Biomedical Engineer Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Many people believe that all the wealth in the world is unimportant if you don’t have a healthy body and mind with which to enjoy it. Although humans can try to maintain their health and safety though diet, exercise, mental relaxation and healthy relationships with each other, there are many circumstance in which it is necessary to consult with a medical professional in order to health an illness or injury. Biomedical engineers are the professionals that are charged with the responsibility of creating new devices and medical equipment that will enable doctors to respond more effectively to injuries and illnesses that might arise. If you’ve ever had your blood pressure taken, or received medicine through an IV, you’ve enjoyed the past work of a biomedical engineer.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$66,400
Salary Range
$56,100 - $83,900

Work Environment

The majority of today’s biomedical engineers are employed by research laboratories in the academic, medical and government arenas. It is also possible to find employment in hospitals, highly specialized rehabilitation clinics, and research programs that take place in the ocean or on space shuttles.

High School Preparation

Biomedical engineers are responsible for bringing together elements of mechanical engineering and medical science. Because these are highly demanding fields in their own right, students that are interested in pursuing a career as a biomedical engineer should focus on biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, and English from an early age. If is also important for students to demonstrate interest and competency in composition, mechanical drawing, electricity and electronics, and the health occupations/medical professions.

Requirements

Although much of the work of a biomedical engineer is focused in the world of medicine, before they can begin helping people to heal, they must receive a degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited college or university. Whenever possible, students should seek out undergraduate programs that offer a concentration in biomedical engineering. Those that are interested in eventually having the opportunity to teach or participate in research programs must also obtain a master’s degree or higher. It is important to research the requirements of the specific state that you’re hoping to work in; as they are likely to demand that you satisfy their requirements for evaluation and licensure in the discipline that they have chosen.

Career Outlook

Those interested in pursuing a career as a biomedical engineer should know that thanks to continuing advancements in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, there is a greater than average demand for qualified professionals in that field. Many feel that industry growth will increase by 25 to 35 percent in the next several years.

Professional Organizations

Biomedical Engineering Society
8401 Corporate Drive, Suite 110
Landover, MD 20785
Phone: (301) 459-1999
www.bmes.org