an individual that performs clinical trials and participates in research directed towards human health improvement. They perform laboratory tests to find solutions to common problems in the medical industry. Research results also help create biomedical technology that is more advanced than before while also making sure these are safe for use by consumers.
Researchers may also enter the biomechanics field by specializing. This field focuses on biomedical device design and simulation of diseases and bodily systems to create even better products. The United States BLS has reported that medical scientist jobs will grow by 17% between 2021 and 2031.
Medical Technology Developer
Medical technology development covers both software and hardware used to design medical devices and any technology used to ensure smooth function. A medical technology developer can specialize in the usage of bioelectronics. These instruments are used to transmit/record physiological data. Common examples include blood pressure monitors, pacemakers, and electrocardiographs.
Rehabilitation Engineer
These engineers work in the rehabilitation field on multiple diverse projects. These projects include walking equipment for disabled people and even virtual reality (VR) systems that cater to limb mobility. Rehabilitation engineers can also design custom solutions based on research advancements or unique requirements to help advance rehabilitation technology.
Endnote
Studying biomedical engineering not only helps expand a student’s knowledge base but also allows them to land in a field with multiple career opportunities. Job growth and better wages have caused several students to opt for Master’s degree programs after completing a Bachelor’s degree. If you haven’t already enrolled in a similar program, now is the time to do so. This way you can help give to the medical community while earning a six-figure salary.